
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted cruise ship operations and international shipping between the United States and Australia. In March 2020, a Holland America Line cruise ship cancelled its voyage halfway through, leaving an elderly American couple stranded in Australia. The same month, thousands of Americans were affected by cruise operators cancelling voyages or leaving them stranded at sea due to the pandemic. In September 2021, US package forwarding service providers suspended shipping to Australia due to limited transport services and reduced flights. This disrupted the flow of goods and caused difficulties for Australians wanting to receive packages from the US. However, by September 2024, Australia resumed international shipping and trade between the two countries increased, with Australians purchasing a wide range of products from the US.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shipping from the US to Australia during Covid-19 | Suspended due to limited transport services and flight operations |
| Australians' access to packages and the retail industry | Severely impacted |
| Current status of shipping from the US to Australia | Resumed, with cheaper rates |
| Australian purchases from the US | Toys, men's wear, women's wear, cosmetics, skincare, baby clothing, books, vehicle parts, electronics, shoes, drugstore products |
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What You'll Learn
- Shipping from the US to Australia was suspended during Covid-19
- Australians faced difficulties receiving packages from the US
- The retail industry suffered during the Covid-19 outbreak
- Australia has allowed international shipping to enter its protection bubble
- Globalshopaholics offers US to Australia shipping at low rates

Shipping from the US to Australia was suspended during Covid-19
Shipping from the US to Australia was suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic. In September 2021, US package forwarding service providers restricted their freight forwarding services to Australia due to limited transport services and reduced flight operations. This suspension hit the retail industry hard, and many Australians were unable to receive packages from their loved ones in the US.
The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the travel industry, with cruise operators canceling voyages or leaving passengers stranded on the high seas. In March 2020, the Holland America Line Amsterdam cruise ship canceled its four-month "grand voyage" halfway through for safety reasons. The ship, which had set off from Port Everglades in January when the coronavirus was in its early stages, was due back in Florida in May. Instead, it docked in Perth, Australia, leaving an elderly American couple stranded and forced to find their own way back to California.
The suspension of shipping services between the US and Australia during Covid-19 highlights the vulnerability of the travel and tourism industry to global health crises. The decision by US package forwarding service providers to restrict freight forwarding services to Australia due to limited transport options and reduced flights underscores the interconnectedness of the shipping and travel industries.
The resumption of shipping services between the two countries, as indicated by the presence of companies offering US-to-Australia shipping services in 2024, suggests a recovery from the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the specific impacts on individuals and industries during the suspension period should not be understated, as they highlight the far-reaching consequences of pandemic-related disruptions.
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Australians faced difficulties receiving packages from the US
Australians faced significant difficulties in receiving packages from the US during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. In September 2021, US package forwarding service providers suspended freight forwarding services to Australia due to limited transport services and reduced flight operations. This disruption left many Australians unable to receive packages from their loved ones in the US, and it also severely impacted the retail industry. The pandemic highlighted the challenges of relying on international supply chains, especially when they are abruptly halted or disrupted.
The suspension of shipping services from the US to Australia during the pandemic was particularly challenging for Australians who frequently purchase American products. Many Australians regularly buy items such as toys, clothing, cosmetics, skincare, books, and vehicle parts from the US, and the suspension of shipping services disrupted their access to these goods. The inability to receive packages from the US also affected Australians who relied on cross-border shopping for their businesses or personal needs.
During the pandemic, cruise ships were also impacted, with voyages suspended or canceled, leaving passengers stranded in different parts of the world. In March 2020, an American couple was among those stranded in Australia when their cruise ship, the Holland America Line Amsterdam, canceled its four-month "grand voyage" halfway through for safety reasons. The ship, which had set off from Port Everglades in January, was due back in Florida in May but instead docked in Perth, Australia.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruptions to international travel and trade, including shipping services between the US and Australia. Australians faced challenges in receiving packages from the US due to limited transport and flight operations. However, as of September 2024, sources indicate that shipping from the US to Australia has resumed, and Australians can once again receive packages from American stores. This resumption of shipping services allows Australians to purchase and receive a wide range of American products, including technology, machinery, clothing, cosmetics, and more.
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The retail industry suffered during the Covid-19 outbreak
The Covid-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the retail industry, with many stores forced to close temporarily and staff placed on furlough. Retailers had to adapt quickly to the changing situation, implementing new safety measures and altering operations to continue serving their customers. The pandemic also accelerated the shift towards e-commerce, with retailers enhancing their online and mobile offerings to meet the changing expectations of consumers.
