For logistics managers and supply chain planners, the start of the calendar year is always dominated by one major event: the Chinese New Year. As the most significant holiday in the manufacturing world, it brings production to a halt and creates a unique and intense set of challenges for global shipping.
With the Year of the Horse slowly drawing to a close, businesses importing from China should start preparing for Chinese New Year 2027 well in advance of the actual day. This period is notorious for rate spikes, capacity crunches, and disruptive “blank sailings.” However, with the right preparation and a digital logistics partner like MyDello by your side, you can navigate these turbulent waters smoothly and turn a potential crisis into a competitive advantage.
This guide covers the key dates, likely shipping disruptions and practical steps businesses can take to prepare for Chinese New Year 2027.
Don’t let the annual holiday rush disrupt your business. Gain a strategic advantage by planning your shipments with MyDello’s expert team and transparent digital platform.
Create Your No-Cost Account Today and experience the New Era of Logistics
The date of the Lunar New Year changes annually because it is based on the lunisolar calendar. So, when is lunar new year 2027?
The Chinese New Year 2027 falls on Saturday, February 6, 2027.
China’s official public-holiday arrangements for 2027 have not yet been announced. However, factory closures and logistics disruption typically extend well beyond the official holiday period, as many employees travel home before the holiday and return gradually afterward.
Every year is associated with one of the twelve zodiac animals. Chinese New Year 2027 marks the beginning of the Year of the Goat, specifically the Fire Goat, with the Chinese zodiac sign 羊.
The effects of Chinese New Year are felt in several stages across global supply chains.
1. The pre-holiday rush: Around four to six weeks before Chinese New Year
Production deadlines may already begin falling in mid-January, or a bit before, as some factory employees may start leaving in the second half of January. This can mean that weeks before the Lunar new year 2027 date, potentially already starting in December 2026, a rush begins as importers scramble to get their orders shipped out of China before factories close. This surge in demand can lead to:
2. Reduced sailings and post-holiday disruption: Late January to late February
Carriers may reduce or reschedule sailings to align capacity with lower holiday-period demand. This can leave fewer departure options and create delays for cargo that misses its intended sailing.
Although “blank sailings” are normally announced before the holiday, even if the actual cancelled departures occur during or after it, this can still be extremely disruptive as during the holiday season there might not be another shipping option available on short notice.
Resilience during the 2027 Chinese New Year is not about reacting; it’s about proactive planning. Here are three essential strategies to protect your supply chain.
1. Communicate Proactively with Suppliers
Contact your suppliers during Q3 or early Q4 2026. As Chinese New Year falls on February 6, waiting until late Q4 could be risky for businesses with long production lead times.
There are several different dates that are important to know, and that you should confirm with your supplier:
This information is more important than the official public holiday dates. Using clear delivery terms is crucial; review our Guide to Incoterms to ensure both you and your supplier are aligned on responsibilities.
2. Build an Inventory Buffer and Forecast Accurately
Forecast the inventory required to cover the factory shutdown, transport disruption, and gradual post-holiday production recovery. For many businesses, this means planning for at least three to four weeks of reduced availability, although the appropriate buffer will depend on the supplier, product, and transport route.
3. Book Shipments Well in Advance
The “Golden Rule” of Chinese New Year shipping is to book early. We recommend securing your space at least 4 to 6 weeks before your desired departure date.
It is a common and costly misconception that China only shuts down for one week. The manufacturing freeze is much longer due to the human element of the holiday.
Chinese New Year is China’s most important family holiday, prompting millions of workers to travel from major manufacturing centers back to their hometowns.
This means you should prepare for several weeks of reduced or unavailable production, rather than planning around only the official public-holiday period
When ocean freight capacity tightens and rates spike around the Chinese New Year, leveraging alternative logistics modes can save your supply chain.
MyDello’s platform aggregates real-time data from air, sea, rail, and road carriers, giving you the flexibility to compare and switch modes based on the unique pressures of the 2027 Chinese New Year.
Ready to prepare your supply chain for Chines New Year 2027? Experience the future of freight forwarding with MyDello’s powerful platform and expert support.
Create Your No-Cost Account Today and experience the New Era of Logistics
The Chinese New Year is a predictable disruption, yet it catches many businesses off guard every year. By marking 6 February 2027 on your calendar and planning for disruption before and after the official holiday, you can take practical steps to protect your supply chain.
You can adjust the below planning guideline for your businesses’ needs, but the key dates and preparations are:
With early preparation, clear communication, and flexible transport planning, you can reduce the risk of delays and keep your inventory moving throughout the holiday period.