Every year, importers panic when Chinese New Year (CNY) approaches. Factories close for 2-4 weeks. Ports get congested. Shipping rates spike. If you do not plan ahead, your February shipment becomes a March delivery โ€” and your customers are not happy.

After 20 years in Guangzhou, we have mastered the CNY logistics game. Here is exactly what you need to know.

When Is Chinese New Year?

CNY follows the lunar calendar, so the date changes every year. In 2027, it falls on February 6. But here is what most importers miss: the disruption starts weeks before the actual holiday. Workers begin traveling home 2-3 weeks early. Production slows in mid-January.

Key dates for 2027 planning:

  • Mid-December 2026: Last day to place new orders for pre-CNY production
  • Early January 2027: Most factories run at 50% capacity
  • Mid-January 2027: Production stops entirely at most factories
  • Late January 2027: Port congestion peaks as everyone rushes to ship
  • February 6, 2027: Chinese New Year Day
  • Late February 2027: Workers return gradually
  • Early March 2027: Full production resumes

The Three Phases of CNY Disruption

Phase 1: Pre-CNY Rush (30 Days Before)

Factories rush to complete orders before closing. Quality drops โ€” workers are tired and distracted. Shipping costs increase 20-50% as everyone books containers at the same time. Ports and customs get overwhelmed. Our advice: Finish production by early January or wait until after CNY. Do not push a factory to complete your order in the last 10 days โ€” you will get rushed, low-quality work.

Phase 2: The Shutdown (2-4 Weeks)

Almost everything stops. Factories, shipping agents, customs offices โ€” all closed or operating at minimal capacity. Some ports still operate but with skeleton crews. Our advice: Do not expect any progress during this period. Use the time for product research, marketing, and planning your next order.

Phase 3: Post-CNY Recovery (2-4 Weeks After)

This is the most underestimated phase. Workers do not all return on the same day. Many switch jobs โ€” up to 20-30% turnover at some factories. New workers need training. Production quality is inconsistent for the first 3-4 weeks. Our advice: Do not place urgent orders for delivery in the first 3 weeks after CNY. Build in a buffer.

The Proven 6-Week Strategy

Here is our battle-tested timeline for CNY-proof ordering:

  • October-November: Finalize product designs and confirm orders
  • December: Production runs. This is your window.
  • Early January: Quality inspection while factory is still at full staff
  • Mid-January: Shipment booked and container loaded before the port rush
  • Late January: Your goods are already on the water while competitors are panicking

One More Thing: The Backlog Trap

After CNY, factories have 4-6 weeks of accumulated orders. If you place your order in February, you are at the back of a very long queue. Your "normal 30-day production time" suddenly becomes 60-75 days. We see this trap catch new importers every single year.

Want us to manage your pre-CNY production schedule? We track factory shutdown dates, book containers early, and ensure your goods ship before the chaos begins. Plan your shipment now โ†’