Roundtable Discussion Between Exporters, DHL and ECA
9 July 2026 | NSW Parliament House, Sydney
The Export Council of Australia (ECA), in partnership with DHL Express, recently hosted a roundtable discussion at NSW Parliament House, bringing together Australian exporters to examine the opportunities and challenges shaping international trade. ECA extends its thanks to DHL Express for its support of the event and for sharing valuable industry insights and thought leadership on the evolving global trade environment.
DHL Express provided an overview of current global logistics and trade trends, highlighting investments in network resilience, service reliability, and expanded coverage across Africa, the Middle East, and the Pacific. Participants also discussed significant changes to international customs and trade settings, including the removal of low-value import duty exemptions (“de minimis” thresholds) in major markets such as the United States and the European Union, and the implications for exporters managing compliance and market access.
Exporters highlighted rising input costs, changing trade regulations, currency volatility, and increasing protectionist measures as key factors affecting competitiveness and long-term planning. The discussion highlighted the need for businesses to remain agile and adaptable in response to evolving global conditions.
Technology and digital transformation were also key themes, with participants noting the growing importance of artificial intelligence and data-driven tools to improve forecasting, inventory management, compliance, and operational efficiency.
The roundtable reinforced the importance of market diversification, strategic partnerships, and innovation as Australian exporters navigate an increasingly complex trading environment. ECA and DHL Express look forward to continuing the conversation and supporting exporters as they pursue growth opportunities in both established and emerging markets.