Quick answer
Chinese New Year 2027 falls on Saturday 6 February. Factories slow down from mid-January as workers travel home, the official holiday runs for about a week, and many factories take weeks to get back to full staff afterwards. To get goods before the break, place orders and pay deposits by the end of November 2026, finish inspection by early January, and book freight early because rates rise before the holiday.
Key dates for 2027
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| End of November 2026 | Last safe point to confirm orders and pay deposits for pre-holiday shipping |
| Mid-January 2027 | Workers start leaving; production slows |
| 6 February 2027 | Chinese New Year (Year of the Goat); official holiday around the date |
| Late February – March 2027 | Factories restart slowly; many are short of staff |
How the holiday affects your order
- Production stops for several weeks in total, not just the official holiday.
- Quality risk rises just before the break, when factories rush, and just after, when new workers start.
- Freight rates rise and space gets tight in the weeks before the holiday.
- Replies slow down: many suppliers don't answer messages during the break.
A simple planning checklist
- Count back from when you need the goods in India: production (3–5 weeks), sea freight (2–4 weeks) and customs (about a week).
- Approve samples and confirm orders by end of November.
- Book a pre-shipment inspection for early January.
- Book freight early and confirm the vessel.
- For anything after the break, place the order before the holiday so you're first in the queue when factories restart.
Frequently asked questions
When is Chinese New Year 2027?
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Saturday, 6 February 2027. It begins the Year of the Goat.
How long are Chinese factories closed for New Year?
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The official holiday is about a week, but many factories effectively stop for 3–4 weeks and take longer to reach full staff again.
Should I order before or after Chinese New Year?
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If you need stock before March, order by the end of November. If not, place the order before the break so production starts as soon as factories reopen.
This guide is general information, not legal or customs advice. Duty rates and import rules change — confirm current requirements for your HS code with DGFT, CBIC or a licensed customs broker.
