DiFFreight Blog Peak Purchasing and Shipping Season in China

China's Peak Buying and Freight Season: Challenges and Opportunities for Business

China's Peak Buying and Freight Season: Challenges and Opportunities for Business

The purchasing season in China has a significant impact on supply chains and logistics worldwide. This period offers businesses both significant growth opportunities and serious challenges. Today, we explore the main aspects of this season, analyzing the difficulties and opportunities that entrepreneurs face during this period.

Features of the Purchasing Season in China

Traditionally, the season starts in August and lasts until the end of the holiday season, covering major shopping events such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This is an important time for retailers and suppliers, as a large part of the annual turnover occurs during this period.

The most commonly purchased goods on Chinese websites include:

  • Clothing;
  • Electronics;
  • Children's toys;
  • Household goods, etc.

The demand is so high that some suppliers from China are forced to increase capacity, extend working hours, and hire additional workers to fulfill all orders.

Most Popular Chinese Marketplaces

Most Popular Chinese Marketplaces

5 Peak Seasons in Logistics in 2025

What hot seasons for purchasing goods in China await the industry in 2025:

  • Chinese New Year (January 28 - February 4, 2025)

All companies providing international logistics services annually urge clients to prepare for the New Year in China. Factories and plants suspend operations during the holidays. Full market recovery is expected by mid-February.

  • Holidays and Back-to-School Preparation (July-August 2025)

Summer is the holiday season when demand for travel items, summer clothing, school supplies, children's clothing, stationery, etc., sharply increases in August. Therefore, preparations for the season begin in advance: even though manufacturers in the Middle Kingdom are actively working, the ports are significantly loaded.

  • Golden Week (October 1-7, 2025)

Another long holiday in China. Before the holiday, manufacturers increase their production volumes, which burdens the transport infrastructure. After the holiday, the market needs some time to recover. The main issue remains the shortage of transport, so it's essential to book spots in advance.

  • Black Friday and Cyber Monday (November 28 and December 1, 2025)

There is enormous demand for promotional goods: services are working hard on last-mile deliveries. In the USA alone, online retail sales grow by 100-300%. There is a noted shortage of transport, and companies are actively replenishing their stocks. High shipping rates and additional fees are not the most pleasant aspects of the peak season.


  • End of Year (December 2025)

If China operates smoothly, logistics services, carriers, and local representatives prepare for the end of the year. Before Christmas and the New Year, there is a significant increase in demand for gifts, decorations, electronics, and other winter goods. Therefore, the main challenge is to establish the supply chain after leaving China. In some regions, difficulties are also related to weather conditions.

Challenges for Logistics and Trade During This Period

With the increase in production and exports, entrepreneurs face challenges related to managing cargo flows, ensuring timely delivery, and optimizing routes. Businesses should assess all these challenges and devise ways to overcome them before ordering goods from China.

Increased demand for transportation services. The purchasing season leads to a significant increase in international freight volumes. This leads to a shortage of cargo containers and transport vehicles, especially if you plan to ship by sea or air. Companies need to plan shipments in advance to avoid delivery delays.

Delays and port congestion. The high volume of exports leads to congestion at ports both in China and destination countries. This can cause delays in customs clearance and delivery, as well as increase the cost of logistics services.

Price increases. During the purchasing season, the cost of shipping goods typically rises due to increased demand. This, in turn, affects the overall cost of goods, especially for companies that did not plan logistics in advance.

During the busiest purchasing periods, Chinese ports are congested

During the busiest purchasing periods, Chinese ports are congested

Business Opportunities During the Purchasing Season in China

Despite the challenges, the hot season in China provides entrepreneurs with additional opportunities for business development and optimization.

Developing planning and supply chain management strategies. The active trading season in China requires companies to be flexible and adaptable in planning their supply chains. Try to forecast demand, inventory planning, and resource management, which can help your company minimize risks and increase efficiency.

Strengthening trade ties. The purchasing season in China is a convenient time to expand market presence and establish new business relationships. Companies that effectively address the logistical challenges of this period have the opportunity to demonstrate their reliability and efficiency and attract new customers and partners, consider partners for the purchase of goods in China.

Adapting to changes in consumer demand. The purchasing season is also a time when companies can quickly respond to changes in consumer trends and demand. Even if customer preferences suddenly change, air delivery allows you to receive a batch of goods in the shortest possible time.

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The key to success for businesses during this period is effective planning and inventory buildup in advance. It is important to always consider this seasonal peak in your operational plans to avoid shortages of goods and delivery delays.

Planning Delivery from China: Taking Demand for Goods from China into Account

DiFFreight is a reliable logistics partner for your business in organizing international transportation. We will verify the reliability of the supplier, help with the purchase of goods in China, and with the preparation of all necessary documents.

We know how to build a transportation strategy during peak seasons in the PRC. We offer reliable solutions with timely bookings at reasonable rates. With us, delivering goods from China to Ukraine will be quick, and supply chains will be stable! Contact our experts for consultation for your business — we seek individual solutions.

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