Dec 18, 2024

What Happens During Chinese New Year and Is It Affecting Us?

Chinese New Year (CNY) is one of the most significant holidays in China, celebrated across the country and neighboring regions. While it is a time of joy and tradition, it also causes widespread disruptions, especially for global businesses that rely on Chinese suppliers.

Factory shutdowns and logistical slowdowns during CNY can affect production, shipping, and inventory. Let’s explore what happens during this period and how businesses can prepare.

Why Factories Halt Production During CNY

Chinese New Year is a national holiday where all factories shut down completely. Workers, from the production floor to management, return home to celebrate with their families. This mass pause in operations can last for 2–3 weeks, during which production stops entirely, and communication with suppliers becomes difficult.

For businesses, this means:

  • No new production: Orders won’t be processed.

  • Delayed shipments: Logistics services slow down significantly.

  • Inventory shortages: Retailers face risks if they don’t plan ahead.

Chinese New Year 2025 Shutdown Timeline

In 2025, CNY will fall on January 29. Factories typically begin slowing down production about two weeks before the official holiday. Here’s a brief breakdown of the timeline:

  • Mid-January: Production begins to slow down.

  • January 28: All operations cease for CNY Eve.

  • January 29: Chinese New Year celebrations begin.

  • Early February: Workers return in phases.

  • Mid-February: Production resumes gradually, reaching normal levels by February 26.

The key to avoiding disruptions is to anticipate these dates and finalize production orders early.

How Ecomflow Supports Businesses During CNY

While most businesses pause, Ecomflow helps you stay operational during Chinese New Year:

  • Shipping downtime is limited to 4 days (January 28 to February 1), with normal operations resuming on February 1.

  • Customer service continues every 2 days to manage inquiries and support.

  • The office team stays active to provide tracking updates and assistance.

  • The warehouse team resumes quickly after a short break, ensuring minimal delays.

By remaining operational during the CNY period, Ecomflow gives businesses a significant advantage, keeping orders fulfilled and customers satisfied.

Are you looking to:

Are you looking to:

Fill in the application form, and our team will reach out to you to help you with making the above happen.

•⁠ ⁠Sell 1 day post-production

•⁠ ⁠⁠Scale worldwide with 3-10 days

•⁠ ⁠⁠Slice your lead times

•⁠ ⁠⁠Prevent inventory risk and overstocking

•⁠ ⁠⁠Hide china due custom software and carrier agreements

•⁠ ⁠⁠Work with a multilingual team in mainland China

•⁠ ⁠⁠Decades of supply-chain experience.

Preparing for Chinese New Year 2025

CNY in 2025 arrives earlier than in 2024, leaving less preparation time for businesses. To avoid issues:

  • Place orders with suppliers well in advance.

  • Stock up on key inventory to handle delays.

  • Work with partners like Ecomflow to maintain fulfillment and support during the shutdown.

Final Thoughts

Chinese New Year can create challenges for businesses worldwide, but with proper preparation, these disruptions can be minimized. Understanding the shutdown timeline and partnering with providers like Ecomflow ensures your business remains operational and competitive during this busy period.

Your trusted 3PL — Enjoy all the benefits of fulfillment in China without the downside.

Your trusted 3PL — Enjoy all the benefits of fulfillment in China without the downside.

Your trusted 3PL — Enjoy all the benefits of fulfillment in China without the downside.