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A small population with a big import potential, Australia is a developed economy with great potential for further growth. Its GDP growth, a key indicator of economic success, is looking strong for such a mature economy. It’s in line or ahead of Europe for GDP growth, but behind some regional neighbors such as the Philippines and Vietnam (although these economies are both emerging, so have more headroom for growth).
Let’s take a closer look at Australia’s economy and potential for overseas imports.
As of 2023, Australia’s population is over 26 million. The majority live in urban areas, but there is a significant rural population(2).
Most Australians use the internet regularly. 96% internet penetration makes Australia the 18th most connected country in the world, alongside Singapore, Oman and Hong Kong(3).
Australia’s GDP is projected to grow by 1.8% in 2023, comparing well to similarly developed economies such as Germany, which is forecast to contract by 0.3% in 2023. The forecast for Australia in 2024 is 1.4% growth(4).
Australians are willing to buy from overseas retailers. 40% of Australian shoppers’ most recent purchases were from China(5).
Australia is the 12th largest market for eCommerce, placing it ahead of Brazil(6).
Online retailers and marketplaces used by online shoppers in Australia in the 12 months to July 2023, according to a survey of online shoppers in Australia7.
The variety of products that can be purchased online is continuously growing. Among Australian consumers the two most popular categories for online purchases are clothing and shoes.
Australian online shoppers prefer paying by credit or debit card, with nearly half surveyed saying card was their preferred option, followed by e-wallets(9).
Christmas is a major shopping season, with retailers offering special promotions and discounts. The period extends into New Year's sales.
Boxing Day is known for significant sales and discounts both in physical stores and online. Many Australians take advantage of post-Christmas deals.
Click Frenzy is an online shopping event featuring special deals and discounts. It includes various categories, such as fashion, electronics, and beauty.
Many retailers hold sales at the end of the financial year to clear out old stock and attract customers with discounts.
Afterpay Day is an event where retailers partner with the buy-now-pay-later service, Afterpay, to offer promotions and exclusive deals.
While originating in the U.S., Cyber Monday has gained popularity in Australia, with online retailers offering discounts and promotions.
Similar to Click Frenzy, Click Frenzy Mayhem is another online shopping event with exclusive deals and discounts.
Retailers often offer promotions on school supplies, clothing, and electronics as families prepare for the new school year.
VOSN is an event where various retailers, including fashion and beauty brands, offer discounts for online shoppers.
Australia’s Customs office is called the Australian Border Force. It monitors all people and items entering the country.
Duties and taxes are typically applicable to all goods imported into Australia unless specific exemptions or concessions are in place.
Do I need a license to import? - Importers (companies or individuals) do not need to hold an import license to bring goods into Australia. However, depending on the nature of the goods, importers may be required to obtain permits to clear certain imported goods from customs control, regardless of their value.
Importers have a responsibility to guarantee that all imported products are correctly labeled. This means that products that require a trade description must be marked with the name of the country where they were made or produced, and if required, a true and accurate description of the product.
10% Good and services tax - More details on how this is calculated and what is liable for taxation are here.
Import De Minimis AUD$1,000 - Goods below this threshold don’t need to pay import tax. Items containing alcohol or tobacco related products pay duties and taxes regardless of value.
Biosecurity - Australia has strict biosecurity requirements for any person or item entering the country. If not followed, it could result in goods being disposed of or destroyed.
For more information and guidance, be sure to check out this Australian Government website: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/
Australian Customs (Australian Border Force) website
Australia’s customs agency has an easy-to-use website that provides comprehensive guides to importing to Australia.
For specific product import guidance and goods and services tax (GST) information, visit:
How to import to Australia (includes forms)
https://www.abf.gov.au/importing-exporting-and-manufacturing/importing/how-to-import
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