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Golden Week in China 2025: how to prepare for supply chain disruptions and maintain business stability
02 September, 2025
Every October, European companies working with Chinese suppliers face a predictable yet challenging period — Golden Week. In 2025, the holiday will last from October 1 to 8, but its impact is felt well before the official start and continues after the celebrations end.
Production lines shut down, warehouses overflow, transport hubs become congested, and customs procedures slow down. All of this leads to delays, increased logistics costs, and risks of contract breaches.
Production lines shut down, warehouses overflow, transport hubs become congested, and customs procedures slow down. All of this leads to delays, increased logistics costs, and risks of contract breaches.
Supply chain risks for European importers
For European businesses — especially in retail, manufacturing, electronics, and FMCG — such disruptions can be critical. In a competitive environment with tight delivery schedules, even a few days of delay can affect commitments to partners and customers. Companies operating on just-in-time models or with limited inventory are particularly vulnerable.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that many Chinese suppliers begin their holidays before October 1 and return to work gradually. This means shipments may be paused for two weeks or more. During this time, demand spikes across sea and air routes, as well as multimodal corridors including rail transport through Central Asia. Customs authorities operate in a limited capacity, increasing clearance times and creating bottlenecks at borders.
Alternative routes, cargo insurance, and risk mitigation
To avoid disruptions, European companies should review their shipping schedules in advance, confirm working dates with Chinese partners, and move critical shipments to September. In some cases, it makes sense to use alternative routes — for example, via Southeast Asian ports or land corridors through Kazakhstan and Mongolia. Consolidating shipments and insuring cargo against delays can also help mitigate risks.
If delays have already occurred, it’s important to quickly reconfigure logistics, reassess inventory levels, and maintain clear communication with suppliers. During such periods, having a reliable logistics partner who understands the Chinese market and can navigate uncertainty becomes essential.
We offer more than just transportation — we become your partner in risk management. With our experience and extensive network of trusted contacts in China, you can be confident that your shipments will be handled professionally and delivered on time.
If delays have already occurred, it’s important to quickly reconfigure logistics, reassess inventory levels, and maintain clear communication with suppliers. During such periods, having a reliable logistics partner who understands the Chinese market and can navigate uncertainty becomes essential.
We offer more than just transportation — we become your partner in risk management. With our experience and extensive network of trusted contacts in China, you can be confident that your shipments will be handled professionally and delivered on time.
If you’d like to discuss route options, check delivery timelines, or simply ensure everything is under control — reach out to us or leave a request.
We’re here to help you maintain stability and confidence in your business.
We’re here to help you maintain stability and confidence in your business.
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