Aside from being a demand-driving moment, however, this critical period does come with extra shipping considerations. Production timelines, courier capacity, customs processing and delivery schedules can all be affected by the holiday — making early planning essential.
At SAMOS, we specialise in helping e-commerce businesses plan their international shipping strategies all year round. From product demand to international shipping and logistics considerations, here’s what we think you need to know about preparing for Lunar New Year 2026.
In this guide:
- How Lunar New Year impacts global e-commerce
- Best products to sell during Lunar New Year
- International shipping and customs considerations during Lunar New Year
- Managing delivery delays and service disruptions
#What Is Lunar New Year and How Does It Affect Global E-commerce Sales?
Lunar New Year is celebrated across China and many other countries, including Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. The festival lasts more than two weeks and centres around family reunions, gift-giving, decorations, travel and new beginnings. In 2026, Lunar New Year’s Eve falls on 16 February, marking the start of the Year of the Horse.
Gift-giving is a major part of the celebration. Traditional red envelopes — often containing money or small gifts — symbolise luck and prosperity, while many consumers also purchase food, clothing, and household items in preparation for the festivities.
For international e-commerce brands, this seasonal surge in demand coincides with widespread factory shutdowns, reduced courier availability and slower customs clearance — all of which can directly impact fulfilment and delivery performance if not planned for in advance.
#Can Lunar New Year Increase International Sales for UK E-commerce Businesses?
Yes — Lunar New Year is increasingly recognised as a global e-commerce opportunity.
As cross-border shopping grows and international consumers become more comfortable buying from overseas brands, many UK businesses see a noticeable uplift in orders during the Lunar New Year period.
Previous data from Rakuten Marketing has shown a 38% year-on-year increase in orders for advertisers during the core Lunar New Year window. With celebrations and activities lasting 15 days or more, this creates an extended period of elevated demand.
Globally, around two billion people celebrate Lunar New Year, with consumer spending reaching approximately $1.5 trillion in 2023. Even a short holiday window can drive extraordinary commercial activity.
However, increased demand also puts pressure on international shipping networks — reinforcing the importance of having the right shipping strategy and partners in place. For the right businesses, Lunar New Year can be treated as a strategic retail season rather than a one-off cultural event.
#Which Products Sell Best During Lunar New Year Online?
While not every product category will benefit equally, items that align with gifting traditions and family gatherings tend to perform best.
Product categories that consistently see strong demand include:
- Food and beverage
- Supermarkets and grocery
- Clothing
- Footwear
Popular Lunar New Year items often include:
- Sweets and confectionery
- Snack foods and crisps
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Decorations and crafts
These products reflect the social and celebratory nature of the season and are particularly well suited to gifting.
#📊 Lunar New Year E-commerce Trends and Consumer Spending Statistics
During the Lunar New Year holiday in 2025:
- Consumer-related industries recorded a 10.8% increase in average daily sales revenue
- Spending on consumer goods rose 9.9% year on year
- Spending on services increased 12.3% year on year
These figures reinforce the strength and consistency of Lunar New Year consumer spending — even during periods of economic uncertainty.
#How UK E-commerce Businesses Can Prepare for Lunar New Year Sales
Preparation is key to making the most of Lunar New Year demand.
From a commercial perspective, this may involve:
- Holding buffer stock for high-performing products
- Allocating additional budget to restock popular items quickly
- Reviewing demand forecasts for international markets
From a logistics perspective, international shipping planning becomes especially critical during Lunar New Year. This is where experienced partners can help businesses navigate complex global supply chains and seasonal disruption.
As international shipping specialists, here at SAMOS, we know that many products entering China are regulated and may require additional licences documentation, or certification. As regulations can change, it’s important to confirm current import requirements before shipping.
Businesses should also plan for temporary service slowdowns and closures during the Lunar New Year period. High shipment volumes in the weeks leading up to the holiday can cause congestion, so building extra lead time into your delivery schedule can help avoid delays.
It’s also worth noting that Lunar New Year in 2026 falls 19 days later than it did in 2025—something that may affect production, fulfilment and shipping timelines.
#International Shipping Support for Lunar New Year E-commerce Deliveries
SAMOS helps growing UK e-commerce businesses overcome the complexities of international shipping — including during peak periods like Lunar New Year.
Our destination pages provide clear, up-to-date guidance on shipping requirements, documentation, transit times, and rates for deliveries from the UK to China and beyond.
When you ship with SAMOS, you benefit from:
- One-to-one, bespoke support from shipping experts with decades of experience
- Reliable, fully tracked global DDP deliveries including China, Singapore and Malaysia
- Smart international returns solutions designed to protect your margins and brand
- Transparent pricing tailored to your business
FAQs: Lunar New Year E-commerce Shipping
What is Lunar New Year and why is it important for e-commerce shipping? Lunar New Year is a major global shopping period driven by gift-giving and seasonal spending. At the same time, factory closures, reduced courier capacity and slower customs processing can significantly impact delivery timelines.
Can UK e-commerce businesses ship internationally during Lunar New Year? Yes, many UK brands successfully ship into Asian markets during Lunar New Year. The key is planning inventory, dispatch dates and customs documentation early to avoid disruption.
Which countries see the highest Lunar New Year online sales? China leads Lunar New Year spending, followed by Singapore, Malaysia and other Southeast Asian markets. These destinations often experience customs congestion during the holiday period, making experienced shipping support particularly valuable.
What shipping challenges occur during Lunar New Year? Factory closures, courier backlogs and customs delays are common during the holiday period. Working with an experienced international shipping partner helps mitigate risk, maintain delivery reliability and protect customer satisfaction.
Expert Lunar New Year Shipping Support for UK E-commerce Brands
If you’re planning for Lunar New Year — or want reliable international shipping support all year round — Speak to an Asian-market shipping specialist today.
Speak to a SAMOS specialist today about taking advantage of Lunar New Year sales opportnities. We can advise which products ship smoothly and highlight potential issues before you send your first shipment.
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