Best Time of Year to Ship from China

Best Time of Year to Ship from China

Timing is one of the most important factors when importing from China. Shipping costs, lead times, and overall efficiency can vary dramatically throughout the year due to holidays, peak seasons, and global demand. Understanding the best—and worst—times to ship can help you save money, avoid delays, and plan your inventory more effectively.

1. The Best Time to Ship: Low-Season (March–June & September–October)

✓ March to June (Post–Chinese New Year Stabilization)

This is one of the most stable shipping periods of the year.Factories reopen after Chinese New Year, production is steady, and logistics capacity is normal.

Benefits:

• Lower freight rates

• Faster production

• Less congestion at ports

• Better booking availability

Ideal for: General consumer goods, electronics, apparel.

✓ September to October (Pre-Holiday but Before Peak Rush)

This short window is the last “good period” before global holiday demand spikes.

Benefits:

• Reasonable shipping prices

• Ports not yet overloaded

• Stable delivery timelines

Ideal for: Holiday prep stock, Amazon sellers, wholesale restocking.

2. Times to Avoid: Peak Seasons (July–August & November–February)

✗ July–August (Pre-Holiday Inventory Rush)

As global demand ramps up for Q4, shipping rates usually increase.

Challenges:

• Higher freight prices

• Longer booking time

• Possible container shortages

If you must ship: Book 2–3 weeks earlier.

✗ November–December (Black Friday & Christmas Season)

This is the most expensive and most congested shipping period of the year.

Common issues:

• Price spikes

• Port delays

• Slower customs clearance

• Air freight fully booked

Sea shipping delays can reach 10–20 days during global peaks.

✗ January–February (Chinese New Year Shutdown)

Chinese New Year (CNY) causes the longest factory shutdown in China.

Why avoid this period:

• Factories close 2–4 weeks

• Workers leave early and return late

• Production and shipping delays

• Prices increase sharply before the holiday

Plan shipments at least 1–2 months before CNY.

3. Best Time by Shipping Method

Sea Freight

Best: March–June, September–mid-OctoberAvoid: Late October–February

Air Freight

Best: April–JuneAvoid: November–December (highest prices of the year)

DDP Shipping

Best: March–JuneDDP providers usually maintain stable rates but still face peak-season pressure during October–December.

4. Tips to Get the Best Shipping Results

• Plan 2–3 months ahead when shipping near major holidays.

• Check holiday calendars, including CNY, Golden Week, and Labor Day.

• Book freight early during peak seasons.

• Split shipments (sea + air) to avoid running out of stock.

• Use DDP services to avoid customs delays.

Smart planning can reduce both your costs and your risks. Contact Information

• Whatsapp: +86-18098151030Nancy/+91-9952044576Mallesh Gujjala/+86-181 2571 3582Rose/+86-13416222617Jack/+86-15918480524CC/+86-18125730121Kimi

• Email: nancy@gmrglobal.co

• Address: 201, Second Floor, PVR Building, Lawsons Bay Colony, Pedda Waltair, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530017, India

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Room 102, No.3 Zhongyi Feihe Street, Panyu District, Guangzhou

Room 102, No. 9, Zhenhua Road, Lecong, Shunde District, Foshan City, Guangdong Province

• Web:https://www.chinatoindiaddp.com/

Thank you for reading. I look forward to further communication with you!

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