Planning Ahead: What Every Brand Should Know About Chinese New Year Closures

Chinese New Year (CNY) is the single most significant holiday across China and much of East Asia, a moment when families reunite, cities empty, and factories fall silent. For the knitwear industry, it is not simply a festive break; it is a complete pause in production that can last several weeks.

For brands working with Chinese manufacturers, understanding how this period affects timelines is essential. With the right preparation, you can avoid delays, protect your launch schedules, and maintain a smooth relationship with your suppliers.

This guide walks you through what really happens behind the scenes, why lead times shift so dramatically, and how to plan ahead with confidence.

Why Chinese New Year Is Such a Major Disruption

Unlike Western holidays, CNY is not a long weekend, it is a nationwide shutdown. Factories close, logistics networks slow down, and workers travel back to their hometowns, often thousands of kilometres away.

Key reasons the impact is so significant

• Factories close completely, usually for 2–4 weeks.

• Workers travel home early, often leaving 1–2 weeks before the official holiday.

• Production resumes slowly, as not all workers return at the same time.

• Couriers, yarn suppliers, and dye houses also shut down, creating a chain reaction across the supply network.

• Ports and customs experience heavy congestion, especially in the weeks before and after the holiday.

For knitwear factories, which rely heavily on skilled craftsmen, yarn suppliers, and coordinated workflows, this period is particularly sensitive.

How Chinese New Year Affects Knitwear Lead Times

Lead times don’t simply extend during the holiday itself; they stretch before and after as well. Here’s why.

1. Pre‑holiday rush

Every brand wants their order completed before the break. This creates:

• Overloaded workshops

• Longer sample queues

• Yarn shortages

• Delays in pattern making and knitting

Even simple tasks take longer because every supplier in the chain is under pressure.

2. Early worker departures

Many craftsmen leave earlier than expected to secure travel tickets. This means:

• Reduced manpower

• Slower production

• Limited capacity for revisions or urgent orders

3. Post‑holiday restart

Factories don’t return to full speed immediately. Common issues include:

• Workers returning late

• New staff needing training

• Backlog from orders placed before the holiday

• Yarn suppliers resuming production at different times

This “restart lag” can last 1–3 weeks.

4. Yarn and material availability

Yarn mills also close, so:

• Special colours cannot be dyed

• Custom yarns cannot be spun

• Stock levels may be low

If your design requires a specific blend or colour, delays can be unavoidable unless planned early.

5. Logistics congestion

Couriers and freight companies face:

• Overloaded parcels

• Reduced staff

• Slower customs clearance

This affects both sample shipments and bulk deliveries.

When Should Brands Start Planning?

A realistic, safe timeline is:

For samples:

Start at least 2–3 months before CNY.

This allows time for:

• First sample

• Revisions

• Yarn sourcing

• Final approval

For bulk production:

Confirm orders no later than 8–10 weeks before the holiday.

This ensures:

• Yarn can be prepared

• Production can be scheduled

• Quality checks can be completed

• Shipping can be arranged before the rush

If you confirm too close to the holiday, your order may be pushed to after CNY, adding 4–8 weeks to your timeline.

Practical Tips to Stay Ahead

These strategies help brands avoid the seasonal bottleneck:

1. Share your forecast early

Even if you haven’t finalised designs, letting your supplier know your approximate plan helps them reserve capacity.

2. Approve samples promptly

Delays in feedback can push your order into the post‑holiday queue.

3. Confirm colours and yarns early

Custom yarns take time — and mills close early.

4. Avoid last‑minute design changes

Revisions close to CNY often cannot be completed in time.

5. Discuss timelines openly with your supplier

A transparent conversation helps both sides plan realistically.

A Fair and Realistic Perspective

It’s important to remember that CNY is not simply a business interruption, it is a deeply cultural moment. For many craftsmen, this is the only time of year they can return home. Factories close not out of inconvenience, but out of respect for family and tradition.

Brands that plan ahead not only protect their own timelines but also show understanding and respect for the people behind their products. This strengthens long‑term partnerships and ensures smoother production in the future.

Chinese New Year closures are predictable, but the delays they cause can be significant if not managed carefully. With early planning, clear communication, and realistic expectations, brands can navigate this period smoothly.