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.
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:
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
What hot seasons for purchasing goods in China await the industry in 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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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
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.
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.
For businesses that want to start or are already cooperating with China, the peak season brings several difficulties:
Similar fluctuations also occur during the European/American season: China fails to process orders in time for Christmas or Black Friday. That’s why it’s important to assess the benefits and challenges to plan the supply chain accordingly.
A reliable logistics company will help you gain maximum benefits and minimize risks:
If you are just selecting products in China and planning to cooperate with a logistics company, we invite you to a consultation at DiFFreight. We help not only with transportation but also provide additional business services: sourcing and product purchase, factory audits, warehouse inspections, and customs brokerage.
DiFFreight is your reliable logistics partner for organizing international transportation. We know how to build an effective transportation strategy during the peak season in China. Thanks to years of experience, our procurement specialists and logisticians can predict the best times to order and deliver.
Joint planning is the key to successful sales before holidays, promotions, and festive seasons.
We offer early transport booking at reasonable rates. With us, shipping from China to Ukraine will be fast, and your supply chains will remain stable — even during the most demanding periods! Contact our experts — we find tailored solutions for every business.
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