Chinese New Year Production Delay: What Plush Toy Buyers Should Know

Chinese New Year is the most important annual holiday in China, and it has a significant impact on manufacturing schedules across the country. For buyers sourcing custom plush toys from China, understanding how Chinese New Year affects production timelines is essential for avoiding delays.

Why Chinese New Year Impacts Plush Toy Production

In the weeks leading up to Chinese New Year, most plush toy factories in China focus on completing existing orders before the holiday shutdown. Production lines operate at full capacity, and new orders are often scheduled several weeks later.

After the holiday, factories resume operations gradually as workers return in stages. This ramp-up period often results in a temporary backlog, especially for custom-made plush toys that require pattern making and material preparation.

Post-Holiday Production Schedules Fill Quickly

Due to strong demand before the holiday, production capacity after Chinese New Year is usually booked far in advance. Many plush toy manufacturers experience fully booked schedules for several weeks, and in some cases, production slots are filled through late April.

Buyers who confirm orders late may face longer lead times and limited flexibility in delivery schedules.

How Early Planning Helps Plush Toy Buyers

Placing orders early allows manufacturers to plan production more efficiently and helps buyers secure earlier delivery dates. Early planning enables factories to:

This is especially important for buyers serving the US and European markets, where shipping timelines and seasonal promotions require accurate planning.

Recommendations for US and European Buyers

If your plush toy project requires shipment shortly after Chinese New Year, it is strongly recommended to confirm orders as early as possible. Early order confirmation helps ensure smoother production and more reliable delivery schedules.

Working with an experienced plush toy manufacturer in China that understands overseas compliance requirements can further reduce 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 minimized with proper planning. By confirming orders early and allowing sufficient lead time, buyers can secure stable production and avoid unnecessary disruptions.

If you are planning a custom plush toy project for the US or European market, early discussion and clear timelines will help ensure successful production after the holiday.