The Lunar New Year is one of the most significant holidays in Asia, and it brings major changes to production and logistics schedules across China. If you run a dropshipping business or work with Chinese suppliers, this period can affect your order processing, manufacturing, and shipping timelines.
The 2026 Lunar New Year holiday in Mainland China will officially take place from February 17 to February 23, 2026. However, most warehouses, logistics providers, and factories will begin reducing operations from February 10 and will gradually resume work around February 26–28.
For overseas sellers, this means it’s crucial to prepare your stock in advance and plan your order fulfillment strategy carefully to avoid disruptions.
Why the Lunar New Year Affects Dropshipping
During the Lunar New Year, factories shut down so workers can return home and celebrate with their families. Couriers and shipping companies also suspend domestic transportation. As a result, the entire supply chain slows down from product manufacturing to last-mile delivery.
When your suppliers are based in China, you might experience:
- Delayed order fulfillment and shipping after February 13.
- Longer restocking cycles due to factory closures.
- Slower customer service response while teams are out of office.
Understanding these patterns allows you to plan ahead and maintain smooth operations even when your suppliers are offline.
Recommended Preparation Timeline for the 2026 Holiday from Shipbear
Use the following schedule to organize your operations effectively:
- By February 7, 2026 – Complete Restocking:
Confirm your inventory and submit all bulk or critical orders to suppliers. - February 10–15, 2026 – Last Shipment Period:
Most warehouses will ship final pre‑holiday orders during this week. - February 16–23, 2026 – Full Holiday Closure:
Factories, warehouses, and couriers will close. No shipments or manufacturing will occur. - February 26–28, 2026 – Gradual Resumption:
Operations restart, though lead times may remain slightly longer than usual.
By following this timeline, your store can continue receiving and processing orders smoothly while maintaining good delivery expectations with customers.
Practical Tips for Overseas Dropshipping Sellers
- Place all restock orders early. Aim to finalize orders by February 7 at the latest.
- Communicate with your customers. Update your store banners or shipping FAQs so international buyers understand potential delivery delays.
- Avoid launching big promotions that depend on rapid fulfillment during mid‑February.
- Monitor supplier announcements to stay updated on specific factory or warehouse closure dates.
- Adjust your paid advertising and inventory forecasts based on slower shipping speeds.
These steps will not only protect your store performance but also strengthen long‑term customer trust and satisfaction.
How Shipbear Can Help You Stay Ahead
Shipbear supports global sellers in navigating the Lunar New Year slowdown by providing early inventory management, reliable warehouse operations, and flexible fulfillment options. Our team ensures your products are stocked and orders are processed before the shutdown begins, minimizing the risk of order delays.
Even during the holiday period, Shipbear’s system continues to sync your store orders, so once operations resume, shipments will be processed immediately. We also offer real‑time updates and proactive communication, allowing you to keep your customers informed about delivery timelines.
If you need to secure stock in advance, our warehouse storage and pre‑order placement services can help you maintain steady inventory levels throughout February. With Shipbear, you can enjoy peace of mind while your business continues to run smoothly.
Planning Ahead Keeps Your Business Running Smoothly
The Lunar New Year period may seem challenging for eCommerce sellers, but with proactive planning and clear communication, you can maintain steady sales and minimize disruptions.
By preparing early, adjusting your campaign timing, and coordinating with logistics partners, you’ll stay ahead of competitors who fail to adapt. Let this festive period become an opportunity to show reliability and professionalism to your global customers.
From all of us in Shipbear, we wish you a happy, successful, and prosperous Year of the Horse 2026!
