The biggest logistics event of the year
Chinese New Year (CNY) isn't just a holiday—it's the largest annual human migration on the planet. For two weeks, factories shut down, ports slow to a crawl, and hundreds of millions of people travel home to celebrate with family.
For e-commerce brands sourcing from China, this means one thing: plan ahead or face stockouts.
In 2025, Chinese New Year falls on January 29th, but the impact on logistics starts weeks before and extends weeks after. Understanding the timeline is critical to keeping your business running smoothly.
The CNY shutdown timeline
Here's what typically happens:
• 2-3 weeks before CNY: Factory output slows as workers prepare to leave. Lead times extend.
• 1 week before CNY: Most factories close. Shipping slows significantly.
• During CNY (2 weeks): Nearly everything stops. Minimal shipping, no production.
• 1-2 weeks after CNY: Factories gradually reopen, but it takes time to ramp back up to full capacity.
The total disruption window? 4-6 weeks of reduced or halted operations.
How this affects your business
If you're relying on just-in-time inventory from China, CNY can be devastating. Stockouts lead to lost sales, frustrated customers, and missed growth opportunities.
But it doesn't have to be this way. Smart brands treat CNY as a planning milestone, not a surprise disruption.
The key is to front-load orders, secure inventory early, and have a buffer to carry you through the shutdown period and the slow ramp-up after.
How RouteOne helps you navigate CNY
At RouteOne, we know CNY inside and out because we live and breathe China logistics year-round.
We help brands by:
• Providing early warnings and timelines specific to your suppliers
• Helping you plan inventory buffers and safety stock levels
• Coordinating pre-CNY shipments to ensure you're covered
• Leveraging our port relationships to expedite shipments in the lead-up
Don't let CNY catch you off guard. Work with partners who understand the rhythm of Chinese manufacturing and can keep your supply chain moving, even when the world's largest economy takes a break.
The bottom line
The end of de minimis for China is real, and yes, it's a shift. But it's not the end of the road.
Smart brands that act now, plan ahead, and understand their numbers will continue to grow, and we'll be right beside you, making sure your logistics stay as smooth, cost-effective, and compliant as possible.
Need help on streamlining your supply-chain?
Just reach out, we're ready.
