Chinese New Year, also called Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is a major holiday period that can significantly affect manufacturing, shipping, and supply chain schedules in China and other parts of Asia. In logistics, factories, suppliers, carriers, warehouses, and customs offices may operate with reduced capacity before, during, and after the holiday. Importers often plan around Chinese New Year by confirming production early, booking freight in advance, building inventory buffers, and allowing extra lead time for delays. It typically falls between late January and mid-February, and Chinese factories may close for one to three weeks.
Supply Chain Impact
- Factories shut down for 1 to 3 weeks
- Pre-CNY demand surge increases vessel rates 4 to 8 weeks before the holiday
- Post-CNY restart is gradual as workers return
- Port congestion spikes before and after the holiday
How to Plan
- Confirm factory shutdown and restart dates with suppliers in November
- Place orders early to ensure shipping before the CNY rush
- Expect freight rate increases from November through January
- Build safety stock to cover factory downtime
Related terms: Golden Week, Blank Sailing, Rolled Cargo, FCL.
