Chinese New Year Shutdown 2026: Key Dates, Global Timelines & Supply Chain Risk How US, UK, EU, AU & CA Brands Should Plan Around Factory Closures and Logistics Capacity Drops

TL;DR FOR BUSY OPERATORS

Chinese New Year shutdowns in 2026 will not only pause production in China for roughly two weeks — they will also squeeze logistics capacity before, during, and after the holiday.

Most brands underestimate two things: how early freight capacity tightens, and how long it takes factory and logistics networks to return to something close to normal.

If you sell into the US, UK, EU, Australia, or Canada, you should treat CNY as a multi-week disruption window, and build market-specific timelines for purchase orders, production, and shipping.

This guide walks through what actually shuts down during CNY, how it impacts different markets, and how to build a destination-based, mode-based plan that protects Q1 revenue.

WHY CNY 2026 MATTERS MORE THAN MOST BRANDS EXPECT

Chinese New Year happens every year, but 2026 is not “just another holiday.” The timing and broader trading context make it especially sensitive for cross-border brands.

First, CNY 2026 is later in the calendar than in 2025. That pushes the shutdown period deeper into February, closer to several demand events in key markets: Valentine’s Day, US tax refund season, and early spring launches for apparel, beauty, and consumer electronics.

Second, the disruption is not limited to a single week of public holiday. Capacity starts to tighten weeks in advance as workers travel home, factory schedules freeze, carriers adjust sailings and flights, and trucking capacity thins out.

Third, the recovery is slow. Even once factories officially reopen, labor does not return all at once, and logistics networks work through a backlog of cargo that built up before and during the holiday.

The result is a practical disruption window that often spans four to six weeks. Brands that plan only around the public holiday dates typically find themselves short on inventory, stuck with delayed shipments, or paying much higher rates for last-minute air freight.

WHAT ACTUALLY SHUTS DOWN DURING CNY 2026 (FACTORIES + LOGISTICS)

Most discussions about Chinese New Year focus on “factory shutdowns.” In reality, what matters to your business is the combined effect of two different but overlapping slowdowns: production and logistics capacity.

PRODUCTION: A GRADUAL STEP-DOWN, NOT A SINGLE CUT-OFF

Factories in China rarely go from full speed to zero overnight. Instead, output tapers off over the two to three weeks leading into CNY, then ramps back up gradually over the following two to three weeks.

Roughly three to four weeks before CNY, many factories begin to close their pre-holiday production schedule. New orders may still be accepted, but most will be booked for after the holiday.

In the two weeks before CNY, certain workers — especially those who travel long distances — start leaving early. Some factories consolidate lines or reduce shifts. Output may drop meaningfully, even though the factory is technically operating.

In the final three to five days before CNY, most assembly lines shut down. Remaining staff focus on wrapping up open orders and securing equipment.

During the public holiday period, production stops almost entirely.

After the holiday, workers return in waves. In the first week back, many factories operate at a fraction of normal output. It can take one to three weeks for staffing and quality processes to stabilize.

Electronics and complex assemblies tend to slow down earlier and restart more cautiously. Apparel and soft goods may run closer to the holiday date and restart faster.

LOGISTICS: THE REAL BOTTLENECK OF CNY DELAYS

For many brands, logistics is the real problem. Even if a factory completes your order, you still need trucks, warehouse handling, and space in a container or on a flight.

In the two to three weeks before CNY, exporters race to ship goods before shutdown, pushing trucking, warehouse operations, and terminal capacity into peak strain.

During the CNY holiday week, logistics operates in a minimal mode. Some flights and sailings depart, but inland movement is extremely constrained due to driver shortages and terminal closures.

After the holiday, a second congestion wave emerges as factories restart and release accumulated orders into the logistics network.

This is why CNY-related delays often extend well into March.

GLOBAL IMPACT: WHY DIFFERENT MARKETS REQUIRE DIFFERENT TIMELINES

Even though the CNY date is fixed, its impact varies dramatically based on distance, customs, demand timing, and your fulfillment model.

Two brands using the same supplier may need very different plans depending on:

• Transit time
• Customs clearance variability
• Market demand timing
• Local vs cross-border fulfillment

Effective CNY planning begins with the market and works backward — not from the factory calendar alone.

CNY 2026 REVERSE PLANNING TIMELINES BY DESTINATION MARKET

To plan correctly, start with when you need inventory in each market, then subtract transit time, customs, and pre-CNY congestion.

These timelines are guidelines. Your exact plan will depend on mode mix, demand timing, and supplier readiness.

DIFFERENT PRODUCT CATEGORIES, DIFFERENT CNY RISK PROFILES

Not all products behave the same around CNY. Lead times, quality control requirements, and downstream dependencies vary widely.

Electronics & Complex Assemblies

Longer supply chains + more testing = earlier shutdown impact. Safer to finish production earlier and carry extra Q1 inventory.

Apparel & Soft Goods

More flexible production, faster restart, but seasonal timing is critical.

Beauty & Regulated Products

Expiry dates + compliance rules = balance between early production and overstock. In-region fulfillment helps smooth risk.

Seasonal SKUs

When CNY overlaps Valentine’s Day or spring promotions, late arrivals can kill the season.

OCEAN, AIR, RAIL, EXPRESS: HOW DIFFERENT MODES BEHAVE AROUND CNY

HOW TO BUILD A PRACTICAL CNY 2026 ACTION PLAN

A practical plan does not eliminate risk — it makes it predictable and manageable.

1. Forecast Q1 Demand by Market

Use last year's Q1 data + this year's initiatives. Separate base demand from event-driven peaks.

2. Translate Demand into Inventory Targets

Decide how many weeks of cover each region needs through CNY. Many brands target 1.2–1.5×.

3. Work Backwards From Need Dates

Use each region's ideal “available to ship” date → subtract transit → subtract congestion.

4. Secure Production & Freight Early

Lock factory slots, secure vessel/flight bookings, use blended modes where needed.

5. Use Distributed Fulfillment to Buffer Risk

Position inventory in-region to smooth out CNY delays.

For brands shipping to the US, UK, EU, AU, or CA, a market-specific plan reduces risk far better than a generic pre-CNY push.

WinsBS can create a detailed, lane-level CNY 2026 plan. Get Started for Free.

CASE STUDY — HOW A GLOBAL ELECTRONICS BRAND REDUCED CNY RISK

FAQ: COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT CNY 2026 SHUTDOWNS

How long do factories in China close?

The public holiday lasts about one week, but practical disruption spans 4–6 weeks including slowdowns before and after.

When should I place POs?

Many brands place POs in November–December to arrive before early February.

Can I ship during CNY?

Technically yes, but logistics capacity is so constrained that risk is high.

Is air freight a reliable backup?

It helps but cannot absorb all demand; rates spike and capacity tightens.

Does CNY affect all markets the same?

No — each region has different transit times and demand cycles.