01Trade status and agreements
CPTPP, RCEP, bilateral FTAs with China, Japan, South Korea, UK.
Forwarders and shippers need to understand the specific FTA landscape: which preferences apply, which origin documents are accepted. Verify product-by-product on every quote and shipment.
02Customs and import/export specifics
ICS Integrated Cargo System, AQIS biosecurity, very strict quarantine.
Beyond the systems listed, country-specific requirements on product labelling, technical standards and pre-shipment inspections apply. For B2C flows from the EU into Australia, correct VAT handling (e.g. IOSS) matters.
03Gateways and connectivity
Main gateways: Sydney (Port Botany), Melbourne, Brisbane, Fremantle (See); SYD, MEL (Luft).
Routing depends on volume, origin/destination and service level. Time-critical: airfreight via the main hub; volume cargo: sea via the largest terminal; intra-region: road or road-rail combinations.
04Top trade partners
Main trading partners: China, Japan, Südkorea, USA, Indien. Exact statistics change yearly; up-to-date data is available from Eurostat, UN Comtrade and national statistics offices.