Holiday Dates
China’s National Day Golden Week will run from October 1 to October 7, 2026. The Mid-Autumn Festival holiday falls just beforehand, from September 25 to September 27. Only three regular working days—September 28, 29 and 30—separate these two national holidays. This unusually short interval could create a longer practical slowdown than the official dates suggest.
Although companies are scheduled to operate during the three-day gap, many factory employees, truck drivers, warehouse staff and office workers may use annual leave to connect the holidays. Some factories could scale back production before the Mid-Autumn Festival and return to full capacity only after Golden Week. Importers should therefore plan around possible reduced staffing from late September through the second week of October, rather than treating October 1–7 as the only disruption window.
Production and shipping impacts
Golden Week 2026 will increase pressure on production and shipping. Factories may rush to complete orders before closing, making production slots, inspections, documentation and cargo handovers harder to secure. Meanwhile, rising demand for trucks, containers, airfreight and vessel space may lead to higher rates, rolled bookings and slower pickups.
Reduced staffing at ports, customs and warehouses could also cause congestion and cargo backlogs, while container repositioning toward China may limit equipment availability elsewhere in Asia. These disruptions may continue for one or two weeks after October 7 as factories and logistics providers gradually resume operations.
Early planning helps reduce delays, control costs and keep supply chains moving
To reduce delays, importers should confirm suppliers’ actual closure and reopening dates, complete production and inspections early, and prepare shipping documents in advance. Trucking and freight should be booked three to four weeks before departure, with additional buffer time built into delivery schedules. For urgent shipments, alternative routes or shipping methods should also be considered.
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We understand how to help you ensure a smooth supply chain during this busy shipping season, and we are fully prepared to assist you to make sure your shipments reach their destination on time.
For existing customers - if you have any questions or concerns about your shipment, please keep in touch with your contact in ColliCare Logistics.
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