The biggest festival in China, Chinese New Year, is a well-known calendar event. However, the holiday still remains one of the most significant challenges in the global supply chains. Production decreases, operational capacities become limited, and schedules are disrupted. Thorough preparation is fundamental to ensure continuous service.

Here is how Chinese New Year affects inventory planning and how Autopilot can help. Perhaps next year you can plan with us.

What you should account for when planning

In 2026, the Year of the Horse begins on the 17th of February. While the official public holiday will likely run from the 17th of February to the 23rd of February, the impact on logistics is not limited to this window:

• Production delays extend beyond the holiday as factories slow down weeks in advance and take time to come back to full capacity (usually until mid-March).

• Communication becomes minimal, meaning no urgent emails, calls, or rush orders will be answered during the break.

• High shipping demand drives up rates with peak season surcharges.

• Congestion leads to container shortages and extended customs delays. Lead times become uncertain.

What you cannot predict

Some events are impossible to foresee. These can be sudden port strikes, raw material shortages, and severe workforce turnover, as employees often do not return to their previous jobs. Therefore, it is best to start planning early to ensure you have enough time to mitigate potential crises.

How Autopilot helps

Planning for the Chinese New Year with Autopilot is as easy as managing your personal calendar.

First, filter your entire vendor list by region (e.g., China). This isolates every supplier affected by the holiday, allowing you to quickly go through and update their schedules in one go.

In the section ‘Preferred Order Dates’, you simply mark the dates when your suppliers are unable to accept orders. You can set blackout dates also for specific items.

Autopilot’s algorithms account for these periods immediately. By analysing your real-time demand forecasts, seasonality, and promotions, and adjusting for the longer lead times, Autopilot automatically calculates:

• When to order (bringing dates forward)

• How much to order (increasing quantity to cover the downtime period)

• How much buffer stock to add

You receive a ready-made purchase list to review, so you can place orders immediately.

Beyond the Chinese New Year

Autopilot can help with any known future disruptions. You can use the same feature to plan for Diwali in India, Golden Week in Japan, or summer closures across Europe.

Conclusion

Do not let a predictable event cause an unpredictable crisis. With Autopilot, you can plan together with your suppliers, mitigate the risk of stockouts, and ensure you have what you need when you need it.

Contact us to find out how we can help you manage the next holiday season.