What’s Causing Delays in Shipments from China?
1. Chinese New Year Disruptions
Chinese New Year in 2025 began on January 29, with factory shutdowns starting days earlier—often around mid‑January—and operations not returning to full capacity until late February. This annual shutdown frequently results in shipping delays of several weeks, both before and after the holiday.
2. Major Port Congestion Around the World
By June 2025, port delays surged globally by up to 300%, especially at key European and Asian hubs like Rotterdam, Singapore, and Ningbo-Zhoushan, with average delays of 4–10+ days. In China, real-time data shows port delays at major ports such as Shanghai, Ningbo, and Yantian ranging from 1 to 4 days on average.
3. Trade‑War & Tariff Fallout
The U.S.–China trade war has heavily impacted shipping volumes:
- Hapag-Lloyd reported container bookings from China to the U.S. dropped by one-third since early April 2025.
- A report from Expeditors International noted a sharp decline in China-to-U.S. shipping volumes due to unresolved tariff negotiations and geopolitical uncertainties.
- Broader drops in import volumes—up to 35% week-over-week—are being observed at U.S. ports, alongside canceled shipments, especially under newly raised “de minimis” tariff structures.
4. Surging Freight Rates and Strategic Rerouting
Ocean freight rates between Asia and the U.S. and Europe have fluctuated significantly:
- Asia–Europe rates rose around 14%, while some Asia–U.S. lanes saw 6–16% drops in early summer 2025.
- Alternative routes around Africa (to avoid Red Sea risks) continue to extend transit times by up to 10 days, increasing costs and capacity challenges.
5. Other Frequently Cited Delay Factors
Supply chain experts identify a range of delay triggers, including:
- Supplier’s production issues
- Booking delays with freight forwarders
- Container shortages
- Cancellations of vessel departures
- Customs processing bottlenecks
- Labor shortages and adverse weather
- Extra inspections or route changes
Are Shipments from China Being Delayed?
- There was significant disruption during and after the Chinese New Year holiday in early 2025.
- Global port congestion peaked during June 2025, with average delays exceeding a week in many ports.
- The U.S.–China trade war, tariffs, and rerouting of shipping lanes have dampened volume and increased unpredictability.
Shipping Types & Transit-Time Guidelines
| Shipping Mode | Typical Transit Time (pre‑disruption) | Current Reality (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight (FCL/LCL) | ~30–40 days from China to U.S. | Delays of days to weeks due to rerouting and port congestion |
| Air Freight | 8–10 days standard; 3–4 days express | Delays extended—up to 6–8 days in China, and 8–11 days in Hong Kong |
| Express Courier | 1–3 days (e.g. DHL, UPS) | Mostly reliable but rising backlog in customs and terminal processing |
Tips to Mitigate or Manage Delays
- Book shipments early, especially before known high-disruption periods like Chinese New Year.
- Diversify logistics modes—consider mixed air/sea strategies or alternative ports with lighter congestion.
- Communicate proactively with suppliers and freight forwarders to track production and scheduling.
- Keep documentation accurate to avoid customs delays.
- Plan buffer inventory to absorb shipping delays, particularly during tariff-investment volatility.
Summary
- shipments from China are experiencing notable delays throughout 2025.
- Drivers include holiday shutdowns, global port backlogs, trade tensions, and capacity constraints.
- Businesses and consumers should expect longer lead times from sea and air freight, with express couriers still fastest but not immune to delays.
- Mitigation strategies include earlier ordering, flexible transport routes, and stronger supply‑chain communication.
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FAQ:
Q1: How long are delays typically lasting?
Delays can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the shipping mode, destination, and port conditions. Sea freight is more affected than air courier services.
Q2: Is air freight also being delayed?
Yes. Air freight from China has been facing delays of 2–5 additional days, especially around holidays or when airports experience cargo backlogs. Hong Kong and Shenzhen air cargo hubs are among the most affected.
Q3:Which Chinese ports are most congested?
Major ports experiencing delays include Shanghai, Ningbo-Zhoushan, Yantian, Qingdao, and Tianjin. Real-time congestion is also seen at some inland rail hubs for China-Europe freight.
Q4: Are shipments to all countries being delayed equally?
No. Shipments to the United States and Europe are more severely affected due to trade policy shifts, port congestion, and increased inspection. Shipments to Southeast Asia or within Asia-Pacific are less disrupted.