Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, is a major holiday in Asia and known to be the largest human migration period on the planet as families come together, exchange gifts, and celebrate the start of the new year according to the lunar calendar. Typically falling between January 21 and February 20, the exact date varies from year to year. In 2023, Lunar New Year will be on January 22, bidding farewell to the Year of the Tiger and welcoming the Year of the Rabbit.
During Lunar New Year, factories and businesses are typically closed for the full two weeks so families can travel and workers have time to return home, as many work as migrants away from home. Leading to delays in the production and delivery of goods, Lunar New Year requires careful planning so cargo doesn’t stall at the port. Additionally, increased passenger travel during this time can lead to bottlenecks at ports and airports, further upending the supply chain.
The Year of the Rabbit is the fourth year in the twelve year Lunar Zodiac. As legend states, the Jade Emperor planned to throw a party for the twelve animals. He decided that he would set the zodiac order according to when the animals arrived. The rabbit, being arrogant about his speed, not only arrived first, but saw that no other animals had come close to the party and decided to nap, waking up to find out they were now fourth in line, behind the rat, who arrived riding on the ox, and the tiger.
The Year of the Rabbit offers the opportunity to steadily move toward goals, avoid negativity, and build up strong, creative, careers that require attention to fine details. A year that traditionally offers bounty, fertility of ideas and inspiration, and the ability to pivot fast without losing ground, the Lunar New Year predicts success and confidence with little aggression or combative struggles. Considering that our industry is still waking up from a disruptive pandemic and difficult reset in the post-pandemic market, the visual of a rabbit, a little nervous, but ready to hop out and get back to their top speed, fits the moment.
It is important for businesses to be aware of these potential situations and plan accordingly, which may involve finding alternative sources of goods, adjusting delivery schedules, or working with a logistics provider that has experience navigating the challenges of the Lunar New Year.
Zarach is a global logistics provider that offers a range of services to help keep your cargo moving, no matter the global climate. These services include air and ocean freight, warehousing, customs brokerage, and more. By working with Zarach, you can have peace of mind knowing that your supply chain is in good hands and your cargo will be delivered on time. Contact us today to learn more about how we can keep you soaring through the Spring Festival.