During the pandemic, consumers reported that their shopping behaviour was influenced by the closure of retail stores and the resulting inability to try on clothes or access in-store services. A study by quantilope found that the fashion industry suffered a 30% decline in sales worldwide in 2020, with three-quarters of shoppers buying less fashion during the pandemic. However, a third of shoppers did increase their online clothing purchases, indicating a shift in shopping habits that continued even as physical stores reopened.
The pandemic also led to the development of new shopping models such as Click & Meet, Click & Collect, and Click & Reserve, which enabled customers to shop in a 'Covid-19-Compliant' manner. These models allowed retailers to limit the number of shoppers in stores and provide a safe environment for those who preferred to shop in person. While the fashion industry suffered, the electronics industry saw less interest in returning to in-store shopping, with only 8% of respondents indicating electronics stores as their preferred type of store to visit after restrictions lifted.
The Covid-19 pandemic had a lasting impact on the retail industry, altering operations and reshaping consumer expectations. Retailers had to adapt to the new normal, with safety measures and changing mandates becoming a key focus. The pandemic accelerated the growth of e-commerce and mobile offerings, and retailers had to find creative solutions to offset losses and meet the changing demands of their customers.
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Australia has allowed international shipping to enter its protection bubble
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the freight forwarding fleet in Australia was shut down for several months. However, Australia has now allowed international shipping to enter its protection bubble. This means that Australians can now purchase their favourite items from US stores and have them shipped directly to Australia, without worrying about high shipping costs or whether stores deliver to Australia.
Globalshopaholics, for example, offers package consolidation, allowing customers to buy more and ship for less. They can order from multiple stores and have their items shipped all at once, reducing shipping costs. Globalshopaholics also offers an assisted purchase feature, which allows customers to buy anything from US stores and ship it to Australia cheaply.
There are various shipping carriers that offer international shipping from the US to Australia, such as Aramex, USPS, DHL, FedEx, and UPS. FedEx, for instance, provides express shipping and cheaper economy services. UPS also offers different services that allow customers to control expenses versus the time taken.
When shipping to Australia, it is important to be aware of the country's strict customs regulations. Australia is an island nation, and its customs regulations are stringent. All biological goods are restricted, and many are entirely prohibited. This includes plants, seeds, and wooden goods. Cardboard boxes that previously held fruit are also prohibited and may lead to packages being quarantined. To avoid this, it is recommended to use a brand-new, double-corrugated cardboard box when shipping to Australia, as it provides the most protection while taking up minimal space.
In addition to the customs forms required by Australian authorities, some items may also need a Certificate of Origin. Most parcels that enter the country do so free of taxes or customs duties, as duties and fees are generally not applied to shipments worth less than 1,000 Australian dollars.
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Globalshopaholics offers US to Australia shipping at low rates
GlobalShopaholics offers a package forwarding service from the USA to Australia at affordable and competitive rates. They provide a free US mailbox address, the cheapest market rates for international shipping, and minimal processing charges.
Upon signing up, you will be given a US address in a tax-free region, where your packages can be delivered. GlobalShopaholics will then forward your packages to you in Australia at the lowest guaranteed shipping cost. The company claims to offer a safe and secure shipping experience, with the option of extra packaging for fragile items.
The time taken for packages to arrive in Australia varies depending on the mode of shipment chosen. Air freight typically takes 5-10 working days, while sea freight can take 50-60 days, depending on the US state being shipped from.
GlobalShopaholics also provides a personal dashboard, which includes a real-time shipping cost estimate, a clear summary of shipping rates, delivery time, and shipping method. The company further simplifies the shipping process by offering pre-filled customs forms, and discounted rates.
Some of the courier services offered by GlobalShopaholics include APC Parcel Connect Expedited, DHL Express Worldwide, UPS Worldwide Saver, FedEx International Economy, and USPS Priority Mail International.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, shipping between the US and Australia was suspended in September 2021 due to the COVID-19 outbreak. However, as of September 2024, international shipping to Australia has resumed.
Yes, you can ship Evy Sunscreen Mousse from the US to Australia. However, it is considered a hazardous material due to its aerosol container, so it requires special packing and documentation, and there is a surcharge for shipping.
As of March 2020, there were no specific COVID-19 related restrictions on Americans travelling to Australia. However, cruise ships, including some carrying American passengers, were cancelling voyages or leaving passengers stranded in Australia due to the pandemic. It is recommended to check the latest travel advice before travelling.
All shipments of food articles to the US must be preceded by a prior notice of shipment, regardless of whether they are for commercial purposes or gifts. Food articles include human and animal food, dietary supplements, nutritional supplements, vitamins, and food and colour additives.











































