How Chinese New Year Affects the Manufacturing & Shipping Industries

As a U.S. business owner with factory partners in mainland China, I’m often asked about the logistics of doing business with a company based in China. One of the most significant aspects of working with Chinese manufacturers is the logistics of shipping internationally, especially when it comes to Chinese New Year.

Chinese New Year is the most important and largest holiday of the year to the Chinese people, both in China and around the world. Chinese New Year falls on January 31, 2014, this year, but the traditional festivals and celebrations last anywhere from one to two weeks, causing most factories to be closed for as many as three weeks. This downtime creates a significant delay for the manufacturing and shipping industries in China. A shutdown of even a few days creates a backlog which impacts thousands of products.

The easiest way to ensure that you receive your product on time is to plan ahead, especially if you want to receive your order in the first quarter of the year. Since every product is different, you need a partner who understands the unique challenges of the international manufacturing and shipping industries.

At New England Toy we deliver products on spec and on time. We oversee the entire process from start to finish. Whether you need 1,000 or 100,000 pieces, we’re with you every step of the way. To learn more about our process, please give us a call.