Date: January 4, 2026
Category: Logistics & Shipping
It is that time of year again. As we enter January, veteran DHgate buyers know the clock is ticking. With the Chinese New Year (Year of the Horse) landing in mid-February 2026, the annual “logistics shutdown” is approaching.
If you are dropshipping or stocking inventory for Spring, the next two weeks are critical. Here is the current state of affairs for global shipping.
The “Safe Zone” for Orders
Factories in manufacturing hubs like Guangdong and Zhejiang generally begin winding down operations 2-3 weeks before the holiday. To ensure your goods leave the port before the break, we recommend placing all bulk orders by January 20th, 2026.
Logistics Improvements for 2026
The good news? Shipping lanes are faster this year than last. The expansion of ePacket Plus routes and increased air-freight capacity to North America and Europe means that orders placed now have a high success rate of arriving before February ends.
Strategy Tip for Dropshippers:
Switch your store filters to “Local Warehouse” (US/EU Stock) for late January orders. This bypasses the holiday shutdown entirely as the stock is already domestic.
