By Boaz Shiponi, Managing Director, Nexus Point
If you felt the squeeze on international freight in the lead-up to Christmas 2025, you were not alone. For the Australian furniture sector, where bulky and high-value items rely on predictable scheduling and competitive landed costs, planning for 2026 is now essential.
Each year the same cycle hits: demand builds, space gets tighter, rates increase, and service reliability declines at the exact moment importers need certainty. For furniture businesses, delays disrupt stock flow, on-time manufacturing, showroom readiness, online fulfilment and major seasonal sales.
Early planning is the single biggest factor that separates smooth operations from costly disruption.
Why Early Planning Matters for Furniture Industry Importers
From January through June 2026 sits the best window to secure the capacity, pricing and reliability required for furniture industry supply chains. Waiting until mid-year sharply increases the likelihood of paying premiums or missing key delivery windows.
Several forces shaping 2026 will intensify pressure on inbound furniture and furniture componentry supply:
· Longer transit times and irregular schedules on major Asia to Australia lanes, particularly ex China and Vietnam
· Carrier alliance changes that reduce predictability of weekly sailings and increase blank sailings.
· Decarbonisation requirements, including tightening IMO emissions rules, that add cost and operational constraints.
· Ongoing waterfront and labour risks which continue to influence congestion and reliability across Australian terminals (BITRE; Port of Melbourne operational reports).
Early engagement gives importers more control over cost, timing and risk as markets tighten.
What a Strong 2026 Freight Plan Should Include
If you are preparing your next freight tender or reviewing current arrangements, ensure your plan covers the essentials furniture and furniture component importers require:
1. Cost clarity and stability
· All-in pricing structures
· Transparent bunker fuel and surcharge mechanisms
· Predictable rate validity periods
2. Comparable offers
Standardised conditions allow you to evaluate carriers and freight forwarders properly. This is essential for furniture, where cubic consumption and weight ratios vary widely.
3. Technology and visibility
· Real-time tracking
· Exception reporting
· Forecasting tools for container flow and deconsolidation
These help ensure accurate planning for retail floors, distribution centres and large consumer deliveries.
4. Service quality and accountability
· Defined response times
· Clear escalation pathways
· KPIs for on-time performance and reliability
5. Sustainability credentials
Furniture retailers and wholesalers face increased expectations around emissions reporting and supply chain transparency. Prioritise partners with:
· Verified emissions data
· Operational efficiency initiatives
· Documented compliance practices
6. Collaborative planning
Choose partners who understand the sector’s seasonal patterns, including mid-year promotions, summer event cycles and Christmas demand.
These elements should be considered essential rather than optional. They protect margins and reduce volatility.
Flexibility: A Critical Safety Net for Furniture Industry Importers
The strongest import programs build flexibility into their freight agreements, including:
· Options to adjust forecast volumes
· Ability to switch ports such as Shanghai versus Ningbo or Ho Chi Minh City versus Haiphong
· Alternative routings during congestion
· Variable transit-time choices for speed or savings
Furniture industry consignments are bulky, slow to replace and costly to warehouse. Flexible agreements help secure stock and manage cost when market conditions shift, which they inevitably will.
Key Takeaways for AFA Members
Freight tenders take time. To secure leverage, transparency and genuine options, start early.
· Begin planning in Q1
· Finalise contracts by April
· Establish contingency pathways by June
This timing provides room to negotiate, model landed costs and prepare operations before the peak-season surge. It is the most reliable way to protect margin, minimise risk and maintain continuity during your busiest trading periods.
Need Support Reviewing Your 2026 Freight Plan?
Nexus Point works with Australian furniture industry importers to develop freight and customs strategies that deliver:
· Clear and stable commercial terms
· Competitive and sustainable rates
· High-performing partners who stand up under pressure
If you would like support or a second opinion, we are here to help. Decisions made now will influence cost and reliability throughout 2026 and beyond. Book your January appointment now HERE
About the Author
Boaz Shiponi is the Managing Director of Nexus Point. He advises importers on international freight, customs and landed cost strategy with a focus on certainty, visibility and commercial outcomes.