Chinese New Year is one of the most impactful periods for manufacturing and logistics in China. As Chinese New Year 2026 approaches, European importers should be aware of how this annual holiday affects production timelines, supplier availability, and shipping schedules.
In the weeks before the holiday, many factories reduce output or stop accepting new orders. Workers often leave earlier than planned, and once Chinese New Year ends, it can take several weeks for production to resume at full capacity. As a result, late ordering often leads to missed production windows, extended lead times, and increased pressure on supply chains.
Logistics are also affected during this period. Pre-holiday shipping demand causes congestion at ports, while post-holiday backlogs can further delay deliveries to Europe.
At M-asia, we help clients prepare for Chinese New Year every year. With local teams in China, we work directly with factories to secure production capacity early and plan realistic timelines that reduce risk and disruption.
For companies sourcing products from China for early 2026, now is the right time to review demand forecasts, confirm production schedules, and align logistics planning. Early preparation ensures continuity, protects stock availability, and keeps operations running smoothly throughout the Chinese New Year period.