Chinese New Year (CNY) is a critical period for businesses importing goods from China, as the annual celebrations bring the country’s manufacturing sector to a near standstill. With factories closing for several weeks, forward planning becomes essential to avoid supply chain disruptions. Here’s what importers need to know about the key dates for Chinese New Year 2025 and how to prepare effectively.
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Key Dates for Chinese New Year 2025
Chinese New Year 2025 falls on Wednesday, 29 January 2025, marking the beginning of the Year of the Snake. While the public holiday lasts for seven days (29 January – 4 February 2025), factory closures can extend well beyond this. Many facilities shut down a week before the holiday and may remain closed for up to three weeks after, depending on the business sector and location.
Important Milestones to Note:
- Early January 2025: Factories begin ramping up production to complete outstanding orders.
- Mid-January 2025: Many suppliers stop accepting new orders due to incoming closures.
- 29 January – 4 February 2025: Official public holiday in China.
- February 2025: Gradual factory reopenings, often with limited production capacity until mid-month.
The Year of the Snake: What It May Hold in Store for Businesses
The Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac symbolises wisdom, strategy and transformation—qualities businesses can embrace as they navigate a dynamic global economy in 2025. In Chinese culture, the snake represents calculated thinking and adaptability, making it an ideal time for businesses to rethink supply chain strategies, diversify sourcing and strengthen operational resilience.
Companies that invest in long-term supply chain planning and technological innovation may find new opportunities for growth and market expansion. However, the snake’s cautious nature also serves as a reminder to manage risks carefully, ensuring that financial and logistical decisions are well-researched and supported by strong partnerships. Businesses that stay agile and forward-thinking are likely to thrive in this transformative year.
At Barrington Freight, we specialise in making your importing and exporting straightforward. From customs clearance to finding the right commodity codes, our expert team is here to assist. Don’t let the complexities of global trade hold you back. Reach out to Barrington Freight for efficient and reliable shipping solutions.
How Your Business Should Be Preparing for Chinese New Year 2025
- Place Orders Early
Order goods by early December 2024 to ensure dispatch before factory closures. Lead times increase significantly as CNY approaches, so placing orders well in advance is crucial. - Communicate with Suppliers
Stay in close contact with Chinese suppliers to confirm closure dates order deadlines and expected delivery times after the holiday. Clear communication can reduce unexpected delays. - Book Freight Services in Advance
Freight carriers experience heavy demand in the weeks leading up to CNY, often causing shipping rates to rise. Book sea and air freight early to secure space at competitive rates. - Build Stock Reserves
Consider stockpiling critical goods to maintain inventory levels during the holiday period and beyond. This buffer can prevent shortages caused by extended shipping lead times. - Review Supply Chain Contingency Plans
Develop a contingency plan in case of shipping delays or supplier backlogs. Diversify suppliers where possible to avoid dependency on a single manufacturer.
What Happens After Chinese New Year?
Expect production delays even after the official holiday ends. Many factories face labour shortages as workers may return late from their hometowns, causing operational slowdowns. It can take two to three weeks for production to resume at full capacity, with some facilities needing even longer.
Additionally, port congestion is common due to the number of shipments waiting to be processed. Freight rates may remain elevated as carriers face increased demand, often applying peak season surcharges. Importers should anticipate delays not only in production but also in customs processing and transit times, potentially extending shipping schedules into March 2025.
Why New Year Preparation Matters
Failing to plan for the Chinese New Year can result in missed delivery deadlines, higher freight costs and inventory shortages. Businesses that act early by placing orders, securing freight bookings and maintaining open supplier communication will be best positioned to navigate this challenging period smoothly.
Moreover, long-term supply chain strategies can mitigate future disruptions. Consider establishing relationships with multiple suppliers or exploring alternative sourcing regions to reduce reliance on a single market. Investing in inventory management software can also improve forecasting accuracy, ensuring that stock levels remain stable during critical shipping seasons like Chinese New Year.
Proactive planning helps businesses stay competitive while maintaining consistent customer service. This is when partnering with an expert in international freight and Chinese conventions can be so beneficial, of course.
Need Freight Expertise?
At Barrington Freight, we specialise in managing international imports and helping businesses maintain stable supply chains, even during peak seasons like Chinese New Year. Contact our expert team today for tailored shipping solutions that keep your business moving. We’ve been helping UK businesses that import from and export to China for decades, so we know what we’re doing.
We’re friendly, easy to work with, honest and we don’t charge the earth.
For advice and information on importing, call 01268 525444 or email us today.
