How To Prepare For Tet 2025 When Manufacturing In Vietnam
Tet, also known as the Lunar New Year, is the most significant holiday in Vietnam. In 2025, Tet will begin on January 29th, marking the start of the Year of the Snake. While Tet is a time for celebration, it also brings widespread business closures and disruptions. For businesses sourcing products from Vietnam, careful preparation is essential to avoid production, shipping, and communication delays.
This article offers buyers practical advice on navigating the challenges surrounding Tet 2025 and ensuring their operations remain on track.
Understanding Tet and Its Impact on Business
Tet is not just a day-long celebration; it involves extended festivities and travel for families. The official holiday for 2025 runs from January 27th to February 2nd, though some businesses may close earlier and reopen later. Leading up to Tet, many suppliers and factories experience a surge in demand as companies rush to complete orders before the break. After the holiday, production may resume gradually, and some employees may not return to work immediately.
The disruptions from Tet affect several areas, including production timelines, shipping schedules, and communication with suppliers. Ports often experience congestion as companies try to export goods before the holiday. For businesses relying on Vietnamese manufacturing, proactive planning is necessary to avoid delays and supply chain disruptions.
Challenges Faced by Buyers During Tet
Factory Closures and Production Delays
Most factories and suppliers close for at least a week, starting before January 27th. The closures often extend beyond the official holiday as some workers travel back to their hometowns and take additional time off. Production schedules are likely to be impacted until mid-February.
Communication Slowdowns
Communication with suppliers can become difficult starting mid-January, and normal responses may resume in the second week of February. This period of reduced communication can complicate order tracking and project updates.
Shipping and Logistics Bottlenecks
Shipping companies and ports often face congestion, both before and after Tet. High shipping volumes before the holiday may cause delays, while reduced staffing during and after Tet can disrupt logistics operations. Booking freight services early is crucial to avoid missed shipping windows.
Post-Tet Employee Turnover
It is common for workers not to return to their jobs after Tet, which can slow down production further. Factories may operate at reduced capacity for several weeks, impacting order fulfillment timelines.
How to Prepare for Tet 2025 When Manufacturing In Vietnam
Place Orders Early
To avoid production delays, place your orders by early December 2024. This will give manufacturers enough time to complete production before Tet. Communicate clear deadlines with your suppliers and ensure they confirm production timelines in advance.
Build Buffer Inventory
Stock enough inventory to cover 4–6 weeks of sales to avoid running out of essential products. Prioritize high-demand items and products that are difficult to restock quickly after Tet. This buffer will help mitigate potential delays during the holiday period.
Coordinate Shipping and Logistics Early
Arrange shipping services well in advance to avoid port congestion. Consider alternative shipping routes if necessary to bypass busy ports. Work closely with your logistics providers to ensure timely delivery of your products.
Maintain Communication with Suppliers
Stay in close contact with your suppliers leading up to Tet. Discuss production schedules, potential challenges, and contingency plans. Proactive communication will help you manage any disruptions and maintain smooth operations.
Prepare for Post-Tet Delays
Be prepared for factories to operate at reduced capacity immediately after Tet. Adjust your delivery timelines to account for this recovery period, and monitor the situation closely to avoid unexpected delays.
Strengthening Relationships with Suppliers During Tet
Building positive relationships with suppliers can help ensure smoother operations. To acknowledge the significance of Tet, send holiday greetings or small gifts as a gesture of goodwill. Respect your suppliers' schedules and avoid last-minute demands during this time.
If feasible, consider visiting your suppliers’ factories after Tet to re-establish connections and monitor progress. A strong relationship with your suppliers will help you effectively manage post-tet disruptions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid placing orders too close to the holiday, which may lead to missed deadlines. Ensure freight services are booked well in advance, as ignoring logistics planning can delay shipping. Underestimating post-Tet disruptions can also affect your operations, so plan for a gradual recovery period.
Lastly, maintain consistent communication with suppliers throughout the holiday season to avoid misunderstandings and ensure alignment on timelines and expectations.
Conclusion: Plan Early for a Smooth Tet 2025
Tet 2025 offers a unique opportunity to experience Vietnamese culture but challenges businesses relying on suppliers and manufacturers in Vietnam. You can effectively navigate holiday disruptions by placing orders early, building buffer inventory, booking freight services, and maintaining open communication with suppliers.
If you need assistance in preparing your supply chain for Tet 2025, Cosmo Sourcing can help. With years of experience in Vietnam and a deep understanding of local business practices, we provide end-to-end sourcing solutions to keep your operations running smoothly.
For more information or to get started, please email us at info@cosmosourcing.com or visit our contact page.
Planning will ensure that your business stays on track, allowing you to enjoy the holiday season without disruptions.