At Ukulele Trading Co Australia, my mission has always been simple: to help people in all ages rediscover the joy of music and enhance their playing experience. Through a carefully curated selection of ukuleles from trusted brands like Flight, Ohana, and Kala, four in-person ukulele groups, and over 1,000 online lessons, I’ve dedicated myself to making music accessible, meaningful, and fun.
That’s why this update isn’t easy to share, but it’s important to be transparent with you.
What’s Happening — And Why
As of 26 August 2025, Australia Post has temporarily suspended parcel services to the USA.
This follows a major policy change in the United States: the end of the “de minimis” exemption, which previously allowed goods under USD 800 to enter tariff-free.
Now, these items face an import tariff, making small-scale exports from Australia significantly more expensive and complex.
The USA Govt expects Australian business to calculate the import tariff, charge our USA customers the Tariff and then remit the Tariffs to the US govt.
A system for this Tariff Collection mechanism they haven't even bothered to work out!
Yes it is all very up in the air.
You can read the full news report here: Australia Post partially suspends US postage over tariffs.
For large corporations, these added costs and processes may be manageable. But for a small, community-driven business like mine, the impact is immediate and unsustainable.
How This Affects You and Me
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For my U.S. customers: I’m temporarily unable to ship ukuleles and accessories to the United States. I know this is disappointing, and I truly appreciate your patience and understanding.
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My commitment remains: While shipping is paused, my online lessons and video tutorials are still available worldwide. You can continue learning, playing, and enjoying music with me, no matter where you are.
- Stay connected: By joining my newsletter or following me on social media, you’ll be the first to know when USA shipping resumes.
Looking Ahead
Music is about connection. It bridges oceans, unites people, and creates joy in ways few things can. While this pause affects the physical delivery of instruments, it does not pause the community, learning, and support that I’m committed to providing through Ukulele Trading Co Australia.
I’ll continue working hard to find a sustainable way forward—one that stays true to my values, supports my customers, and keeps the joy of music alive.
Thank you for standing with me through this challenge. I can’t wait to resume strumming together across the Pacific soon.
With gratitude,
Christopher Carr
Owner, Ukulele Trading Co Australia
📧 chrisfromukuleletrading@gmail.com
🌐 ukuleletradingcoaustralia.com.au
