Damon Mcknight
Australia's shipping industry has been impacted by various factors in recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, international trade tensions, and the Russia-Ukraine war. In late 2021, Australia experienced a significant wave of COVID-19 infections, leading to suspensions in shipping services from major carriers such as USPS and Japan Post Express Mail Service (EMS). These suspensions have had a notable impact on e-commerce brands and their ability to serve customers in Australia. In addition to the pandemic, Australia's role in the global supply chain has also undergone changes. There have been shifts in the traditional met coal trade flows, with Russia and Mongolia increasing their market share in China, previously held by Australia. Despite these challenges, there are signs of resumption and adaptation in Australia's shipping landscape. As of 2025, Japan Post EMS has resumed shipping to Australia, although delivery times may be extended due to the volume of packages. Alternative shipping options, such as FedEx, UPS, and DHL, are also available, offering faster delivery at additional costs. Furthermore, China has resumed importing met coal from Australia, indicating a potential improvement in trade relations between the two countries. While the future of Australia's shipping industry remains uncertain, the resumption of services and evolving trade dynamics showcase a complex and dynamic environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Japan Post Express Mail Service (EMS) shipping to Australia | Resumed after a temporary suspension due to COVID-19 |
| Shipping duration to Australia by EMS | Several weeks to a few months |
| Alternative shipping options to Australia | FedEx, UPS, or DHL with a duration of about one week but additional shipping costs |
| USPS shipping to Australia | First Class Package International service is suspended as of July 2024 |
| Alternative USPS shipping options to Australia | Priority Mail International and Priority Mail Express International |
| China's coal imports from Australia | Resumed after a hiatus of over two years |
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What You'll Learn
- USPS suspends First Class Package International Service to Australia
- Japan Post Express Mail Service (EMS) resumes shipping to Australia
- Australia Post's postal services to the US face new tariffs
- Australia-China trade relations improve, coal shipments resume
- USPS Priority Mail Express International services are still available
USPS suspends First Class Package International Service to Australia
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has temporarily suspended its First Class Package International Service to Australia. The suspension, which was announced last week, is a result of COVID-19-related challenges that have negatively impacted carriers. The USPS has stated that the suspension will be in effect until further notice.
This suspension is specifically related to the First Class Package International Service and does not affect all services to Australia. Customers can still utilise the USPS’s Priority Mail International and Priority Mail Express International services when shipping to Australia. However, it is important to note that these services are also experiencing severe delays.
The temporary suspension of the First Class Package International Service is expected to hinder e-commerce brands' ability to serve their Australian customers. During this suspension, alternative services such as GlobalPost and ShipEngine can be utilised to continue shipping to Australia. These services offer access to a global delivery network and provide features such as address validation, real-time label printing, and shipment tracking.
While the USPS has not provided a specific end date for the suspension, they are taking measures to minimise the impact on their customers. The suspension is expected to last until the COVID-19-related challenges impacting carriers are resolved. It is recommended to refer to the USPS website and official sources for the most up-to-date information regarding service suspensions and resumptions.
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Japan Post Express Mail Service (EMS) resumes shipping to Australia
The Japan Post Express Mail Service (EMS) has resumed shipping to Australia after a temporary suspension of over two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This resumption in service comes as positive news for those seeking to send packages between the two countries.
During the suspension, alternative shipping methods such as FedEx, UPS, or DHL were available for sending packages to Australia, albeit with additional shipping costs and shorter delivery times of about one week. Now, with EMS back in operation, senders have an additional option for shipping to Australia, offering convenience and simplicity.
However, it is important to note that shipping durations via EMS may take several weeks or even a few months due to the large volume of packages being shipped immediately after the resumption of service. This extended duration is a temporary measure, and EMS is working to normalize international shipping operations.
The Japan Post Express Mail Service is known for its efficiency and reasonable rates, providing a fast and cost-effective option for sending documents and merchandise of up to 30 kg to various countries worldwide. With the resumption of EMS shipping to Australia, senders can once again take advantage of the service's benefits, including its SafeTracking feature, which provides peace of mind for senders and recipients alike.
