07/09/2026
Heads up if you’re importing from China.
Chinese New Year comes early in 2027, with the main celebration falling on February 6.
But for importers, February 6 is not the date you should be watching. The disruption starts much earlier.
From around mid to late January, many factories begin slowing down as workers travel back to their hometowns. Production gradually shuts down, suppliers become harder to reach, logistics get congested, and even after the official holiday, it can take weeks for factories to return to full production.
In practical terms, January through much of February can become a very difficult period for manufacturing and shipping from China.
So if you have products, machines or equipment that must arrive in Lagos within the first quarter of 2027, now is the time to start working on them.
By December, you may already be running late, especially if the product requires customisation or significant production time.
There is also the pre-holiday rush to consider. As everyone tries to complete production and ship before factories close, freight space becomes tighter, delays increase and shipping costs can rise.
Chinese New Year happens every year, but somehow it still catches importers by surprise every year.
Plan early.
For anything important that must arrive in Q1 2027, don’t wait until January to start talking to China.
Start a conversation with us today 0803 764 9956.
