In this episode of This Week in E-Commerce, Mal Chia and Alex Ross tackle the biggest disruption to Australian retail logistics in years: Australia Post has abruptly halted all standard parcel shipments to the US.
With the end of de minimis on August 29 and tariffs of up to $200 USD per parcel kicking in, brands relying on AusPost are suddenly scrambling to find alternatives — or risk being cut off from the US entirely.
Mal breaks down what’s behind the move, who it hits hardest, and what urgent steps retailers need to take now — from switching to commercial clearance to investing in 3PL or local US warehousing.
Also in this episode:
• 🏬 Adore Beauty’s retail expansion & profit growth
• 🛠️ New Zealand’s Kitchen Things enters receivership
• 💄 Mini Cooper x TBH Skincare: a very pink brand collab
• 🚨 Naked Sundays pulls SPF products amid safety concerns
🔑 Key Topic: Australia Post Halts US Shipments
Triggered by the end of de minimis and uncertain US tariff processing
Impacts all standard AusPost parcels to the US and Puerto Rico
Commercial carriers (e.g., DHL, UPS) still operational via clearance model
Retailers face $80–$200 USD duties per parcel during transition
Solution coming via Zonos partnership — but not in time for BFCM
Small and mid-sized brands especially vulnerable
Mal also gives credit to the WhatsApp retail community for helping brands navigate the crisis — with shoutouts to Dean Salakas, Jethro Marks, and Justin Irvine for their early insights and support.
