Australia Post has suspended many postage services to the United States without warning. This decision will hurt Australian small businesses who rely on sales to American customers.
Shadow Minister for Trade, Investment and Tourism, Kevin Hogan, said the Albanese Government’s complete lack of awareness on this issue is ridiculous.
“Goods worth less than $800 USD could previously enter the US without tariffs or extra paperwork. The US has suspended this exemption, and rather than helping businesses adjust, Australia Post has simply stopped sending parcels altogether,” Mr Hogan said.
“The United States is Australia’s largest two-way investment partner and one of our most important trading markets. The Prime Minister talks about supporting small business, but his government wasn’t even across this decision until it was too late.”
“For many small operators, selling online to the US is their livelihood. The suspension of postage services is a hammer blow – and the Albanese Government has failed to lift a finger.”
Mr Hogan said the Government must urgently intervene to ensure Australia Post restores services and provide clarity for exporters who have been left stranded.
“This is about jobs and income for everyday Australians. A competent government would have acted immediately to stop this disruption. Instead, small businesses are paying the price for Labor’s lack of oversight.”
“The Prime Minister needs to step up, meet with the US President, and put Australia’s case at the highest level. Sending other ministers isn’t enough, this requires leadership from the top.”
