How to Prepare Your PCB Supply Chain for Lunar New Year 2026
Lunar New Year 2026 begins February 17, marking a period when many overseas PCB manufacturers pause or significantly reduce operations. For OEMs and engineering teams managing active builds, this annual event can introduce longer lead times and production backlogs that extend well beyond the official holiday window.
Planning ahead is key to managing supply chain risk.
What Happens During Lunar New Year
During the holiday period:
- Manufacturing facilities across Asia shut down or operate with minimal staffing
- Production queues build before and after the closure
- Communication and logistics timelines extend
Even though the official holiday lasts only a few weeks, ripple effects can impact schedules into March.
How This Impacts PCB Programs
For PCB-dependent projects, the timing can affect:
- Prototype revisions
- Design validations
- Production ramps
- Product launches
Programs operating on tight release schedules are especially vulnerable to these longer lead time shifts.
How to Protect Your Build Schedule
Engineering and supply chain teams can mitigate risk by:
- Confirming orders early. Lock in fabrication slots before overseas shutdowns begin.
- Reviewing domestic capacity options. U.S.-based manufacturing can provide continuity when overseas options pause.
- Aligning prototype and production timelines. Evaluate whether quick-turn domestic builds can support validation cycles during the disruption window.
- Engaging early with your PCB partner. Transparent communication reduces surprises.
The Strategic Advantage of Domestic Manufacturing
Domestic PCB manufacturing provides:
- More predictable communication
- Reduced exposure to extended holiday backlogs
- Faster response times for engineering changes
- Secure, certified production environments
Lunar New Year is a predictable calendar event. The companies that plan for it experience minimal disruption. The ones that do not often find themselves reacting and needing quick-turn, domestic-based PCB services. If you have builds scheduled for late Q1 or early Q2, now is the time to review your sourcing plan and confirm PCB manufacturing coverage.