Golden Week in China: understanding the holiday and how to avoid impacts on international trade
The Golden Week is one of the most important periods in the Chinese calendar. Celebrated every year from October 1 to 8, it marks China’s National Day, which commemorates the founding of the People’s Republic in 1949.
During these seven days, China drastically reduces its economic activities. Industries, suppliers, ports, and transportation companies shut down or operate at a very limited pace. As a result:
- Production on hold: factories are closed or running at reduced capacity.
- Transport interruptions: ports, airports, and logistics providers operate at a very limited pace.
- Concentrated demand: before the holiday, there is a “rush effect” with early orders and shipments, which overloads the logistics system.
- Slow recovery: after the holiday, operations do not return to normal immediately and may take days to stabilize.
This means that any company relying on inputs, parts, equipment, or goods imported from China may be affected.
To reduce risks and avoid losses, a few actions are essential:
1. Early planning
Place orders in advance and negotiate deadlines with Chinese suppliers before the Golden Week.
2. Adjust inventory
Strengthen your stock to keep operations running smoothly even in the event of temporary delays.
3. Align with logistics partners
Secure cargo space in sea and air freight to avoid shipment bottlenecks.
4. Monitor the recovery
Be prepared for possible delays after the holiday week as well, when demand comes back strong.
The Golden Week is not just a Chinese holiday: it is an event that impacts the entire global trade chain. For Brazilian companies that import or export, planning and preparation are key to navigating this period without unexpected disruptions.
