China Factories Close for Lunar New Year 2025 & Product Essential Planning Guide

When Do The Factories Close For Lunar New Year 2025? 

1. For The Factories 

Factory workers normally start leaving about a month before Lunar New Year, and most factories will close 2 weeks prior to the holiday. This means that production capacity will decline in December, with many factories halting new orders during that month to focus on completing existing ones before the holiday.

After this factory closes for Lunar New Year, they possibly return to work on 12th February

2. For The Shipment Process

Normally, sea freight will take 10-15 days longer for the last shipments before the New Year Holiday. Courier services, including our forwarder, will typically stop 7 days prior to CNY, so it’s advisable to ship at least 5 days ahead to ensure customs clearance, which may slow down during this period. While some domestic logistics providers will cease operations 7-10 days before CNY, SF Express will continue to service small parcels. Planning ahead will help ensure your shipments arrive on time for the holiday

Understanding Lunar New Year Factory Close

Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most significant holiday in China, marked by family reunions, traditional celebrations, and a well-deserved break for workers. During this period, factory closing can lead to:

• Production Delays: Many factories will halt production to allow their workers to return home, resulting in delays in fulfilling orders.
• Shipping Disruptions: With a large number of shipments paused, there can be considerable delays in logistics and transportation.
• Limited Communication: During the holiday, communication with suppliers may be limited, making it difficult to address urgent inquiries.
• Last-Minute Stress: The Lunar New Year season can be hectic, and waiting until the last minute to place orders can lead to unnecessary stress and rushed decisions. Early planning allows for a smoother process.
• Pricing and Availability: Demand for certain products may surge at year-end, leading to price increases and limited availability. Ordering early helps secure better pricing and ensures you get the items you need.

What Businesses Need to Plan Ahead Before Factories Close

1. Forecasting Product Demand
Historical data indicates that demand for promotional products typically spikes around the Lunar New Year. By placing your orders early, you can avoid stockouts and ensure that you have sufficient inventory for your marketing campaigns. Identify your top-selling promotional items from last year and place orders for these products now. Items like branded apparel, eco-friendly products, and tech gadgets often see heightened interest.

2. Consider Production Timelines
Many factories will begin shutting down operations in mid-January. With production times varying by-product, it’s essential to factor in both production and shipping times. Contact your suppliers immediately to confirm their holiday schedules and production timelines.
Note: For mass production orders, it’s advisable to start at least three months in advance to ensure that every step—from design and sampling to quality checks and shipment—is completed on time during peak season.

3. Maintain Regular Communication with Suppliers
Strong relationships can lead to better prioritization during peak periods. Schedule weekly or bi-weekly calls with suppliers in the weeks leading up to the holiday to stay informed of any changes in their production schedules.

What kinds of promotional products are the best choices for this short production time?

Simple products can be produced within 30 days. On the other hand, products that require new mold development can only have samples completed before Lunar New Year, as it’s already too late for sampling, mold creation, and mass production. Additionally, suppose orders for plush and polyresin items aren’t confirmed this month. In that case, they won’t ship before Lunar New Year due to longer production timelines, which require 40-50 days for manufacturing and 20 days for sampling.

Custom branding keychains

These customizable accessories not only serve as everyday items but also act as walking advertisements for your brand. By adding your logo and message, you create a memorable and tangible connection with your audience.

Bottle openers

As people gather to toast and ring in the new year, a personalized bottle opener not only enhances the festivities but also serves as a memorable keepsake. They effortlessly blend practicality with promotional value, ensuring your brand stays top-of-mind long after the celebrations are over; especially suitable for F&B or FMCG businesses.

Mugs with basic decalsMugs with basic decals

These personalized mugs are not just perfect for enjoying hot drinks during festive gatherings, but they also serve as a lasting reminder of your brand. By adding your logo and a special New Year message or designs, you can create unique gifts that resonate with employees, clients, and friends alike.

Holiday-Themed Products

The Year of the Snake (2025) is the perfect moment to celebrate this fascinating and symbolic creature! To honor this remarkable animal and its unique spirit, ODM is delighted to introduce our latest CNY collection: Branded Snake Merchandise! This exclusive merchandise not only serves as a stylish way to commemorate the festivities but also reflects our deep appreciation for and connection to the traditions of the Chinese New Year.

Gift Cards & Red Envelopes

These items, decorated with New Year patterns like Zodiac signs, flowers, and vibrant colors, are suitable gifts for the Lunar New Year due to their cultural significance, convenience, and personal connections. They embody the spirit of generosity and good wishes central to the holiday, making them ideal choices for celebrating with loved ones.

Clothing and Accessories

Wearing new clothing symbolizes a fresh start and the shedding of past misfortunes. Trying on new outfits during the New Year festivities is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the year ahead. One innovative item you can promote is reflective tote bags—practical and versatile accessories that people can use daily. You can incorporate intricate snake designs, vibrant colors, and even include special motifs or your company’s logo.