Why Chinese Factories Shut Down Longer for Chinese New Year holiday – What Buyers Need to Know

 

As the 2025 Chinese new year holiday approaching, for companies who regularly work with Chinese suppliers, the CNY holiday is a well-known period of downtime. However, many may not fully grasp how long the break really is, or the reasons behind this extended holiday. The official holiday period runs from January 28 to February 3, 2025, but in reality, factories in the apparel industry, particularly in the lingerie sector, may close much earlier and remain closed for a longer period. The precise dates can vary widely, depending on the factory, region, and the type of products being manufactured.

 OEM/OEM Period panties

In the apparel industry, particularly in lingerie manufacturing, the production process is complex and requires high craftsmanship, leading to longer factory shutdowns during the CNY holiday. Many skilled workers typically return to their rural hometowns to reunite with their families for the holiday, which directly impacts production schedules. Many factories begin their holiday break two to three weeks before the official holiday dates, and after the holiday, workers may need additional time to return to their positions. This extended absence is especially significant in the lingerie sector, as lingerie has higher demands for fit and comfort compared to ready-to-wear apparel, and its production process is more intricate. Skilled labor is essential for manufacturing these products.

 

This holiday period isn’t the same across all factories. The exact length of the break can differ from one region to another in China. Factories in areas like Guangdong, a major hub for lingerie manufacturing, might close earlier or later than factories in other regions such as Zhejiang or Fujian, depending on local customs and workforce availability. Factories in larger cities might face longer delays as workers travel to more remote areas, while those in more centralized regions may experience shorter breaks.

 

The specific type of lingerie being produced also influences factory shutdowns. Factories that specialize in high-complexity products, such as Custom Lace Lingerie, Seamless Jelly bras, or performance wear like Menstural Panties, may need more time to complete production before the holiday and to ramp up operations afterward. These products require more skilled labor and attention to detail, meaning the production cycle often stretches longer than for simpler apparel. Additionally, the process of sourcing raw materials—such as specialized fabrics, lace, padding, and straps—can also be delayed during the Spring Festival period as suppliers also close for the holiday, further affecting the manufacturing timeline.

 

It’s importance let buyers understanding this regional and product-specific variability is essential for effective supply chain management. To avoid production delays, it is critical to place orders well in advance of the Spring Festival, ideally 1 to 2 months before the official holiday begins. Early ordering ensures that factories have enough time to complete production before they close, and also allows for the shipping arrangements to be made ahead of time. After the holiday, while factories gradually resume operations, some may need additional time to get back to full capacity, especially in the lingerie sector, where workers may be returning in stages and production lines may take time to ramp up.

 

Shipping delays also become a key concern during this period. With both factories and logistics companies working at reduced capacity, buyers should anticipate longer transit times and potential bottlenecks. Proactive communication with factories and freight forwarders about specific delivery schedules can help mitigate these challenges.

 

Understanding the Chinese New Year holiday, or Spring Festival, and the manufacturing shutdowns it causes is crucial for international buyers. By familiarizing yourself with these holiday schedules, you can better plan your orders, sample confirmations, and mass production timelines to avoid any disruptions. This proactive approach will help ensure that your lingerie products are ready for sale and on schedule for any planned launch dates. By accounting for this period in advance, you can avoid delays in production and shipping, keeping your supply chain smooth and your sales plans intact.