In recent years, the continuous optimization of bilateral trade policies between China and Australia has brought many benefits to the freight industry between the two countries. The China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA), which came into effect in 2015, significantly reduced tariffs, promoted trade in sectors such as resources, agricultural products, and manufacturing, and directly stimulated the growth of freight forwarding business volume. In 2024, multiple departments including China's Ministry of Commerce jointly issued a number of policies. From expanding export credit insurance, optimizing cross-border settlement, to promoting the development of cross-border e-commerce, these policies provided comprehensive support for cross-border trade, and the freight market between China and Australia also benefited.
In terms of customs cooperation, the mutual recognition of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) status between China and Australia enables certified enterprises from both sides to enjoy customs clearance facilitation, reduce document review and physical goods inspection, accelerate the flow of goods, and improve freight efficiency. These favorable policies have led to the continuous expansion of the freight market between China and Australia. Industry data shows that the scale of Australia's cross-border e-commerce is expected to exceed 55 billion Australian dollars in 2025. As the core logistics channel, the maritime transport market has witnessed explosive growth, creating broad space for freight companies.
Facing new opportunities, freight companies between China and Australia are actively making strategic arrangements. Some enterprises have increased their investment in high-value-added service areas such as multimodal transport integration and cold chain logistics to meet the upgraded market demand. Some are using digital technologies like blockchain to optimize customs clearance processes and shorten document processing time. Other enterprises are innovating service models, such as creating "door-to-door" transportation, integrating the entire chain of maritime transport, customs clearance, and distribution, reducing customer costs, and enhancing their competitiveness. With the strong impetus of favorable policies, the freight industry between China and Australia is moving towards a new stage of development and is expected to play a more crucial role in bilateral trade.
