Chinese New Year, also called lunar new year, has begun. Businesses that rely on imports from China historically have taken note of this holiday as it has an effect on manufacturing and shipping. Chinese New Year has been something to anticipate and prepare for, over the years. But this year ‘more’ is expected, as explained in a recent article in Supply Chain Drive. During this holiday, when historically factories and ports in China have shut down, there are even more uncertainties due to Covid restrictions and quarantines.
Quoting from the article: “In previous years, factory output in China during the Lunar New Year was affected by the number of workers who took extended holidays. This year it is unclear if China will allow millions of workers to travel for holidays due to strict COVID lockdown policies… even if people can travel, they may need to quarantine before returning to work.”
The 2022 Chinese New Year began on Tuesday, February 1st. It signals the beginning of a very extensive festival that marks the end of Winter and the beginning of Spring.
An article in East West magazine explains that businesses shut down about 10 days before the New Year to allow workers to travel home, stating that “…the holiday can disrupt production and shipping schedules for up to three weeks or more. Since China is an economic giant in the global exporting industry, the effects of CNY can ripple around the world, especially for retailers and anyone else who relies on imports from China.”
So that explains the Lunar New Year supply chain concerns. If products don’t ship prior to the New Year, they could be delayed by a month because both the manufacturing and the ports close down. The article has a number of recommendations for companies that source from China. Click HERE to read more.
What is the Chinese New Year holiday about? It is a colorful, exciting, enjoyable time with family, with events, parades, amazing foods, fireworks, and lots of fun. The celebrations are based on the Chinese zodiac, utilizing animals and elements to predict what is to come in the new year.
What does the Year of the Tiger have in store for us? The following paragraphs have our answer:
“The Year of the Rat (2020) was about survival, and the Year of the Ox (2021) was about anchoring ourselves in a new reality. The Year of the Tiger will be about making big changes. This will be a year of risk-taking and adventure. We’re finding enthusiasm again, both for ourselves and for others. Everyone is fired up, generosity is at an all-time high and social progress feels possible again.
“The Tiger is associated with Yang (masculine, active) energy. Tigers do things their own way and hate being told what to do. Expect things to rapidly change this year. Sudden disruptions in career, romance and home life should be expected. Some of us will thrive through taking great leaps, while others might crash and burn. So while it’s important to follow our intuition and run with our wildest dreams, that means we also have to keep our egos in check.”
The Chinese Zodiac also gives attention to the five elements: earth, wood, metal, fire and water. These elements affect the animal sign. In 2022 the tiger is the ‘water tiger’. The horoscopes say that water brings out the emotions and water tigers are family oriented. The water tiger wants to do what’s best for everyone.
That’s a good forecast!! Water Tiger! We will want to do what’s best for everyone in 2022! Sounds like a perfect year for a B Corporation!!
Photo Credit: Ranae Smith