How can I evaluate and select suppliers during the Chinese New Year shutdown?

Many importers believe that procurement stops during the holiday, but knowing how to select China suppliers during CNY is a strategic advantage for savvy buyers. While factories are officially closed, the 2026 Chinese New Year shutdown is the perfect window to evaluate supplier responsiveness, verify certifications, and secure early production slots. In this guide, we break down the expert evaluation process to ensure your supply chain remains resilient even when the world's factory goes silent.

I evaluate and select suppliers during the Chinese New Year shutdown by checking their shutdown calendars, confirming their last order dates, reviewing quality systems, and assessing their reliability when operations pause. I check their backup plans, communication habits, and their ability to restart after the break. I also plan orders early and review supply risk so I can reduce delays and protect my inventory.

I will now walk through each major question that buyers ask during this period and break down the steps that help reduce risks.

What criteria should I use to evaluate suppliers during the Chinese New Year?

I often feel pressure when I try to choose the right supplier during the Chinese New Year shutdown because many factories close early and information becomes hard to confirm. I do not want to make a wrong choice that slows down my whole plan.

I evaluate suppliers during the Chinese New Year by asking for their shutdown calendar, checking their order cut-off dates, reviewing their quality systems, and looking at their communication habits. I also check their past performance during holiday periods so I can see if they can manage delays and restart work on time.

Understanding production timelines and factory behavior

Many China-based factories stop production one to two weeks before the official public holiday. The official 2026 holiday runs from February 15 to February 23, but real factory downtime often begins much earlier. This early slowdown happens because workers start traveling back to their hometowns well ahead of the holiday.

Buyers who plan to source from Chinese suppliers need to understand this gap between the official break and the actual shutdown. This early slowdown also affects sub-suppliers, raw-material vendors, and shipping partners. Many factories do not publish these internal schedules online, so asking for a written shutdown plan is important.

Checking clarity and transparency

Factories that share information in a clear way usually have better internal control. When a supplier avoids giving a shutdown calendar, it is often a sign that their planning is weak. Some factories keep their product pages active on marketplaces even when no staff is available to answer questions.

Buyers who work with a China sourcing agent can ask them to verify the plan by calling the factory or checking its previous years’ timelines.

Evaluating quality and process discipline

Quality problems often increase right before Chinese New Year because factories rush to finish pending orders. It is wise to strengthen inspection rules for any batch scheduled close to the holiday.

Third-party inspectors or a China sourcing and logistics service can help with on-site checks when factory teams are busy or understaffed.

Considering communication and responsiveness

Communication usually slows during the holiday, especially when sales teams travel or when only one person remains on duty. A supplier who still gives clear replies during the pre-holiday period shows stronger internal coordination.

Assessing reliability and risk

A good supplier handles both normal production and seasonal disruption with discipline. Buyers should also check whether a supplier has backup plans for raw materials or sub-suppliers.

Can I make supplier selections during the Chinese New Year period?

I sometimes feel unsure about choosing new suppliers during the Chinese New Year period because factories stop production, many staff members are away, and replies come slower than usual.

I can make supplier selections during the Chinese New Year period by reviewing supplier information, comparing pricing, checking past performance, and confirming shutdown schedules.

Using the holiday period for non-production tasks

The Chinese New Year break affects physical production, but it does not stop buyers from completing research and supplier evaluations. Online listings on platforms like 1688 and Alibaba remain active.

Communicating with sourcing agents who stay online

During the break, many sourcing agents stay available even when factory teams travel home. They help compare suppliers, confirm details, and reduce misunderstandings.

Building a supplier shortlist without placing orders

Choosing a supplier and placing an order are two different things. This period can be used to review quotations, check supplier capacity, and verify documents.

Reviewing supply chain risks before making decisions

The holiday period also gives buyers time to study supplier risks, including post-holiday quality stability and worker return rates.

Strengthening planning for later production

When buyers use the Chinese New Year break for supplier evaluation, they enter the post-holiday period with a more organized sourcing plan.

How do I assess supplier reliability when they are on holiday?

I often feel uncertain when factories go on holiday because I cannot see what is happening inside their workshops.

I assess supplier reliability during the holiday by checking their shutdown plans, looking at past performance, reviewing quality records, and confirming how they handle communication before and after the break.

Checking accurate and complete shutdown calendars

A reliable supplier gives a clear holiday schedule early, including order cut-off dates and restart timelines.

Studying communication habits

A reliable supplier answers questions before the holiday without long delays and may provide emergency contacts.

Reviewing past performance around holiday periods

Past behavior shows reliability. Buyers can review delivery logs, quality reports, and defect records from previous years.

Checking quality management systems

Factories with strong quality systems maintain discipline even under pressure. Buyers can request SOPs and inspection reports.

Looking at sub-supplier readiness

Reliable suppliers also prepare for raw-material and packaging vendor shutdowns.

Checking restart capability

A reliable supplier has a clear restart plan covering staff return, training, and early quality checks.

How can I ensure quality checks are done during Chinese New Year?

I often worry about quality problems during the Chinese New Year period because factories rush before the break.

I ensure quality checks during Chinese New Year by planning inspections early, arranging third-party QC, and reviewing suppliers’ quality systems for pre- and post-holiday production.

Planning inspections before the holiday rush

Early inspection booking helps avoid rushed production defects.

Verifying factory shutdown calendars and production slots

A strong supplier provides clear internal timelines and inspection windows.

Using independent third-party inspections

External inspectors remain active during the holiday and reduce the risk of skipped checks, especially for OEM China sourcing.

Adding post-holiday inspections for early restart runs

Early inspections after the holiday catch defects caused by new or returning workers.

Checking material readiness and storage

Buyers should confirm material stock levels to prevent unapproved substitutions.

Evaluating the supplier’s long-term quality system

Suppliers who manage quality well during high-pressure times are usually reliable long-term partners.

Using sourcing agents to coordinate checks

Sourcing agents can visit factories, verify inventory, and maintain communication during factory downtime.

Final Thoughts

Evaluating and selecting suppliers during the Chinese New Year shutdown is about strengthening supply resilience. Factories that plan ahead, communicate clearly, and maintain consistent quality stand out under pressure.

Footnote

1. Chinese New Year shutdown: How to plan supply chain
2. Impact of Chinese New Year on Supply Chains: Key Strategies
3. Selling during Chinese New Year: What global merchants should know
4. Chinese New Year Shutdown Tips - ShipSage
5. Chinese New Year: Essential Knowledge and Advice for Importers
6. Strategies for Lunar New Year in Your Chinese Supply Chain | C2W
7. Supply Chain 2024: How Chinese New Year Affect Your Business
8. Chinese New Year Shutdown 2026: Essential Supply Chain Prep for Importers
9. How To Mitigate Supply Chain Volatility During Chinese New Year
10. Manage Supply Chain Emergencies During Lunar New Year | C2W