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When is Chinese New Year 2026?

01-12-2025
when-is-chinese-new-years-2026

For any business sourcing from Asia, the Chinese New Year is the single most significant planned disruption to the global supply chain. Knowing the exact date is just the beginning; understanding its true impact on manufacturing and freight is essential for keeping your business running smoothly. 

This guide will provide the clear, actionable intel you need. We will cover the specific Chinese new years 2026 date, detail how the holiday will affect your shipping, and outline the true duration of the disruption so you can plan effectively.
 

Don’t let the annual shutdown disrupt your business. Mydello’s platform and expert team help you plan around the Chinese New Year in 2026 for seamless, predictable shipping.

What is Chinese Lunar New Year 2026? 

The Chinese New Year 2026 date is Tuesday, February 17, 2026. 

This event, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, marks the beginning of the new year on the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar. Unlike the Gregorian New Year on January 1st, the lunar new year 2026 date is determined by the moon’s cycles. 

The 2026 Chinese new year animal is the Horse. This is a major cultural event and an official public holiday in China, leading to the world’s largest annual human migration as workers return to their hometowns for family reunions. 

How does 2026 Chinese New Year affect my shipping?

The impact of the 2026 Chinese New Year on global logistics cannot be overstated. Businesses must prepare for a three-phase disruption: 

1. The Pre-Holiday Rush 

In the weeks leading up to when is Chinese New Years 2026, a massive surge in manufacturing and freight bookings occurs as businesses rush to ship goods before the country closes. This “pre-CNY rush” causes two major problems: 

  • Soaring Freight Rates: Demand for vessel space and air cargo skyrockets, driving up shipping costs. 
  • Reduced Capacity: Carriers operate at maximum capacity, making it extremely difficult to secure bookings. 

2. The Great Shutdown 

During the holiday period, factories and manufacturing facilities across China will completely shut down. This production halt is the primary cause of logistics delays. It’s essential to plan your inventory levels to account for this multi-week pause in production. 

3. The Post-Holiday Recovery 

The disruption doesn’t end on the official holiday date. It takes time for factories to resume full production as workers slowly return from their hometowns. This slow ramp-up period leads to continued production backlogs and shipping delays. 

Mydello’s Strategic Tip: To avoid delays and unexpected costs, coordinate with your suppliers and book your shipments at least 4-6 weeks before the Chinese lunar new year 2026. Proactive planning is the key to simplifying your logistics. 

How long does Chinese New Year last in 2026? 

This is the most critical piece of information for logistics planning. While the official holiday is one week, the real disruption is much longer. 

  • Official Public Holiday: Seven days, from February 17 to February 23, 2026. 
  • Factory Closures: Most factories and businesses will close for at least 2-3 weeks. Some shutdowns can last for over a month. 
  • Total Logistics Disruption Window: The effective period of disruption for your supply chain—from the pre-rush rate hikes to the post-holiday manufacturing delays—can span 6 to 8 weeks. 

Do not base your planning on the one-week official holiday. Use the wider 6-to-8-week window for realistic scheduling. 

The Chinese New Year is complex, but your logistics don’t have to be. Partner with Mydello to build a resilient supply chain that anticipates and navigates annual disruptions with ease.

Conclusion 

The 2026 Chinese New Year presents a critical, but predictable, challenge for global supply chains. By understanding the date (February 17), planning for the full 6-to-8-week disruption window, and anticipating the pre-holiday rush, your business can significantly mitigate the risk of delays and higher costs. 

The key takeaway is simple: proactive planning is the only way to successfully manage the Chinese New Year. At Mydello, our goal is to provide the tools and expertise to make that planning straightforward and effective.