China’s Golden Week 2026: Impacts on Maritime Transport

From 1 to 7 October 2026, China will celebrate its National Day during Golden Week. Golden Week China 2026 will lead to a significant slowdown in the country’s economic and logistics activity.

Many companies and factories will close for several days. This may therefore have an impact on maritime transport and delivery times.

For companies importing from or exporting to China, planning ahead is essential. It helps limit delays and better secure shipments.

Golden Week China 2026: what impact will it have on logistics?

During Golden Week, many Chinese companies suspend or reduce their operations. Factories also operate with reduced staffing levels.

Thus, this period can disrupt the entire logistics chain.

Several consequences can be expected:

• slowdown in goods production;
• additional time required to prepare orders;
• increase in volumes ahead of the holiday period;
• reduction in available transport capacity;
• gradual resumption of activity after Golden Week.

Furthermore, the disruptions will not be limited to the week of 1 to 7 october. the weeks leading up to Golden Week may also see high demand.

After the holiday period, companies must also manage the backlog of accumulated volumes.

Maritime transport: blank sailings to be expected

During Golden Week China 2026, shipping companies adjust their sailing schedules.

Indeed, lower volumes may lead shipping companies to schedule blank sailings. This term refers to the cancellation of a port call or a vessel rotation.

These cancellations temporarily reduce the available capacity between China and Europe.

As a result, shippers may face greater difficulties in securing space on board vessels.

It is therefore recommended to arrange shipments well in advance. This helps secure departures before Golden Week.

Possible disruptions at Chinese ports

Major Chinese ports also experience periods of high activity. This is particularly the case for Shanghai and Ningbo.

Furthermore, Golden Week takes place during typhoon season in China. Weather conditions may therefore occasionally disrupt port operations.

These various factors may lead to:

• longer waiting times;
• departure delays;
• changes to sailing schedules;
• an increase in transport times;
• additional difficulties in securing available space.

However, the situation can change quickly. It is therefore important to keep track of the information provided by shipping companies.

Golden Week China 2026: how can you plan your shipments in advance?

To limit disruptions, we recommend planning your import and export flows with China in advance.

First, book your space with shipping companies as early as possible. Then, contact your suppliers to confirm their closure dates.

It is also advisable to check when the goods will be available.

Finally, regularly monitor shipping companies’ sailing schedules. These may change depending on available capacity and conditions at Asian ports.

Good planning therefore helps reduce the risk of delays.

Transcausse supports you with your flows to and from China

Do you import goods from or export goods to China? During Golden Week China 2026, plan your shipments in advance to reduce the risk of delays.

Our teams support you in organising your maritime transport, import-export and international logistics flows.

We work with you to identify the solutions best suited to your needs, time constraints and available capacity.

Do you have a shipment planned to or from China? Contact our teams now to prepare your operations ahead of Golden Week China 2026.