Chinese New Year 2022 for Amazon Sellers
Introduction
The Chinese celebrate their new year through the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, the most significant family celebration. Like Western New Year's Eve, it features fireworks, but the Chinese version involves "long preparation and then traditionally 15 days of customs, feasts, and a conclusion with the magical lantern festival."
Why Chinese New Year Dates Vary
Because China follows the lunar calendar, Chinese New Year falls on different dates annually. The celebration begins on the second (rarely third) new moon after winter solstice. This causes the date to shift backward approximately 11 days yearly. A leap month occasionally inserts between years, shifting the celebration by around 19 days. The earliest possible date is January 21.
Key Dates for Upcoming Years
- 2022: February 1 → Year of the Tiger
- 2023: January 22 → Year of the Rabbit
- 2024: February 10 → Year of the Dragon
- 2025: January 29 → Year of the Snake
- 2026: February 17 → Year of the Horse
Five Essential Tips for Chinese New Year Season
1. Check Factory Capacity
Email your factory contact with two questions:
- When does the office close for Chinese New Year?
- When does the factory close?
Note: Office closures typically last 7-10 days, differing from factory closures.
2. Avoid Pre-Holiday Production
"Reduce the risk of quality issues and delivery thresholds through avoiding products, which were produced right before chinese new year."
3. Reassess Carrier Capacity and Pricing
Shipping companies experience increased demand for containers before Chinese New Year, making this "the most expensive time of the year for shipping goods."
4. Consider Supplier Gifts
Since Christmas precedes Chinese New Year, observe whether suppliers send Christmas gifts before deciding to reciprocate for the Chinese celebration.
5. Anticipate Orders in Advance
Plan ahead by providing suppliers with order forecasts at year's beginning. This strategy helps "avoid potential quality issues, late orders, higher costs, and inflated shipping prices."