What's happening with global shipping right now?
Since late February 2026, conflict in the Middle East has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping. More than 150 vessels have been stranded or rerouted. The world's largest shipping companies (Maersk, MSC, Hapag-Lloyd, and CMA CGM) have suspended Hormuz transits and are diverting ships around Africa's Cape of Good Hope, adding 10 to 14 days and significant cost to every voyage. War risk insurance premiums have surged by over 300%, and shipping lines are applying surcharges of US$500 to US$1,500 per container. The WTO now projects global merchandise trade growth will slow to just 1.9% in 2026. We've written a full breakdown: The 2026 Oil and Shipping Crisis: What It Means for Imported Furniture.
Will imported furniture be delayed in New Zealand?
Yes, though delays take time to reach us here. New Zealand sits at the very end of global shipping routes, so upstream disruptions compound before they arrive here. Importers typically buffer stock for 30 to 90 days. Once that buffer runs down, delays and price increases flow through to retailers and customers. Anyone ordering imported furniture now, or waiting on a delivery, is ordering into a supply chain already under strain. Delays of two to six weeks beyond normal lead times are a realistic expectation while disruptions continue.
Will NZ-made furniture be affected?
No. Coastwood furniture is made in Greymouth, New Zealand, from materials sourced locally. Our supply chain does not depend on international shipping, the Strait of Hormuz, or any of the freight networks currently under pressure. What's happening in the Middle East has no effect on your Coastwood order. It’s made here. It ships here.
How long does a Coastwood order take?
Most Coastwood pieces are made to order and delivered within six to eight weeks from confirmation. That lead time is stable and does not fluctuate with global shipping conditions. We'll give you a clear timeframe when you order and keep you updated along the way. No containers. No waiting on the world.
Can I customise my order even with current pressures?
Yes, fully. Every Coastwood piece is made to order, so customisation is the default rather than an upgrade. Timber type, finish, dimensions, handles, fabric: all of it is worked out directly with the people building your furniture. Global shipping pressures have no effect on that process. Visit our Customisation Hub to explore your options or start a conversation with our team.
Coastwood Furniture has been making solid timber furniture in Greymouth, New Zealand, since 1997. Every piece is made to order, backed by a 25-year warranty, and unaffected by global shipping disruptions.
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