There are only a few days left until the start of the Chinese New Year celebrations, one of the most important holidays for the country. Unlike our calendar, the date varies each year, according to the phases of the moon and the position of the sun. For instance, in 2020, the celebrations began on January 25, in 2021 on February 12, and this year, they will take place from January 31 to February 6.

Another characteristic of this celebration is the animals celebrated each year, which come from the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac. In 2021, China celebrated the “Year of the Ox,” and this year, it will be the “Year of the Tiger.”

In terms of traditions for this holiday, there are some typical customs, such as:

• Red envelopes: Older people and/or couples give red envelopes with money to younger people, including children. This practice, like other Chinese New Year customs, aims to bring good luck and financial prosperity.
• Gift exchange: Similar to the Western tradition of exchanging gifts during Christmas, during the Chinese New Year, it’s common for family and friends to exchange various types of gifts, or even food.
• Markets: Large outdoor markets and fairs are set up to sell a variety of items. Plum blossoms are a typical item in some regions and are in high demand during the celebrations, similar to how Christmas trees are popular during our holiday season.
• Fireworks: Like our New Year’s Eve, China celebrates the New Year with fireworks, but in this case, their purpose is to ward off evil spirits.
• Decorations: Flowers are widely used to decorate homes and cities, each with a different meaning, such as luck, prosperity, tranquility, and healing from illnesses. The “Nianhua,” a colorful wooden block, is also commonly used in most homes’ decorations.

And What About Foreign Trade?

This week of festivities directly impacts global logistics since China is one of the world’s main hubs for imports and exports. During this period, port activities slow down, causing delivery delays as cargo waits for clearance at ports and airports. Moreover, working hours are significantly reduced, lowering stock levels for various products in the country.

It’s common for “blank sailings” to occur during this time, as shipping companies cancel voyages, causing cargo to accumulate until the end of the holiday, which often leads to freight rate adjustments.

More experienced importers and exporters around the world prepare in advance for this period and other Chinese holidays to avoid delays and ensure suppliers deliver their products on time.

Therefore, always stay alert to international holidays to avoid issues with your imports!