Australia, e-commerce and logistics
Send a parcel to Australia fast.
Many businesses are hesitant to branch out to somewhere as far afield as Australia and that’s understandable when there is over 10,000 miles between us. But with the right shipping information, best rates and expert service, the world can seem a whole lot smaller.
Read on to find out more about the best, cheapest and quickest ways to send a parcel to Australia, including destinations like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and more.
Why ship to Australia?
Boasting a strong economy and a diverse and highly-skilled workforce, Australia has a lot to offer as a new trading destination. Australia’s economy is predicted to grow by 1.6% in 2025, according to The International Monetary Fund, continuing to outpace other advanced economies.
- 9.8 million
- Households shopped online in 2024
- 69 bn AUD
- Australians spent online in 2024
- eBay
- Leading online marketplace 2025
Stats taken from https://www.parcelandpostaltechnologyinternational.com/news/e-commerce/australian-e-commerce-spend-rises-to-69bn-in-2024.html, https://ecommerce-report.auspost.com.au/customer-spending-insights/, https://www.linnworks.com/blog/top-australian-marketplaces/
The e-commerce landscape
Australia’s e-commerce market is growing rapidly and has become the eleventh largest e-commerce market in the world, with revenue predicted to reach USD 50,720 million by 2025. The sector revenue is projected to grow at an 8.2% CAGR. 1.
According to Australia Post, the UK accounts for about 14% 2. of overseas e-commerce purchases. Customers are attracted to increased product offerings and cheaper prices. PayPal reigns as the payment platform of choice.
Opportunities
Over nine million Australian households made online purchases in 2024, with expenditure rising during sales events – such as the cyber sales period – particularly in November (Black Friday) and in the run up to Christmas.
Although it’s clear that Australians are growing more accustomed to online commerce, some retailers have not always been sufficiently prepared to deliver a seamless e- commerce experience, according to We are Social This suggests that there is an opportunity to pave the way for an improved customer experience by integrating shopping platforms, such as Shopify, and build brand loyalty.
The most popular online purchases made in Australia
5.7m
households on average shopped online in the last quarter
3.8% more than last year
Most popular categories
Year-on-year increase
Fashion & Apparel
+19.1%
Health & Beauty
+6%
Hobbies & Re Goods
+1.3%
Source: Australia Post, inside Australian Online Shopping Quarterly Update April to June 2024
Logistics
Naturally, one of the main points to consider when shipping to Australia is the distance and whether you can keep rates cheap whilst also maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction. A good understanding of shipping costs, transit times and important taxes duties will help you create a robust and seamless delivery strategy.
The essentials
| Transit Times | Metro & Urban areas up to 7 working days. Remote areas < 2% total population. |
| Maximum Dimensions | No one side > 105 cm length. Dimension > 0.25 cubic meters. |
| Maximum Weight | 22kg |
| Maximum Container Value | AUD 2,000 |
| Low-Value Limit | AUD 1,000 |
| GST 0% | 10% |
| Duty | Variable based on product; Applicable on orders over AUD 1,000 |
| DDP Available | Yes |
| DDP Fee | As Agreed |
| Clearance Fee | As Agreed |
Good to know
Goods exceeding AUD 1,000 in value will require formal clearance and will require GST and duty payment. Since 1st July 2018, any international retailer/e-tailer selling over AUD 75,000 worth of goods per year in Australia will have to register and get an ABN number. SAMOS can help facilitate this process.
What our experts say:
“With year-on-year online retail growth, it’s certainly an exciting time to branch out to Australia.
With the right kind of logistics, you can help shape the consumer experience too.”
Ben Bagnulo, CEO, SAMOS.