How to expand from Amazon Australia to the US/UK: A guide for Aussie exporters

TL;DR

• Expanding from Amazon Australia to the US or UK gives access to larger markets, higher sales volume, and growing demand for Aussie-made products.

• Amazon FBA simplifies logistics, handles returns, and builds customer trust through fast and reliable shipping across borders.

• Success depends on localisation—adjust listings, language, and marketing for each market to connect with regional buyers and boost conversions.

• Before launching, ensure your product meets export standards, and understand compliance rules like FDA (US), VAT (UK), and customs documentation.

• Choose the right fulfilment model (FBA vs FBM), plan inventory carefully, and use demand forecasting tools to avoid overstock or stockouts.

• Avoid common mistakes like copy-pasting AU listings, skipping compliance steps, underestimating logistics, or launching without a clear return policy.

Australian sellers generated over $100 million in Amazon export sales last year, driven largely by demand from the US and UK. If you’re not tapping into these markets yet, you could be leaving serious growth on the table.

But breaking into these marketplaces isn’t as simple as copying your Australian listings and hoping for the best. The demand for Aussie-made and Aussie-sold products is booming abroad, and Amazon makes it easier than ever to tap into these high-volume markets.

Here’s the challenge: expanding from Amazon Australia to global marketplaces isn’t a copy-paste job. What works in Australia won’t automatically work overseas. If you're already selling successfully on Amazon Australia, you’ve got a solid foundation. With the right strategy, expanding to the US or UK can unlock serious growth.

This guide walks you through, step by step, how to expand your business and sell on Amazon US from Australia, as well as how to move from Amazon Australia to international markets. From setting up your global account to navigating fulfilment and localising your listings, this is your go-to playbook for smart, scalable international success. 

Why is expanding from Australia to the US or UK worth it?

Expanding from Amazon Australia to the US or UK is more than just a growth move—it’s a smart, strategic step for any Aussie seller looking to scale their business globally.

#1 Access to huge markets

Expanding from Australia to the US or UK gives your brand access to massive, high-traffic markets that can take your sales to the next level. Amazon US accounts for over 40% of all e-commerce sales in the US, with more than 200 million monthly visitors and over 150 million Prime members. 

The UK is Amazon’s third-largest marketplace, generating over £24 billion in annual sales and serving tens of millions of customers. By tapping into these mature markets, you expose your products to a global audience, increase your chances of scaling quickly, and unlock growth opportunities that simply don’t exist in Australia, where Amazon is still expanding. 

If you're serious about growing your Amazon business, expanding where the buyers already are through Amazon Global Selling Australia is a smart and proven move.

#2 Higher sales volume

Expanding from Australia to the US or UK is worth it largely because of the higher sales volume these markets offer. Compared to Australia, the US and UK have much larger online shopping populations.  For example, Amazon US serves over 150 million Prime members and handles billions in annual sales, making it the most active Amazon marketplace in the world. 

The UK, while smaller, is still one of Amazon’s top five markets globally. For Aussie sellers, this means your products have the potential to be seen and bought by a much bigger audience.

#3 Demand for Aussie-made products

Expanding from Australia to the US or UK is especially worthwhile because of the growing demand for Aussie-made products, making Amazon UK from Australia a smart move for sellers looking to tap into that trusted reputation. Shoppers in these regions often associate Australian goods with high quality, clean ingredients, and ethical standards, especially in categories like skincare, health, wellness, and eco-friendly products.

A 2023 NielsenIQ study found that over 70% of UK and US consumers prefer products perceived as “natural,” “clean,” or “ethically made”—areas where Australian brands excel.

Products labeled “Made in Australia” are seen as trustworthy due to the country’s strong manufacturing regulations and clean, green reputation. By positioning your product as uniquely Australian, you tap into this demand. Your origin isn’t just a detail—it’s a valuable brand asset that can boost visibility and sales in global markets.

#4 Easy logistics with Amazon FBA

Expanding from Australia to the US or UK is easier than ever, thanks to Amazon FBA. With Fulfilment by Amazon, you don’t need to worry about setting up warehouses, hiring staff, or handling customer service overseas. 

You simply send your inventory to an Amazon fulfilment centre, and they take care of the rest—packing, shipping, delivery, and even returns. This makes it incredibly efficient to scale across borders while keeping operations lean. 

Plus, FBA builds trust with international buyers through fast Prime delivery and reliable service. If you’re looking to go global without the headaches, Amazon FBA makes logistics one less thing to stress about.

#5 Reduce risk by diversifying

Expanding from Australia to the US or UK helps reduce business risk by diversifying your revenue streams. Relying solely on the Australian market limits your exposure to new customers and leaves you vulnerable to local slowdowns, seasonal dips, or policy changes. 

By selling in multiple regions, you spread that risk across different buyer bases and shopping cycles. For example, while sales might slow in Australia, they could peak in the US due to seasonal trends or holidays. This balance creates more stable income throughout the year. Diversification also makes your brand more resilient, more scalable, and better positioned for long-term growth in the global eCommerce space.

#6 Build a global brand

Expanding from Amazon Australia to the US or UK is a powerful step toward building a truly global brand. These larger markets give your products far more visibility, allowing you to reach millions of new customers who are eager to discover fresh, high-quality brands.

