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As we near China’s Golden Week in October 2025, businesses worldwide are once again preparing for a demanding period—one with both opportunity and risk. At KLN (formerly known as Kerry Logistics Network), we help fashion, lifestyle, automotive, and other import/export businesses craft strategies to stay ahead and avoid supply chain disruptions during this annual peak.
What is Golden Week 2025 & Why It’s Especially Relevant
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When: Golden Week in China for 2025 runs from October 1 to October 8. Most factories, offices, ports, and logistics operations will either shut down or scale back heavily.
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The holiday also includes partly overlapping holidays (e.g. Mid-Autumn Festival) which extend the period of disruption.
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While Golden Week always brings a predictable slowdown, in 2025 it carries additional pressure because export volumes have remained reasonably resilient earlier in the year, despite economic headwinds.
Current Economic & Supply-Chain Context (2025)
To give better perspective, here are some relevant trends and challenges that will shape how Golden Week plays out for logistics & freight:
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China’s GDP growth forecast for 2025 has been revised down by some analysts (e.g. UBS) due to external pressures such as tariffs, weaker demand abroad, and softer export growth in key markets. However, domestic stimulus and policy support are helping to prop up industrial production.
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Export growth is slowing in some markets. For example, China’s August exports were reported to be among the slowest in recent months in terms of growth rate, with particular weakness in trade to the U.S. while exports to Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa are becoming more significant in counterbalancing declines elsewhere.
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Industrial output remains positive but has decelerated somewhat compared to earlier in 2025.
These factors suggest that while the baseline pressures (e.g. costs, capacity constraints) that accompany Golden Week will be present, the margin for error is slimmer this year — businesses that wait too long may bear higher costs or face more severe delays.
Key Logistics Impacts in Golden Week 2025
Here’s how Golden Week is expected to affect global supply chains more specifically in 2025:
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Shutdowns & Reduced Capacity
Many factories and manufacturers will close entirely or operate with minimal staff. Ports and customs offices will have reduced hours or be non-operational on many days. -
Booking & Rate Pressures
Lead times for bookings (sea, air, trucking) will tighten. Rates may spike for urgent or late bookings. Capacity (containers, equipment, transport) will be scarcer and more expensive. -
Delays & Congestion Pre- & Post-Holiday
Before Golden Week there tends to be a surge in demand as businesses push to ship before closures. After the holiday, there tends to be a backlog: congested ports, delayed customs, slower inland transport. -
Uncertainty in Transit Times
Services may be inconsistent — some carriers may cancel sailings, or shift schedules; some airports and trucking services will slow or pause operations.
Updated Strategies & Best Practices for 2025
Here are refined tactics in light of recent trends to help companies using KLN’s services (or similar) manage risk and capture opportunities around Golden Week.
| Strategy | What to Do Differently / Emphasize |
|---|---|
| Early Ordering & Bookings | Place orders and book freight well in advance. For ocean shipments, begin locking in space at least 3-4 weeks prior to October 1. For air freight, plan at least 1 week ahead for urgent shipments. |
| Accurate Demand Forecasting | Use recent data, domestic and international market trends, and policy changes to forecast demand better. Given softness in some export markets, overstocking has become riskier. |
| Alternative Routing & Flexible Modes | Explore alternate ports or routes (if possible) to avoid congestion and bottlenecks. Consider splitting shipments, or leverage air freight for high-priority goods if sea transit becomes unreliable. |
| Container & Equipment Logistics | Secure containers early, especially 20-ft and specialty types. Ensure associated equipment (chassis, lift gates, etc.) is confirmed. As demand increases, spotting shortages becomes more likely. |
| Warehouse & Slot Planning | Pre-book warehousing where possible, or have buffer space lined up. It can be costly to find storage at short notice after congestion hits. |
| Communication & Transparency | Keep suppliers, partners, and customers informed well ahead of time. Let logistics providers know what shipments are critical. Monitor notices from ports / carriers about schedule changes or void sailings. |
| Cost Buffering | Build in buffer in cost estimates to account for potential rate spikes, demurrage or storage costs, or delays. Contracts with carriers or forwarders should include clarity on responsibilities and risks. |
| Use of Technology & Visibility | Leverage tracking tools / dashboards to monitor shipments, anticipate delays, and reroute or adjust if needed. Maintain updated KPIs around transit time and delays so decisions can be data-driven. |
What KLN (formerly Kerry Logistics Network) Offers to Help
At KLN, we have services and capabilities tailored for this kind of peak season. Here’s what we bring to the table:
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Capacity Commitments: Working with our carrier partners to reserve space and equipment in advance.
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Customised Freight Solutions: For urgent, time-sensitive lines, helping find flexible alternatives (air freight, different ports, etc.).
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Full Visibility & Tracking: Supporting customers with real-time updates, early warnings of possible delays, and transparent rate and transit time projections.
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Warehouse & Handling Support: Pre-booking warehousing, arranging drayage/chassis, coordinating with local partners to mitigate local bottlenecks.
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Advisory & Risk Mitigation: Helping assess options (Incoterms, routing, container types), managing relationships with suppliers to smooth flows, and anticipating customs / regulatory issues ahead of time.
Why Partner with KLN (formerly Kerry Logistics Network)
Selecting KLN as your trusted partner isn't just a choice—it's a strategic move towards ensuring your success. Our commitment to excellence is not just a promise; it's a guarantee. With a global network that's both vast and meticulously managed, we stand head and shoulders above the competition. This means you benefit directly from unparalleled service quality, ensuring your supply chain needs are met with precision, efficiency, and minimal hassle.
Are you ready to elevate your logistics game and experience seamless support tailored to your unique needs? Let's discuss how we can bring unparalleled value to your business.
