Trading and shipping are at the heart of any import/export or wholesale operation. Whether you’re moving FMCG goods, industrial supplies, or retail products, the way you manage trading and shipping will decide your margins, lead times, and reliability with customers.

For companies operating in or with Africa, getting this right can be the difference between growth and constant fire-fighting.

What “Trading and Shipping” Really Means for Your Business

In practice, trading and shipping covers the full journey of a product:

• Finding and negotiating with suppliers

• Buying and consolidating goods

• Shipping via sea, air, or road

• Clearing customs and paying duties

• Warehousing and final distribution

Each stage affects cost, speed, and risk. A delay at customs, a poorly packed container, or unclear Incoterms can quickly erase your profit on a shipment.

For importers, wholesalers, and distributors in African markets, working with an experienced trading and shipping partner can simplify this chain and reduce costly mistakes.

Common Challenges in Trading and Shipping to and from Africa

Businesses trading and shipping into African markets often face similar issues:

1. Unreliable or unverified suppliers

Not every supplier offers consistent quality or honest documentation. Incorrect packing lists or poor product quality can lead to:

• Rejected shipments

• Extra inspections

• Loss of customer trust

2. Complex customs regulations

Each country has its own:

• Import restrictions

• Documentation requirements

• Duty and tax structures

Missing or incorrect paperwork can result in demurrage charges, storage fees, or even seizure of goods.

3. Fragmented logistics

You may deal with different providers for:

• Inland transport

• Port handling

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• Ocean freight

• Warehousing

Without coordination, this leads to:

• Longer lead times

• Higher costs

• Poor shipment visibility

4. Cash flow and inventory pressure

If your trading and shipping process is slow or unpredictable, capital gets locked in stock and in-transit goods. This makes it harder to respond to demand and negotiate better terms.

Building a Reliable Trading and Shipping Process

A structured approach can make trading and shipping more predictable and cost-effective.

1. Standardise product and supplier selection

   • Use clear specifications, samples, and quality checks.

   • Build a shortlist of proven suppliers rather than constantly switching.

2. Clarify Incoterms and responsibilities

   • Decide who handles freight, insurance, and customs.

   • Make sure your contracts reflect this clearly.

3. Plan shipments based on demand and cash flow

   • Consolidate loads where possible to reduce cost per unit.

   • Avoid over-ordering just to fill containers.

4. Centralise documentation

   • Keep a consistent process for invoices, packing lists, certificates, and licences.

   • Use checklists to ensure each shipment is compliant before it leaves.

5. Track performance

   • Monitor transit times, customs delays, and landed costs.

   • Use this data to adjust routes, carriers, or shipping schedules.

How Wigmore Trading Supports Your Trading and Shipping

Wigmore Trading works with importers, wholesalers, and distributors across Africa to simplify trading and shipping from end to end.

Key ways Wigmore Trading can help:

• Sourcing and supplier management
  Tap into verified suppliers for FMCG, household goods, and other fast-moving products, reducing the risk of poor quality or unreliable deliveries.

• Consolidation and packing
  Combine multiple SKUs or supplier orders into a single shipment, helping you optimise container usage and reduce freight costs.

• International shipping and freight coordination
  Wigmore Trading coordinates sea and air freight, choosing routes and carriers suited to your timelines and budget.

• Customs clearance support
  With experience in multiple African markets, Wigmore Trading helps ensure documentation is accurate and compliant, reducing the risk of delays.

• Warehousing and distribution
  Where required, goods can be stored and distributed onward, supporting wholesalers and retailers who need steady availability rather than one-off bulk deliveries.

By plugging into an established trading and shipping network, you gain more predictability, better visibility, and fewer operational surprises.

Practical Tips to Reduce Risk and Cost

To improve your trading and shipping operations:

• Start with smaller trial shipments when working with new products or suppliers.

• Align trading and shipping cycles with your sales patterns so stock arrives when it’s needed.

• Compare total landed cost, not just unit price or freight rate. Include duties, port charges, local transport, and handling fees.

• Use a single point of contact for trading and shipping where possible to minimise miscommunication.

• Review contracts annually to reflect changes in demand, routes, and pricing.

Wigmore Trading can help you review your current trading and shipping setup and identify quick wins in cost and reliability.

Ready to Streamline Your Trading and Shipping?

If trading and shipping are taking too much time, tying up cash, or causing service issues with your customers, it may be time to partner with an experienced specialist.

Wigmore Trading can help you:

• Source the right products

• Plan and execute efficient shipments

• Navigate customs across African markets

• Improve the reliability of your supply chain

Get in touch with our team to learn more about how we can support your trading and shipping needs.