For many SMEs, the right piece of equipment can unlock growth, improve productivity or create a competitive advantage. Often, the ideal asset can be sourced from overseas suppliers rather than local markets.
This presents a strong opportunity for brokers to help businesses navigate a seemingly complex import process and access the best assets for their business needs.
Australian businesses of all sizes continue to invest in growth, importing a wide range of products, equipment, technology, and business inputs each year. For example, in 2025 alone Australian businesses imported machinery & mechanical appliances and electrical equipment to the value of $66.6 billion and $53.4 billion respectively*.
For brokers, this presents an opportunity to engage clients across virtually every industry, supporting their evolving funding needs and strengthening long-term client relationships.
Importing is an attractive option when evaluating equipment purchases, seeking access to specialist machinery, a broader supplier base and, in some cases, looking for more competitive pricing than is available locally. This is particularly evident in sectors such as manufacturing, food and beverage production, construction, logistics and agriculture, where specialised equipment and automation technology can play an important role in productivity and growth.
While importing an asset can deliver cost savings or access to specialised equipment, the process often introduces challenges around currency exchange, supplier payments, documentation requirements and shipment timing. Without the right support, businesses may abandon the process and settle for less suitable alternatives.
"The decision not to import isn't always about the quality or cost of the asset," said Andrew Wagg, Director – Broker Distribution, Shift. “It’s often because businesses are concerned about managing a complex process that sits outside their expertise.
“Traditional import finance models can involve letters of credit and other cumbersome administration that turn SMEs off overseas purchases. This is where the broker opportunity lies: navigating the customer through the journey, taking the time to understand their long-term goals and matching the customer with the right finance provider to help remove barriers to acquiring the right equipment.”
“We combine a straightforward digital experience with access to foreign exchange through our partner OFX and import finance capabilities to help brokers support their customers through each stage of the transaction with greater confidence.”
Brokers that help their customers overcome these hurdles open up a global supplier market in the process.
Alexander Jefferies and Ishan De Silva of Chevron Equipment Finance said the results speak for themselves.
“Recently, a trailer manufacturing business needed a fibre class cutting machine which it was struggling to source locally,” said Alexander. “Rather than settle for second-best, we worked with Shift to help them streamline the process of importing the asset. It’s now in the country and getting the results the business needs at a lower cost than the local alternative.”
Ishan added that the relationship with the customer has since gone from strength to strength.
“We’ve used this recent experience as a catalyst for reviewing the position of customers that might benefit from an asset import facility. It’s become a great lever for maintaining regular contact and supporting customers as their businesses evolve, rather than jumping straight to a funding solution.”
The businesses importing assets today are often the same businesses investing in growth, productivity and competitive advantage. By making asset imports part of the discovery conversation, brokers can uncover opportunities that competitors may miss and position themselves at the centre of their clients' long-term plans.
Regardless of the nature of the good or industry, asset imports are about more than funding, according to Andrew. For brokers, they represent an opportunity to solve business challenges, add strategic value and build stronger relationships.
“Helping customers source and acquire the right equipment isn't just about finance. It's about removing complexity, providing confidence and supporting better business decisions. That's where brokers can make a lasting difference for their clients.”
Shift’s Asset Import customer checklist
