How the Chinese New Year Is Impacting Global Supply Chains in 2025

As we kick off 2025, the Chinese New Year (CNY) brings some familiar challenges, but this year, it’s especially interesting given the state of the global economy and trade.

The Chinese New Year, which falls earlier than usual this year, has already led to a surge in shipments to and from China as businesses prepare for the holiday shutdown. But it’s not just about the holiday rush. The incoming U.S. administration is expected to introduce new tariffs, prompting many companies to bring shipments forward in anticipation of potential disruptions.

In addition, the ongoing boom in e-commerce is pushing air freight demand higher. Many factories close early for the New Year, leading to a surge in requests for accelerated deliveries. In January, airlines canceled numerous flights due to the challenges of operating long-haul routes, which contributed to a reduction in cargo capacity. However, delayed e-commerce shipments, al…