As Chinese New Year approaches, many overseas customers ask:
“Can you keep producing during the holiday?”
“Why does the break seem longer than expected?”
“Will my order be delayed if I place it now?”
These questions are completely reasonable. The challenge is that Chinese New Year is not just a factory decision—it is a nationwide rhythm that influences workers, suppliers, logistics, and even government services. Understanding the logic behind it helps buyers plan better and avoid last-minute surprises.
The Core Reason: People Go Home—Factories Follow People
Factories are not only machines; they are people. In China, a large percentage of manufacturing workers are migrants who travel long distances for work. Chinese New Year is the single most important moment to reunite with family.
When workers leave, production lines lose the manpower needed for consistent output—operators, packers, QC inspectors, warehouse staff, and shipping coordinators. Even if a factory wanted to operate, it cannot guarantee efficiency and quality without a complete team.
What Changes for Buyers: Lead Time Becomes “Seasonal”
During this period, lead time is not only about production days. It becomes seasonal and depends on multiple links:
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Production capacity decreases as workers leave.
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Raw material supply may pause earlier than the factory itself.
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Inspection and booking windows become tighter.
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Shipping congestion increases before the holiday.
A practical way to think about it: your order is competing for time slots in both production and logistics. The closer it is to Chinese New Year, the more uncertainty rises.
Mini FAQ: Quick Answers for Common Buyer Concerns
Q1: Can we pay extra to keep production running?
In most cases, no. The limitation is labor availability, not willingness. Some factories may keep a small team, but output and stability are limited.
Q2: Will everything return to normal immediately after the holiday?
Not immediately. There is usually a ramp-up period to restore stable productivity and quality consistency.
Q3: What should buyers do to avoid delays?
Start earlier, lock key details (packaging/artwork/labels), and confirm a realistic timeline with your supplier.
Our Role as Your OEM/ODM Partner: Clear Milestones, Less Risk
RUNTONG & WAYEAH supplies shoe care, foot care, and related accessories to B2B partners in Europe and the Americas, including retailers, supermarkets, brands, and distributors. For Chinese New Year, we focus on one principle: clear milestones create reliable results.
If you share your product list (e.g., sneaker cleaner, shoe polish set, retail insoles, laces, SEBS accessories, or sports supports), we can recommend an order sequence that reduces bottlenecks—especially for OEM/ODM customization.
Friendly Closing Tip
Chinese New Year is predictable. The best strategy is not to “rush at the end,” but to plan with a supplier who communicates early and honestly. If you want, send us your target market launch date—we will help map a workable production and shipment timeline.
Post time: Jan-24-2026
