FX at a glance
- AUD/USD 0.6952 → 0.6983 · 1 week +0.45% · 1 month -2.42%
- USD/KRW 1,342.55 → 1,341.07 · 1 week -0.11% · 1 month -0.53%
- AUD/KRW 933.34 → 936.23 · 1 week +0.31% · 1 month -2.96%
- Timing recap (5 trading days to 2026-10-11): converting A$10,000 on Mon 10/05 (936.34) versus Wed 10/07 (932.89) differed by ₩34,500 (0.37%). A look back at observed rates, not a forecast or a timing recommendation.
- AUD→USD: 0.6952 → 0.6983 (+0.45%). Converting A$10,000.00 would have changed from US$6,951.72 to US$6,983.00, a difference of +US$31.28. This was more favourable for Australian businesses paying or sending USD; the effect is reversed for a business converting fixed USD receipts back to AUD.
- USD→KRW: 1,342.55 → 1,341.07 (-0.11%). Converting US$10,000.00 would have changed from ₩13,425,468 to ₩13,410,700, a difference of -₩14,768. This was less favourable for businesses converting USD to KRW for Korean payments; the effect is reversed for a business converting fixed KRW receipts back to USD.
- AUD→KRW: 933.34 → 936.23 (+0.31%). Converting A$10,000.00 would have changed from ₩9,333,367 to ₩9,362,300, a difference of +₩28,933. This was more favourable for Australian businesses paying Korean suppliers in KRW; the effect is reversed for a business converting fixed KRW receipts back to AUD.
Read the Monday FX and business-payment guide →
Mid-market observations. This is not an FX forecast or a recommendation about remittance timing.
One insight from WBAU transfer data
How Korea-bound business transfers differed by amount
Transfers are grouped into three AUD amount bands by transaction count, including repeat transfers by the same customer.
- Under A$5,000: 39.6% (806 transfers)
- A$5,000 to under A$20,000: 26.6% (541 transfers)
- A$20,000 or more: 33.9% (690 transfers)
Fees can represent different shares of total costs at different transfer amounts. Compare rates, fees and recipient amounts for your own payment; these bands are not recommended transfer sizes.
Basis: 2025-09-01~2026-08-31 · Internal WBAU AU→KR B2B transfers sent in AUD, with paid/approved status, deduplicated by transfer number. Not representative of all Korean businesses in Australia; customer nationality is not classified. No customer identities or individual transactions are disclosed.
This week in 30 seconds
- [Business case] Australian startup Chundee developed a silicone bib to help with infant vomiting and food management, expanding sales to Amazon in the US and Australia, and 30 countries globally through short-form video virality.
- [Practical guide] Expert analysis and recommendations that small and medium-sized businesses need to focus on improving productivity through equipment, technology, and process enhancements, rather than increasing prices or extending working hours amidst rising operating costs and customer price resistance.
- The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) announced that chilled segmented durian from Thailand (tariff code 0810.60.00.52) will be included in the Compliance-Based Intervention Scheme (CBIS) from 2026-10-07.
Deadlines to check (next 14 days)
- 2026-10-21 (in 9 days) · Monthly BAS — same date with or without an agent — Businesses reporting GST monthly (turnover $20 million or more, or by choice) (The 21st of the month after the period (e.g. August BAS due 21 September). ATO: the agent electronic-lodgment concession does not apply to standard monthly activity statements.) source
- 2026-10-25 (in 13 days) · Korea VAT preliminary return (reference for Australian importers — counterparty timing) — Australian importers dealing with Korean suppliers — expect invoicing and settlement pressure around this date (Preliminary periods 1 Jan–31 Mar (due 25 Apr) and 1 Jul–30 Sep (due 25 Oct). Individuals and small corporations receive an assessment instead.) source
- Ongoing · Payday Super — super guarantee received within 7 business days of payday — All employers (from 1 July 2026) (The former quarterly SG due dates no longer apply from 1 July 2026; each payday is the trigger.) source
Based on official pages (verified 2026-09-02). Confirm your own lodgment type and any extension with your accountant.
1. Product in Use: Short-Form Video Sales Case
Business case · results are not guaranteed · Source published: 2026-10-09
Source: Inside Small Business. Limitations: This is a success story of an individual founder; the same viral effect or sales performance cannot be replicated for all e-commerce businesses.This is an individual experience, not a guarantee of results for other businesses.
Status: guidance · Relevant to: Small businesses selling infant products and consumer goods online and via e-commerce platforms, or seeking global expansion.
Australian startup Chundee developed a silicone bib to help with infant vomiting and food management, expanding sales to Amazon in the US and Australia, and 30 countries globally through short-form video virality.
Business impact: Demonstrates how a product that clearly solves a problem, combined with short-form video viral marketing, can lead to initial awareness and global e-commerce sales expansion.
General matter to check: Consider using video content that intuitively shows the problem and solution during product marketing, and explore global open marketplace entry possibilities.
2. When Costs Rise, But Prices Can’t: Where to Start?
Practical guide · not a new rule · Source published: 2026-09-28
Source: Inside Small Business. Limitations: According to ABS statistics, labour productivity was unchanged over the quarter (q/q 0%) and decreased by 0.2% year-on-year (y/y -0.2%) in the June quarter.
Status: guidance · Relevant to: Australian small and medium-sized businesses (especially in transport, construction, and manufacturing) facing rising costs and cash flow pressures.
Expert analysis and recommendations that small and medium-sized businesses need to focus on improving productivity through equipment, technology, and process enhancements, rather than increasing prices or extending working hours amidst rising operating costs and customer price resistance.
Business impact: In an environment where passing on cost increases to sales prices is difficult due to customer price sensitivity, managing cash flow through automation and financial structure alignment (e.g., invoice financing) becomes more important than forced expansion.
General matter to check: Review whether technology investments to improve efficiency in repetitive administrative tasks or equipment operations are appropriate, instead of simply extending working hours. Also, check funding methods.
3. CBIS Expansion: Chilled Durian from Thailand
Business update · Source published: 2026-10-02
Source: DAFF — 수입업 검역·검사 공지.
Status: passed · Effective/deadline: 2026-10-07 · Relevant to: Importers and customs brokers who import or handle customs clearance for chilled segmented durian from Thailand.
The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) announced that chilled segmented durian from Thailand (tariff code 0810.60.00.52) will be included in the Compliance-Based Intervention Scheme (CBIS) from 2026-10-07.
Business impact: Importers who consistently comply with biosecurity regulations can benefit from reduced inspection times and regulatory costs due to streamlined customs procedures. However, incomplete documentation may lead to delays and additional fees.
General matter to check: When importing this product, ensure the correct tariff code is entered, submit accurate documentation (COLS), and verify compliance with BICON import conditions.
WireBarley AU update
Korean-speaking support is available for businesses checking Korean remittance or onboarding arrangements.
- WireBarley Business
- +61 1300 252 073
- WireBarley AU Kakao Channel
This brief provides general information, not individual tax, employment, legal, customs or foreign-exchange advice. Check the official source and seek appropriate professional advice. Contributors include a former CPA.