The international freight market is constantly shifting, and these changes can directly affect your production schedules, costs, and customer commitments. With the next few months bringing both opportunities and potential challenges, here are three things worth keeping on your radar.
1. More airfreight options – increased capacity creates opportunities
Good news for Canterbury importers and exporters! Several airlines are increasing services and capacity to and from Christchurch, creating more options for international freight. For Canterbury manufacturers, the key developments are:
-
United Airlines: Returning seasonal San Francisco–Christchurch flights will strengthen direct connections to the US.
-
Cathay Pacific: Increased Christchurch–Hong Kong services will add cargo capacity and improve links into Asia.
-
Air New Zealand: Additional international services will improve connectivity to key markets.
-
China Southern: Returning seasonal services will increase capacity into China and Asia.
If your business relies on airfreight to meet overseas deadlines, it’s worth reviewing these options to see whether alternative routes could improve transit times or costs.
2. Export peak season is approaching – plan ahead!
December through May is a busy period for many New Zealand exporters. Higher demand can put pressure on vessel space, airfreight capacity, and equipment.
Now is the time to align your production forecasts, raw material requirements, and export commitments with your freight arrangements. Forecast volumes early and talk to your freight forwarder so you can secure capacity before peak demand builds.
3. Chinese New Year 2027 – could your production line be affected?
Chinese New Year falls on 6 February 2027. Factory closures and reduced production in the lead-up, combined with increased shipping demand, can affect the availability of raw materials and components. The disruption often continues for some time after the holiday as factories and shipping schedules return to normal.
Now is the time to align your production forecasts, raw material requirements, and export commitments with your freight arrangements. Forecast volumes early and talk to your freight forwarder so you can secure capacity before peak demand builds.
Speak with your suppliers now, confirm production timelines, and consider whether additional inventory is needed to protect your manufacturing schedule.
The GDF NZ takeaway
Freight isn't simply about moving goods from A to B. It's about timing, opportunity and making informed decisions.
As you know, Manufacturing doesn’t stop at the factory gate. From sourcing materials to delivering finished products, GDF helps connect your business to the world. As a Business Canterbury manufacturing partner, we’re here to help keep your supply chain moving.
The GDF NZ - Manufacturer’s Tip for November
Plan your freight around your production schedule, not the other way around!
With the busy export season approaching and Chinese New Year on the horizon, now is the time to review supplier lead times, forecast shipment volumes and secure freight capacity early.
A little forward planning can help avoid costly delays, production interruptions, and missed customer delivery commitments.
Thinking ahead? Talk to Janine at GDF Christchurch before your next shipment is ready.
Information provided by GDF NZ