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Australia Post's postal services to the US face new tariffs
Australia Post's postal services to the US are subject to new tariffs. From 5 April 2025, Australian-manufactured goods valued over US$800 are subject to a 10% tariff when imported into the United States via postal services. There are no changes for goods valued at or under US$800, which remain free from duty and import tax unless they fall under the de minimis exemption list.
As of 14 May 2025, goods manufactured in China, Hong Kong, and Macau entering the US using Australia Post's postal services will face a 30% tariff rate, down from the previous rate of 145%. This new rate will apply for a 90-day period. From 2 May 2025, there is no longer a de minimis exemption for goods from these regions valued at or under US$800, and they will be subject to the 30% tariff. These goods will also be subject to a formal clearance process, which may cause delays in delivery. The recipient will be responsible for paying the customs taxes and appointing a customs broker.
The United States Postal Service has also advised that heightened security measures may cause longer delivery times for articles addressed to US government agencies, particularly in Washington, DC. Mail may be subject to irradiation treatment before delivery. Australia Post recommends visiting official websites for the most up-to-date information on regulatory changes and their impacts.
In addition to the new tariffs, Australia Post has provided updates on service disruptions to various destinations, including the United States, Ukraine, Iran, Panama, New Zealand, and Timor-Leste. Delays may be due to factors such as limited flight capacity, road closures, and backlogs resulting from public holidays.
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Australia-China trade relations improve, coal shipments resume
Australia-China trade relations have been strained in recent years, with China imposing an unofficial ban on Australian coal imports in 2020. This left dozens of coal ships stranded off the Chinese coast, causing supply disruptions and rallying prices for thermal and coking coal. However, recent developments indicate a positive shift in bilateral trade relations.
In February 2023, an Australian coal shipment was expected to arrive at a Chinese port, signaling an end to the unofficial import ban. This development was viewed as a positive step by the Australian government, which is also working to resolve issues in other sectors, including barley and wine. The meeting between the Australian Trade Minister, Don Farrell, and the Chinese Commerce Minister, Wang Wentao, was described as an important step forward in improving economic and trade relations between the two countries.
While the resumption of coal shipments is a promising sign, there are still barriers to fully restoring Australia-China trade relations. Australia has proceedings before the World Trade Organization (WTO), disputing claims of dumping cut-price barley into the Chinese market and challenging China's tariffs on Australian wine. These issues will likely need to be resolved before trade in these sectors can resume fully.
Despite these remaining challenges, the resumption of coal shipments and progress in other sectors, such as lobster and timber exports, are encouraging signs for improved Australia-China trade relations. It is expected that the process of resolving trade tensions will take time, but the willingness of both parties to engage in dialogue and take steps toward normalization is a positive development.
In addition to the resumption of coal shipments to China, Australia has also seen improvements in shipping services from other countries. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan Post Express Mail Service (EMS) had temporarily suspended shipping to Australia. However, EMS shipping to Australia has now resumed, although customers are advised that shipping durations may take several weeks to a few months due to the large volume of packages.
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USPS Priority Mail Express International services are still available
In March 2022, USPS services to Australia were still suspended due to a COVID wave in late 2021. However, it is not clear whether this suspension is still in place.
When sending packages via Priority Mail Express International, a complete and computer-generated customs form is required. If you use the Click-N-Ship service to print your postage, it will automatically print a customs form for you. If you are paying for your postage at the Post Office, you can save time by printing your own customs form and bringing it with your package.
Priority Mail Express International offers a date-certain service with a money-back guarantee to select locations. Limitations may apply for certain destinations, and shipping times can vary based on origin, destination, and customs delays. It is important to note that the guarantee on Priority Mail Express International services to certain destinations may be temporarily suspended due to airline travel restrictions and cancellations.
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Frequently asked questions
Japan Post Express Mail Service (EMS) recently resumed shipping to Australia after a two-year suspension due to COVID-19. However, shipping may take several weeks to a few months due to the large volume of packages. USPS has also resumed shipping to Australia, but only for Priority Mail Express International services. First Class Package International service to Australia remains suspended.
FedEx, UPS, DHL, and GlobalPost are alternative shipping options to Australia.
Shipping durations for FedEx, UPS, and DHL are approximately one week, but there may be additional shipping costs.
Yes, China has resumed importing met coal from Australia after a hiatus of over two years. However, the volume of coal exports to China is still below the pre-hiatus levels.
