The UK and Australia have strong cultural, family and economic ties. According to data from the UK government’s Department for International Trade, the value of UK exports to Australia in 2020 was £9.5 billion. In recent years, the UK has been one of Australia’s top 10 trading partners and is a major supplier of manufactured goods to the country.
A new era for UK/Australia trade
The UK and Australia have signed a free trade agreement (FTA) that came into effect on 1st January 2021. This is a comprehensive agreement covering a range of different sectors and aims to reduce barriers to trade between the two countries.
The UK and Australia governments have agreed to reduce or eliminate tariffs on a wide range of goods, including manufactured goods. The UK-Australia FTA is seen as a key step in strengthening the economic ties between the two countries, creating new opportunities for business and to boost economic growth.
How do you export to Australia?
Taking the first step into new export markets can seem daunting. The existence of a free trade agreement between the UK and Australia does simplify the process to some degree, but there are still a number of steps you will need to consider.
Firstly, you will need to understand your market and the opportunities it offers. You may wish to begin by exporting smaller quantities of your goods to test the market. If this is the case, it will impact your choice of shipping method.
You will also need to ensure that you are aware of any specific regulations or requirements that may be applied to your products. You will need to obtain the necessary documentation for exporting, such as export licenses, customs paperwork, and any other documents that are required by the destination country.
You will have a choice of shipping methods, each of which has a range of advantages and disadvantages for particular goods. In most cases, sea freight, either full or less than container load, will be the most cost effective. If you are shipping lower weight, higher value items, then air freight may be a viable option. Your goods should be properly prepared for shipping and export.
You will also need to pay any applicable taxes or duties on the goods you are exporting to Australia.
A freight forwarding company can make the entire process much more efficient. They’re able to access a range of cost-effective shipping methods and can take care of documentation as well as logistics.
SSO International Forwarding make it easy to export to Australia
Developing into new export markets can be confusing, which perhaps explains why such a small percentage of UK businesses have taken the plunge. SSO International Forwarding work to make the process simpler for businesses of all sizes. We can take care of the entire export process, from selecting and arranging the right shipping method for your goods, to clearing customs and forward transit.
We’re always happy to answer any questions about the export process.
Contact us to find out more about our export services and how we can help you take advantage of Australian markets.
