Key Factors for the Import Sector from Asia
Erika Sáenz, Commercial Manager of International Line
There is consensus that the Lunar New Year in China has become a crucial date for the global logistics chain, especially for those importing products from Asia. The Lunar New Year celebrations in China, which begin on January 29 and end on February 26, have a significant impact on transport availability, production times, and logistical operation planning.
During the Lunar New Year, factories in China and other Asian countries shut down for at least two weeks, affecting production and shipment times for various goods. As a result, there is an increase in transportation demand before this holiday, leading to port congestion and potential shipping delays. Similarly, the surge in demand in the weeks leading up to the Lunar New Year significantly raises freight rates for both sea and air transport. In short, a considerable number of transport and logistics companies operate at reduced capacity during and after the celebrations, impacting the fluidity of operations and global trade.
Therefore, it is essential to schedule orders well in advance to avoid delays; evaluate alternatives such as air transport for urgent products or prior storage in strategic locations; maintain fluid communication with suppliers and freight agents to better coordinate deliveries and minimize unforeseen issues; and closely monitor market trends and rates. All these are crucial measures that importers must consider each year.
The truth is that for professionals in commercial and foreign trade areas, each Lunar New Year represents a learning opportunity, as analyzing the challenges faced each season helps optimize future strategies and improve supply chain management. The key lies in adaptability and the ability to make decisions based on data and past experiences. By anticipating and preparing, companies can maintain competitiveness and ensure success in import operations.
Thus, companies that have already learned the lesson are one step ahead. These are businesses that planned their shipments in advance, strategically stored their products, do not rely on a single supplier, and apply multimodal transportation. Additionally, technology and modern platforms enable and facilitate real-time logistics management.
There are no excuses: the Lunar New Year is a manageable milestone. It all comes down to timing and preparation. Historical data serves as a perfect compass, the work of freight forwarders and shipping companies as strategic allies ensures operational success, and clear, precise communication will prevent any difficulties.
