Chinese New Year is one of the most significant and predictable disruptions in global manufacturing.

Every year, factories across China slow down or shut entirely as workers travel home, production pauses and supply chains reset. And yet, many eCommerce brands still find themselves caught out when delays start to appear.

The issue is not the holiday itself.

It is how early, or how late, planning begins.

Why Chinese New Year Affects More Than Manufacturing

Chinese New Year does not just impact factory output.

Production slowdowns ripple through the entire supply chain. Manufacturing schedules stretch, raw materials become harder to secure, and lead times extend well beyond normal expectations.

Inbound freight is affected too. Ports become congested ahead of shutdowns and slow to recover afterwards. Shipping capacity tightens, costs rise and delays begin to compound as freight competes for limited space.

By the time stock reaches the UK, many of the outcomes are already locked in. Fulfilment teams are left managing stock gaps, uneven inbound flows and customer expectations with fewer options available.

Where Brands Are Most Often Caught Out

The disruption caused by Chinese New Year is predictable, but its impact often feels sudden.

Production is planned too close to the holiday window, with the assumption that normal lead times will hold. In many cases, the time it takes for factories to return to full capacity after the celebrations is underestimated.

Inbound stock then arrives later than expected, or in compressed waves. This puts immediate pressure on fulfilment operations, where teams are required to process large volumes quickly while managing backorders and delayed launches.

Customer service teams feel the strain as well. Without clear inbound visibility, updates become uncertain and reactive, reducing customer confidence at exactly the wrong moment.

Why Planning Earlier Changes Everything

Brands that plan early experience Chinese New Year very differently.

When production is brought forward and inbound schedules are set well in advance, disruption becomes manageable. Stock arrives before shutdowns begin, buffers are built deliberately and fulfilment operations remain stable.

Early planning also creates clarity. You know what stock is arriving, when it will land and how long it needs to last. Decisions are made calmly, rather than under pressure.

This turns Chinese New Year from a risk event into a known variable.

How Effective Chinese New Year Planning Typically Works

Strong planning starts with visibility.

Historical sales data is reviewed, demand is forecast realistically and production timelines are aligned well ahead of factory shutdowns. Manufacturing deadlines are set earlier than usual, with contingency built in from the outset.

Inbound freight is scheduled to avoid peak congestion periods where possible. Fulfilment teams are informed early, allowing space, labour and workflows to be prepared in advance.

Communication stays consistent throughout. Everyone involved understands the plan, the risks and the fallback options if timelines shift.

The goal is not to avoid disruption entirely.

It is to control it.

The Fulfilment Advantage of Being Prepared

When Chinese New Year is planned for properly, fulfilment operations stay steady.

Stock availability is maintained, order flow remains predictable and customer communication becomes clearer and more confident. Teams spend less time firefighting and more time supporting growth.

As your eCommerce business scales, predictable events like Chinese New Year demand predictable planning. The brands that perform best are not the ones reacting fastest. They are the ones who prepared earliest.

Key takeaways

• Chinese New Year disruption is predictable and happens every year
• Manufacturing, inbound freight and fulfilment are all affected
• Late planning turns delays into operational pressure
• Early preparation creates stability, clarity and confidence

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