When your listings appear across multiple regions, your brand gains credibility, trust, and recognition. You’re no longer just an Aussie seller—you’re an international player. Over time, this broader presence opens the door to partnerships, media exposure, and growth opportunities beyond Amazon. 

Expanding from Amazon Australia to the US or UK can significantly grow your business, but success depends on understanding key differences across these markets. The US Amazon marketplace is the largest globally, offering massive traffic, high conversion potential, and a wide customer base. However, it’s also highly competitive. 

Fulfillment is easier with FBA, but shipping inventory internationally requires upfront planning and cost management. The UK market, while smaller than the US, is still mature and less saturated in some categories. Cultural similarities with Australia make it easier to localize content. However, Brexit-related regulations mean extra compliance steps for customs and VAT.

In contrast, Amazon Australia is still growing. It offers lower competition and easier logistics, but limited traffic can slow down scale.

Key factors to keep in mind as an Aussie exporter:

• Currency exchange rates and taxation rules.

• Product-market fit for each region.

• Compliance with regional laws (FDA, CE, VAT).

• Optimized inventory and fulfillment plans.

• Localized copy and pricing strategies.

How  to expand from Amazon Australia to the US/UK

#1 Check if your product is export-ready

Before you expand from Amazon Australia to the US or UK, the first step is to check if your product is export-ready. This means making sure it meets international safety, labeling, and packaging standards. 

Different countries have different rules—for example, the US may require FDA approval for health products, while the UK might need CE markings for electronics. Also, confirm your product can handle longer shipping times and still arrive in good condition. If your item is fragile, perishable, or restricted, rethink your approach. Getting this step right helps avoid delays, penalties, or negative reviews in new marketplaces.

#2 Understand legal and compliance requirements

Before expanding from Amazon Australia to the US or UK, it’s important to understand each country’s legal and compliance rules. These markets have different regulations around product safety, labelling, packaging, and tax registration. 

For example, in the US, certain products may require FDA approval, while in the UK, you’ll need to register for VAT. Not following these rules can lead to listing removal or account suspension. Do your homework or work with a compliance expert to ensure your products meet all local standards. Getting it right from the start will save time, avoid penalties, and build customer trust faster.

#3 Set up international  global selling accounts

To expand from Amazon Australia to the US or UK, the first step is setting up your Amazon Global Selling account. This unlocks access to new marketplaces and lets you manage international listings from one central dashboard, making it an essential step for international expansion that Amazon Australia sellers should prioritize.

When registering, ensure your business details, tax info, and bank accounts are ready for cross-border transactions. Choose the right marketplaces—start with the US or UK based on product demand and category trends. Once set up, you can easily list products, monitor performance, and scale operations globally. It’s a simple yet powerful way to turn a local Amazon business into a global brand.

#4 Choose the right fulfilment model ( FBM vs FBA) 

When expanding from Amazon Australia to the US or UK, choosing the right fulfilment model—FBA (Fulfilment by Amazon) or FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant)—can make or break your success. FBA is ideal if you want fast shipping, Prime eligibility, and Amazon handling of customer service. 

It builds trust and boosts visibility, but comes with storage and prep fees. FBM, on the other hand, gives you more control and may suit niche or custom products, but you’ll need reliable logistics. Think about your product type, budget, and operations. Choosing the right model helps you scale smartly in competitive global markets.

#5 Localise your listings and marketing

When expanding from Amazon Australia to the US or UK, Amazon listing optimization and marketing is a must. What works in Australia won’t always connect with US or UK shoppers. Update your product titles, bullet points, and descriptions with local keywords, spelling (like “color” vs. “colour”), and regional language. Adjust your marketing tone and imagery to match local tastes and expectations. 

Even small changes—like highlighting “Made for American weather”—can boost trust and conversions. Localisation isn’t about translation—it’s about making your brand feel native, relevant, and ready to win over a new audience. 

#6 Manage logistics, inventory, and returns

When expanding from Amazon Australia to the US or UK, managing logistics, inventory, and returns efficiently is key to maintaining customer satisfaction and profitability. Start by using Amazon FBA—it simplifies cross-border fulfilment, handles returns locally, and builds trust with fast, reliable shipping. 

Plan your inventory wisely to avoid stockouts or overstocking, which can hurt your rankings or cash flow. Consider using tools to forecast demand in each region, and always factor in shipping times, customs delays, and local holidays. For returns, ensure your policy aligns with local expectations to avoid negative reviews and build a strong reputation from day one.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Copy-pasting AU listings without localisation.

• Ignoring regional compliance and tax requirements.

• Underestimating shipping and fulfilment timelines.

• Setting unrealistic ad budgets in more competitive markets.

• Not researching product-market fit for each region.

• Failing to register for VAT (UK) or EIN (US) where required.

• Overlooking customer support needs in different time zones.

• Relying solely on organic traffic without launch campaigns.

• Sending too little or too much inventory.

• Not having a clear return and refund policy for international buyers.

Wrap up

Expanding from Amazon Australia to the US or UK is a major growth opportunity—but only if done strategically. From understanding compliance and fulfilment to localising listings and managing returns, every step matters. These mature marketplaces offer massive reach and higher sales potential, but they also come with tighter competition and higher customer expectations.

The key is to adapt, not just replicate. Whether you’re testing the waters or ready to go all in, working with an experienced Amazon consultant can make the process faster, smoother, and more profitable. With the right support and smart planning, your Aussie brand can thrive on the global Amazon stage.