Garden centres and retailers across the country are dealing with shortages of garden furniture and other outdoor accessories, with the combination of high demand and shipping problems posing issues. 

The Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association (LOFA), which represents 70 manufacturers and wholesalers, said all of its members are having problems with garden furniture supply.

On behalf of LOFA, Gina Hinde explained that, up until last year, its members had been paying around $1,200 to ship a container to the UK from China or Indonesia. That price has now risen up to $10,000. "Some have even been quoted up to $17,000 to bring one container over," she added.

At Stax, we’ve experienced this first-hand, and continue to work around the clock in a bid to try and keep the supply chain moving in difficult times.  

Simon Wright, purchasing director for Stax Trade Centres, explained how the delays can not be solely attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic, but believes it has definitely played a part. 

“It’s not directly down to Coronavirus, but it’s all related”, he said. “If you start in China, all the factories are incredibly busy at the moment because worldwide demand for garden furniture is massive. That obviously has a knock-on effect on longer manufacturing times. 

“There is a shortage of commodities and materials, which is also an issue, but the biggest problem is getting containers to put the goods in, and ships to put the containers on. Demand is way outstripping supply at the moment,” he added.

It’s not just the availability of products and containers which is causing the issue. Shipping cost increases are making things even more difficult, and prices have multiplied up to fifteen-times what they were just a few months ago. 

“At the moment, the cost to ship containers has gone up ten to fifteen times what we used to pay just four or five months ago. It’s probably not going to come back down for the rest of this calendar year,” said Simon. 

New Brexit-enforced shipping rules and procedures also require more time, resources and costs, ultimately adding to the complexity of the situation. 

“In regard to capacity and availability of containers and shipping, we don’t see this improving in the short to medium term. This is a problem we will have to work with for a while. Brexit has also led to more paperwork, cost and delays. 

“No business enjoys these type of challenges, however we are determined to do our utmost to keep the supply chain moving and to source the products Stax customers need to keep their businesses thriving.”