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    Rising Costs, Rising Solutions: How Australia Can Build Resilience Amid Global Trade Tensions

    Published on 28 April 2025, Monday, 3:00 AM
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    • A large generator unit being crane lifted over a construction site

    By Kennards Hire – Supporting Australia’s Projects, from Backyard Builds to Major Infrastructure

    The ripple effects of the ongoing US-China trade war are being felt far beyond the borders of the two economic superpowers. For Australians, it’s not just a headline—it’s a real-world impact on the cost of living and doing business.

    As tariffs and trade barriers continue to drive up prices on imported goods, pressure is mounting on Australian households, retailers, and industries that rely on global supply chains. Essential consumer goods like electronics, household appliances, clothing, and construction equipment are expected to increase in cost across the Australian market due to price hikes on Chinese exports and logistics disruptions (Gold Coast Bulletin).

     

    Inflation and Uncertainty: The Domino Effect of a Global Trade Dispute

    When trade giants like the US and China impose tariffs, global trade flows are disrupted. Australian importers, particularly those reliant on Chinese manufacturing, are caught in the middle.

    Rising costs ripple down the supply chain, ultimately affecting consumers, builders, and business owners.

    The Reserve Bank of Australia and economic analysts have flagged global tensions as a significant driver of inflationary pressure—impacting freight, construction materials, and consumer electronics. These are critical inputs for industries such as construction, infrastructure development, and logistics services.

     

    Local Impact: How Australian Businesses and Consumers Are Feeling the Squeeze

    Businesses operating in construction, logistics, and industrial sectors are particularly exposed to international market instability. This results in:

    • Material availability delays
    • Reduced access to spare parts
    • Unpredictable cost fluctuations

    In response, many businesses are rethinking capital expenditure and supply chain strategies.

    At Kennards Hire, we’ve seen firsthand how customers are adapting by choosing to hire equipment rather than purchase—managing costs, reducing risk, and staying agile during uncertain times.

     

    Hire Over Buy: The Practical Solution in Uncertain Times

    With continued US-China trade tensions, businesses and individuals face higher machinery prices and import costs. Hiring equipment offers a smart alternative, avoiding large capital outlays and providing more sustainable, cost-effective project solutions.

     

    Why Hiring Equipment with Kennards Hire Makes Sense:

    • Access the latest technology without the burden of maintenance, depreciation, or storage costs.
    • Maximise project flexibility — get the right equipment, exactly when you need it, without costly supply chain delays.
    • Avoid large upfront capital investment.
    • Scale equipment use based on real-time project demands.

    This flexibility is critical in industries facing material shortages, rising costs, and tight project deadlines. From earthmoving and excavation to pumping, power generation, and traffic management, Kennards Hire’s extensive fleet is ready to meet any challenge.

    Explore our full range of equipment for hire.

     

    Real-World Success Stories: Building Resilience Amid Material Shortages

    At Kennards Hire, we help businesses adapt with site-ready, scalable solutions:

    • Melbourne Metro Tunnel Project
       Our Lift & Shift team partnered with Pacific Hoists to develop a custom remote-control gantry system. This innovation enabled the precise lowering of a 70-tonne load without needing expensive permanent infrastructure.
    • Fitzroy River Bridge Rebuild, Western Australia
       Following record-breaking floods, Kennards Hire rapidly provided heavy-duty hydraulic equipment, helping rebuild the Fitzroy River Bridge six months ahead of schedule—highlighting the power of fast, local support.

    Read more case studies

     

    Building Resilience Through Local Expertise

    Kennards Hire isn’t just an equipment supplier—we’re partners in project success. With over 215 branches across Australia and New Zealand, we provide:

    • Local, fast access to equipment
    • Deep regional knowledge and compliance expertise
    • Personalised support, whether for major infrastructure builds or home-based DIY projects

    Our experienced team can provide support for everyone from Tier 1 contractors to local tradies and home renovators across:

    Discover Kennards Hire’s specialist capabilities

     

    Conclusion: Turning Global Pressure into Local Progress

    The US-China trade conflict highlights the vulnerabilities of global supply chains but also opens the door to smarter, more resilient solutions.

    At Kennards Hire, we’ve spent over 75 years helping DIYers, tradies, and major construction projects stay productive, cost-efficient, and resilient—no matter how challenging the economic climate.

    We don’t just hire equipment—we keep your project moving.

     

    References and Internal Links