If you’ve been importing from China for a while, you know the drill. If you’re new, take this as your official warning: Chinese New Year (CNY) is not just a holiday. It is a complete supply chain shutdown.
For 2026 (Year of the Horse), Chinese New Year falls on February 17, 2026.
But if you think you have until mid-February to get your orders out, you are already behind schedule. Here is everything you need to know to protect your business.
The "Real" Timeline: It's Longer Than You Think
Officially, the Chinese government holiday lasts about 7 days. Practically, factories are closed for 3 to 4 weeks.
Why? Because China’s manufacturing workforce is migrant. Workers travel thousands of kilometers back to their hometowns. They leave early to beat the rush, and they return late (if they return at all).
The 2026 Danger Zone:
- Late Jan: Factories rush to finish orders. Quality control often slips here.
- Early Feb: Workers start leaving. Production lines slow down or stop. Logistics become a nightmare; trucking fees double or triple.
- Feb 17 (CNY): Everything is closed. Ports are open, but no one is delivering to them.
- Early Mar: Factories reopen, but with skeletal staff.
- Mid Mar: Production normalizes (hopefully).
The 3 Biggest Risks You Face Right Now
1. The Pre-Holiday "Quality Fade"
In the mad rush to ship everything before the break, factories cut corners.
- Did a machine break? "Just patch it up."
- Running out of raw material? "Use the cheaper backup stock."
- Workers are tired and thinking about home. Attention to detail hits rock bottom.
Result: You get your goods on time, but the defect rate spikes from 1% to 10%.
2. The Logistics Logjam
Everyone else is also trying to ship before the holiday.
- Container prices skyrocket.
- Truckers are scarce.
- Customs clearance slows down. If your goods aren't at the port by February 1st, they might end up stuck in a warehouse until mid-March.
3. The Post-Holiday "Brain Drain"
This is the hidden killer. After CNY, many workers simply don't return. Factories often lose 10-30% of their skilled workforce. When they reopen in March, they are training brand new staff. Result: Your first order after Chinese New Year often has the same quality issues as a first-ever production run.
Your Survival Checklist (Actionable Steps)
Since we are already in January, here is what you can (and must) do right now.
If Your Goods Are Ready to Ship:
- Book Inspection IMMEDIATELY: Do not verify quality after the goods land in your warehouse. By then, the factory is closed and you have zero leverage.
- Verify the Container Loading: Ensure the right quantity is loaded. With the chaos at the docks, pallets get left behind.
If Your Goods Are Still in Production:
- Prioritize: Tell your supplier which SKUs are critical. If they can't finish everything, make sure they finish the best-sellers properly.
- Accept Delays Over Defects: It is better to ship 2 weeks late (after the holiday) than to receive a container of garbage now.
- Run a DUPRO (During Production Inspection): Check the goods while they are being made. If there are issues, catch them before the factory closes.
For Future Orders (Mar/Apr):
- Expect Delays: Do not promise your customers stock in early April.
- Re-verify Quality: Treat your first post-CNY order like a new product launch. The people making it might be completely new.
How We Can Help
We are on the ground in China until the very last day.
- Pre-Shipment Inspections: We can send an inspector to the factory within 48 hours to check your goods before they leave.
- Container Loading Check: We verify your goods actually make it onto the truck.
Book an Inspection Now to ensure your CNY shipments are safe.