When to order Christmas decorations from Yiwu (2026–2027 calendar)
The short version: samples before Chinese New Year, orders in spring, ship in summer.
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| Now – Dec 2026 | Christmas 2026: sea freight for December shelves has closed. In-stock items can still go by air or express; China–Europe rail serves New Year markets in Central Asia and Eastern Europe. |
| Nov 2026 – mid Jan 2027 | Christmas 2027: send your list. Shortlist in 2 working days, samples by courier. Confirm samples before the break. |
| ≈ late Jan – 21 Feb 2027 | Yiwu market closes for Chinese New Year (New Year’s Day: 6 Feb 2027). Factories restart gradually after the Lantern Festival. |
| Mar – Jun 2027 | Order window. Large retail chains often book January–March, most importers March–May, e-commerce sellers May–June. |
| 4–6 weeks | Typical production time; custom packaging adds about 10–14 days. |
| Jul – Sep 2027 | Goods checked in Yiwu, sea freight leaves. Transit is roughly 25 days to the US West Coast and 30–35 days to Northern Europe, plus customs. |
| Oct – Dec 2027 | On your shelves. |
Why earlier is cheaper
Christmas factories fill their production slots in spring and summer. One Yiwu agent’s 2026 guide reports that orders placed after mid-July are quoted 15–20% above May prices, and that sea orders for December 1 arrival needed to be confirmed by mid-July. Manufacturers told Global Times that buyers now start ordering right after Spring Festival.
US buyers: tariffs
In late September 2026 the US and China announced tariff cuts on about US$60 billion of goods each; Christmas decorations — including glass and wooden ornaments — are on the US list. As of late October 2026 the cuts were announced, not confirmed as in force. Small parcels from China no longer enter the US duty-free, so express shipments pay duty too. We check the current rate on every US quote.
Before the break: a checklist
- Send your item list with photos and rough quantities.
- Approve samples (allow 1–2 weeks for courier).
- Agree colours, packaging and labels — these drive lead time.
- Ask for test reports on lights and toy-like items.
- Pay deposits after the market reopens to lock spring production slots.
Sources: Global Times, “Yiwu holiday goods exports boom as new designs steal spotlight” (Jul 2026); Union Service, “Christmas Products Wholesale from Yiwu — Buyer’s Guide 2026”; CNBC, “U.S., China to lower tariffs on $60 billion of goods” (28 Sep 2026); PBS NewsHour, “U.S. and China release product lists for tariff cuts” (Oct 2026)
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