Delivery & logistics
On 17 February 2026 the Spring Festival begins in China – and as a result, CNY 2026 container deliveries to Europe are under particular time pressure. For companies working with containers and international supply chains, this is a higher-risk period every year: production activity drops, transport schedules are adjusted – and the return to "normal operations" can often take several more weeks.
CNY 2026 container deliveries to Europe: key dates at a glance
In 2026, the official Spring Festival holidays in China last from 15 to 23 February (9 days).
In practical terms, this means: The effects of Chinese New Year (abbreviated CNY, Chinese New Year) usually occur in three waves:
- Pre-holiday "final push" (a few weeks before 15 February): Deadlines become tighter, and ports and carriers are busier.
- Holiday break (15–23 February): Some factories and offices operate on a limited basis or stop temporarily.
- Post-holiday stabilisation (end of February to March): Backlogged orders "catch up", and delays may continue for some time.
Why Europe feels the impact
For CNY 2026 container deliveries to Europe, the key point is: European supply chains are closely linked to China. For example, in 2024* China was the EU's largest partner for goods imports (21,3 % of all extra-EU imports).
Another point matters for the container market: according to the China Container Industry Association, as cited at the Intermodal Asia industry conference, China accounted for around 96 % of global container production in 2024.
In the container sector this is particularly noticeable because:
- some of the new containers and components depend on production and shipping from Asia;
shipping lines adjust schedules during the holidays – and this affects arrival times in Europe.
* This article cites example figures for 2024 because it is the last full year presented as an annual total in the cited Eurostat overview.
CNY 2026 container deliveries to Europe: what happens in container logistics
1) Reduced capacity and changes to departures
During this season, shipping lines temporarily adjust their schedules and cancel some planned departures (blank sailings). Maersk attributes such measures to declining export activity during the holidays and the need to "balance" network capacity.
2) Longer lead times and a "knock-on effect" after the holidays
After the official days off end, the market does not immediately return to full capacity: staff come back, production and shipping stabilise, and backlogged shipments are worked off step by step. This effect often lasts several weeks after operations resume.
3) Delays in coordination and documentation
Even if physical transport is generally possible, during this period the following often slow down:
- confirmations of orders and production slots,
- document processes,
- coordination of shipments, schedule changes and instructions.
Geography of the impact: what is delayed more often – and what is usually barely affected
What depends on Asia and is delayed more often
New containers (production and shipping) – due to the high concentration of production in China.
components/
Sea freight from Asia to Europe, as seasonal schedule changes and knock-on effects are particularly frequent here.
What is usually barely affected
Containers from stock in Europe (purchase or rental) that are already physically in the EU: when you order, they do not depend on the "ocean leg".
We operate from Hamburg – a major container and logistics hub: the Port of Hamburg is the largest seaport in Germany and the third largest in Europe. In practice, this means that when seasonal shifts occur on Asia–Europe routes, they are particularly noticeable in the planning of arrival times in Europe and in the overall utilisation of supply chains.
How to choose the right solution at Coin Container to reduce risks
At Coin Container, we sell and rent containers and organise deliveries within Germany and to EU countries – so that you get a predictable timeframe and a clear process.
Instead of blanket statements, we work like this: you send an enquiry, and we agree on the details individually (timing, route, costs, conditions for receiving the delivery) – by e-mail or phone, because everything depends on the delivery location, the container type and the market situation on the days in question.
Popular formats customers often look for:
Used 20 ft container, ex Rotterdam and Antwerp
Original price was: 990,00 €. 850,00 €Current price is: 850,00 €.
20 ft one-way container
Original price was: 2.050,00 €. 1.800,00 €Current price is: 1.800,00 €.
20 ft Open Side container
Original price was: 5.450,00 €. 5.300,00 €Current price is: 5.300,00 €.
40 ft High Cube container
Original price was: 2.800,00 €. 2.650,00 €Current price is: 2.650,00 €.Useful internal links:
- Browse the range: Container Shop
- Decision guide: Buying or renting a container?
- Logistics advantage of the "tunnel" solution Double Door container
- Adapt containers to your needs: Modification and conversion
Conclusion
Chinese New Year is a seasonal factor that is easy to plan for and mainly affects what depends on Asia: the production of new containers, components and sea freight. Solutions from stock in Europe (purchase/
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