For Australian exporters, 2026 is shaping up to be another year where preparation defines performance. Peak seasons are no longer confined to Christmas alone. Global demand now surges repeatedly across Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Lunar New Year, Ramadan and Eid, Boxing Day sales, and a growing calendar of international retail and cultural events. In recent years, those peaks have become more intense and more frequent—creating significant opportunities for exporters—but only those who plan early and plan well.
In 2025, total Black Friday spending in Australia reached $23.8 billion over a two-week period – a 4.6% increase year-on-year — while premium exports such as cherries, lobsters and wine clocked up record demand around Lunar New Year. At the same time, Australia’s e-commerce market reached an estimated US$43.6 billion in 2025 and is forecast to more than double that figure by 2030. The message is clear: exporters who fail to prepare risk missing their most valuable sales windows.
Base Forecasts on Historical Data
Strong export planning starts with data. Reviewing historical sales and shipment performance helps identify recurring demand patterns, popular products and previous bottlenecks. External factors — including weather, overseas holidays and global events — must also be factored in, particularly for time-sensitive or perishable goods. From there, accurate forecasting allows exporters to align production, packaging and inventory well ahead of demand spikes, reducing the risk of stock shortages or rushed freight decisions.
Stay in Sync with Overseas Cycles
For agricultural producers, winemakers and manufacturers, synchronising production cycles with overseas calendars is critical. Cherries arriving just before Lunar New Year or wine landing ahead of European summer promotions can significantly outperform late shipments. Early coordination with your logistics partner ensures access to cold-chain solutions, temperature-controlled transport and reliable transit times — all essential for protecting product quality and brand reputation.
Plan Logistics in Advance
Logistics planning has become one of the most decisive elements of peak-season success. Capacity tightens quickly during high-volume periods, and exporters who delay bookings often face surcharges, rollovers or missed delivery windows. Securing space weeks — or even months — in advance provides greater cost certainty and reduces exposure to congestion. Documentation accuracy is equally important. During peak periods, even minor errors in invoices, packing lists or certificates of origin can result in clearance delays that cascade into lost sales.
Communicate and Coordinate
Customer expectations are also rising. Overseas buyers increasingly expect faster delivery, real-time visibility and transparent communication. Exporters who leverage technology for shipment tracking and inventory visibility are better positioned to respond quickly when conditions change. Clear communication with both logistics partners and customers builds trust, particularly when shipments move through multiple borders and time zones.
Maintain Australia’s Standards
Sustainability is no longer a secondary consideration. Many global buyers now actively seek suppliers that demonstrate environmental responsibility. Australia’s reputation for clean, high-quality production is a powerful advantage when paired with carbon-reduced logistics, eco-friendly packaging and transparent supply chains. For exporters, sustainability can strengthen brand value while supporting compliance with tightening global standards.
Be Flexible
Ultimately, the most resilient export programs are those built around flexibility. Diversified shipping routes, alternative service options and contingency planning allow businesses to adapt when disruptions occur — which they inevitably will. Decisions made now will shape performance throughout 2026’s peak seasons.
At Colless Young, we stay across global shipping trends, carrier schedules, congestion points and emerging risks. If you would like support reviewing your 2026 export freight plan, talk to Andrew on +61 7 3890 0800 or email enq@collessyoung.com.au.
