Chinese New Year 2028: What Importers Must Know for Supply Chain Planning

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival (春节, chūnjié), is the most important holiday in the Chinese calendar. Colorful celebrations attract millions of people in China and beyond, combining tradition, family, and joyful marking of a new beginning. In 2028, the New Year will begin on January 26, and according to the Chinese zodiac, it will be the Year of the Monkey – a symbol of intelligence, cleverness, and energy.

When is the Chinese New Year 2028?

Chinese New Year does not have a fixed date in the Gregorian calendar – it falls on the first day of the new moon in the first month of the lunar year. In 2028, it falls on Wednesday, January 26. The Year of the Monkey, starting on this day, is traditionally associated with creativity, flexibility, and activity, both in personal and professional life.

Traditions and Customs

Chinese New Year is a time for rituals intended to bring luck and ward off misfortune. The most important customs include:

• Cleaning and decorations – homes are thoroughly cleaned, and windows and doors are decorated with red lanterns and signs featuring the symbol 福 (fu – luck).
• Family reunion dinner – symbolic dishes are served: dumplings (jiaozi) for wealth, fish for abundance, and noodles for longevity.
• Fireworks and firecrackers – traditionally used to scare away evil spirits and create a festive atmosphere.
• Red envelopes (“hongbao”) – elders give money to younger family members as a symbol of good wishes.

Lantern Festival – the end of celebrations

The celebrations traditionally end with the Lantern Festival, which falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month. On this day, people walk with lanterns, participate in parades, and share sweets. It symbolizes saying goodbye to the old year and welcoming a new year full of prosperity.

Year of the Monkey – what to expect?

According to the Chinese zodiac, the Year of the Monkey 2028 will be a time of activity, creativity, and adaptability. It is a good period for new projects, creative endeavors, and taking on challenges. People born in the Year of the Monkey are seen as intelligent, energetic, and sociable – traits believed to influence the character of the entire year.

Chinese New Year and its impact on business

For companies working with China or importing goods, the Chinese New Year period requires special attention. Key factors to consider include:

• Mass migration of workers and travelers can disrupt transport within cities and across the country.
• Many factories halt production for at least a week, with some reducing operations even several weeks before the holiday.
• Orders placed just before or after the New Year may have lower quality due to rushed production or limited workforce availability.
• Contact with suppliers may be difficult, delaying negotiations and order fulfillment.
• Transport and logistics operations are often delayed, with longer queues at ports and warehouses.
• Prices for products and shipping typically rise before the holiday due to increased demand and limited supply.

When planning imports from China, it is best to account for these factors in advance to avoid supply chain disruptions and unexpected costs.