Chinese New Year Factory Closures 2026: What Buyers Should Know

Chinese New Year factory closures 2026 will affect production schedules across China. Every year, this holiday impacts factories, logistics, and global supply chains. For international buyers sourcing machinery, understanding the Chinese New Year factory closures 2026 is essential.

If you plan to order equipment in early 2026, this guide explains what happens during the Chinese New Year and how it may impact your timeline.

What Is Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year, also called Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is the biggest annual holiday in China. In 2026, the Chinese New Year falls on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, which marks the official start of the Year of the Horse.

The Chinese government designates a public holiday from February 15 to February 23, 2026,  a total of nine days off work for most people and businesses.

This holiday is based on the lunar calendar, so its date changes every year. For many workers in China, this is a time to travel home and celebrate with family. Because millions of people take time off, most factories pause operations during this period.

For international buyers, especially those sourcing machinery from China, understanding the Chinese New Year and the exact public holiday dates is important for planning production and delivery.

When Will Factories Close in 2026?

The official public holiday for the Chinese New Year 2026 lasts around one week. However, Chinese New Year factory closures 2026 are rarely limited to just the official days. This year, it starts on the 15th of February and ends on the 23rd. But many of the companies still remain on holiday till March 3rd.

In reality:

• Many factories stop accepting new orders 1-2 weeks before the holiday.
• Production lines slow down significantly before the official break.
• Full production capacity may not resume until 1-2 weeks after the holiday ends.

For machinery manufacturers, this means timelines may shift if orders are placed too close to the Chinese New Year.

How Long Are Factories Actually Closed?

Although the official holiday lasts around one week, the total impact on production is usually longer during the Chinese New Year factory closures 2026.

Here is what typically happens:

Before the holiday

• Workers begin leaving early.
• Production slows down.
• Suppliers of raw materials reduce activity.

During the holiday

• Most factories are fully closed.
• Office communication may be limited.
• Shipping services operate at reduced capacity.

After the holiday

• Not all workers return immediately.
• Production gradually increases.
• Backlogs from pre-holiday orders are processed.

In practice, Chinese New Year factory closures in 2026 may cause disruption to production and supply for two to four weeks.

What Happens in the Chinese Market During This Period?

Chinese New Year factory closures 2026 not only affect factories. The entire industrial system slows down. Here are common changes:

• Component suppliers pause operations.
• Freight forwarders handle a surge of shipments before the holiday.
• Port congestion may increase before and after the break.
• Communication response times may be slower.

Many companies try to ship as much as possible before the Chinese New Year begins. This creates higher demand for logistics services, which can lead to limited container availability and longer transit times.

How This Affects Machinery Orders

Machinery production involves several stages: design confirmation, raw material sourcing, fabrication, assembly, testing, and packaging. Any delay in one stage can impact the entire schedule.

During the Chinese New Year, buyers may experience:

• Extended lead times
• Delays in final assembly
• Shipping schedule changes
• Increased freight demand

If orders are placed too close to the Chinese New Year, delivery expectations may not match actual factory availability.

Planning Ahead: What Buyers Should Do

Chinese New Year is predictable and happens every year. With proper planning, delays can be reduced.

Here are practical steps buyers can take:

1. Place Orders Early: Confirm orders well before the holiday period begins.

2. Confirm Factory Schedules: Ask suppliers about their exact shutdown and reopening dates.

3. Build Extra Time Into Your Schedule: Add buffer time to production and shipping estimates.

4. Coordinate Shipping in Advance: Secure freight bookings early if the shipment is planned near the holiday.

5. Maintain Clear Communication: Confirm milestones and completion status before the break begins.

These steps help protect your timeline during the Chinese New Year factory closures 2026.

Final Thoughts

Chinese New Year factory closures 2026 are a normal part of doing business with China. They do not mean factories stop permanently, but they do mean production pauses temporarily.

For machinery buyers, awareness and preparation are key. By understanding the Chinese New Year and its importance to the locals, confirming timelines early, and planning shipments carefully, you can avoid unnecessary delays.

At Kingsler Machinery, we believe transparency and communication are essential, especially during seasonal holidays. If you are considering placing an order around the Chinese New Year factory closures in 2026, it is best to contact and confirm production timelines in advance.

Recommended Read:

Factory Verificatoin in China Before Placing an Order

U.S. Import Requirements

Cost to Import Machinery to USA

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