Chinese New Year is approaching, and for many plush toy manufacturers in China, this period marks the busiest time of the year. For buyers and brand owners sourcing custom plush toys for the US and European markets, understanding how Chinese New Year affects production schedules is essential for effective planning.

Why Chinese New Year Affects Plush Toy Production

In the weeks leading up to Chinese New Year, most plush toy factories focus on completing existing orders before the holiday shutdown. During this peak season, production lines operate at full capacity, and new production slots become limited.

After the holiday, factories resume operations gradually as workers return in stages. This often results in a temporary backlog, especially for custom-made plush toys that require pattern development, material sourcing, and sampling before mass production.

Post-Holiday Production Is Already Booking Ahead

Due to high demand before the holiday, post–Chinese New Year production schedules are filling quickly. Many plush toy factories have already booked production orders through late April, particularly for OEM and ODM projects serving overseas markets.

For buyers who require early shipment after the holiday, late order confirmation can lead to extended lead times and limited flexibility in delivery schedules.

How Early Planning Helps Plush Toy Buyers

Placing orders early allows plush toy manufacturers to:

• Secure production capacity in advance

• Prepare fabrics and raw materials on time

• Schedule sampling and approvals efficiently

• Reduce delays caused by post-holiday production congestion

Early planning is especially important for custom plush toys, promotional plush items, and products with specific safety or compliance requirements for the US and EU markets.

Recommendations for US and European Buyers

If your project requires shipment shortly after Chinese New Year, it is strongly recommended to confirm orders as early as possible. This ensures smoother production planning and more reliable delivery timelines.

Working with an experienced plush toy manufacturer in China that understands overseas compliance standards can also help minimize risks during peak production periods.

Plan Ahead for Reliable Plush Toy Production

Chinese New Year is a predictable annual event, but production delays can be avoided with proper planning. By confirming orders early and allowing sufficient lead time, buyers can secure stable production and avoid unnecessary disruptions.

If you have upcoming plush toy projects for the US or European markets, early discussion and planning will help ensure successful production after the holiday.