Logistics provider Australia Post delivered an additional $2.4 billion in e-commerce during the height of the lockdown compared to the same time last year, according to a report by Deloitte Access Economics. 

The report, commissioned by Australia Post, found parcels delivered grew by 26 million on 2019 figures, and almost a quarter of this additional commerce came from regional and remote communities. 

“Not only have we supported business to trade online, for every three workers employed by Australia Post, another two jobs in other businesses and industries have been supported, many in small and medium businesses,” Australia Post chief executive Christina Holgate said. 

“This new analysis underlines the fundamental role Australia Post plays in connecting communities and businesses across Australia.”

Deloitte Access Economics partner John O’Mahony said customer behaviour changed during lockdown as physical restrictions drove Australians to shop online.

“With many stores closed or having limited physical operations, consumers have shifted to online purchases, resulting in changes to delivery networks,” O’Mahony said. 

“The limited availability of alternatives for the fast and reliable delivery of parcels between regional and remote areas means that for many businesses operating outside of metropolitan cities, Australia Post’s delivery infrastructure is essential for maintaining a high-quality experience for customers residing in other regional communities.”

Australia Post grew side-by-side with the e-commerce industry more broadly during lockdown, with figures from fulfilment business eStore Logistics demonstrating how Australians turned online during lockdown.

Likewise, Mastercard saw a 316 per cent growth in online transactions secured using its tokenised payment security technology in the second quarter.

According to figures provided by eStore, it saw trade increase 30 per cent in March, 73 per cent in April, 99 per cent in May, and 81 per cent in June. 

“Australian e-commerce is enjoying a phenomenal growth-spurt right now,” said eStore Logistics chief executive Leigh Williams.

“In just a few months it’s gained ground that would otherwise have taken years… Aussie consumers who were brought online due to Covid-19 lockdowns have now experienced the convenience offered by e-commerce, and are staying on for the end of financial year sales.”