AusPost Pulls the Pin on the US — Now What?

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.