The Lunar New Year or Chinese New Year is one of the most important holidays in several East Asian countries, including China, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and South Korea. Preparations start as early as two weeks in advance, which can slow production, limit operations, and may cause schedule disruptions and delays unless you have a clear plan in place.
Preparing for the Lunar New Year is so important for businesses. This article will discuss the following:
2024 Lunar New Year dates.
Overview of key dates.
Shipping and logistic tips for pre-Lunar New Year.
2024 Lunar New Year Dates
The Lunar New Year varies each year as it follows the lunar calendar. In most years, the new year falls between mid-January and mid-February. The celebrations in most countries can last up to 15 days. In 2024, the Lunar New Year celebrations will begin on Friday, February 9th, 2024. In many cases, festivities will continue until the end of February.
Overview of Key Dates
Communication with individual manufacturing and logistic partners is crucial during the months leading up to the Lunar New Year.
Each year, our Shipping and Logistic department contacts key manufacturing partners at least 3 months in advance to gather data about their planned Lunar New Year closure dates, the last date to place purchase orders for shipment before the Lunar New Year, and the first ship date before and after the Lunar New Year. This data helps our clients plan their order schedule and ensure efficient inventory management.
Generally, the key dates leading up to the Lunar New Year 2024 will be as follows:
Shipping and Logistic Tips pre-Lunar New Year
Plan
Start your planning process as early as possible, taking into account all the key dates mentioned above and how they will affect your supply chain. Make sure to plan your inventory needs in advance and be mindful of lead times and purchase order cut-off dates.
Communicate
Keep in close communication with your manufacturing and logistics partners, and keep the lines of communication open. Ensure that everyone is aligned regarding your expectations and requirements concerning deadlines and shipping needs. It is important to have a backup plan in place in case of any delays.
Consider
Take into consideration the factory closure dates and shipping schedules to avoid a last-minute rush in production and shipping. By doing so, you can minimize the chances of quality defects and shipping delays. Additionally, consider exploring alternative shipping methods and ports to mitigate the risk of port congestion.
Prepare
Make sure you have all the necessary documentation for customs clearance, and ensure that documents such as the Bill of Lading and Lacey Docs are processed and released before the start of the Lunar New Year holiday.
Evaluate
Assess the reliability and track record of your manufacturing and logistics partners in terms of on-time performance. Verify that they have the necessary resources in place to handle the demands of your business and effectively address any potential emergencies that may arise.
By incorporating these tips, you can maximize the efficiency of your supply chain and logistics during the Lunar New Year 2024. Proactive planning, effective communication, and flexibility will be key in ensuring a successful and smooth operation.
At FSE, we have more than 30 years of experience in product development, sourcing, manufacturing, quality assurance, and shipping & logistics. We would be delighted to discuss how we can assist you in transforming your product ideas into successful products.