Exporting a Chevrolet Silverado from the US to Australia: 2026 Cost
The Chevrolet Silverado has become a favourite tow rig in Australia, where big American pickups command a premium.
A Chevrolet Silverado costs about $73,154 all-in to export on the USA → Australia route in 2026 — a $55,000 purchase plus roughly $18,154 in shipping, 5% duty + 10% VAT/GST, compliance and registration.
- Route
- USA → Australia
- Est. all-in cost
- ~$73,154
- Duty & tax
- 5% duty + 10% VAT/GST
- On a purchase of
- $55,000
A Silverado entering Australia faces about 5% duty plus 10% GST on the customs value, duty and freight.
US trucks appeal because supply is plentiful and prices undercut locally remanufactured examples.
How much does it cost to export a Chevrolet Silverado?
Every line below is a researched 2026 estimate in USD. We start from the $55,000 purchase price, add marine insurance at about 1.5% and ocean freight, then 5% duty and 10% VAT/GST on the duty-inclusive (CIF) value, and the broker, compliance and registration fees. Change the purchase price and everything else scales only modestly.
| Vehicle (purchase price) | $55,000 |
| Seller-side export documentation | $150 |
| Ocean freight | $3,200 |
| Marine insurance (~1.5%) | $825 |
| Australian duty of about 5% applies (an FTA may reduce it) | $2,951 |
| 10% GST applies on the customs value plus duty and freight | $6,198 |
| Customs broker & port handling | $830 |
| Type-approval / inspection | $2,500 |
| Inland transport & registration | $1,500 |
| Estimated all-in landed cost | $73,154 |
On this Chevrolet Silverado, destination taxes are the real story: roughly $2,951 in import duty plus $6,198 in import VAT/GST — about $9,149 together, frequently more than the $3,200 of ocean freight and every handling fee combined. All in, budget around $18,154 on top of the $55,000 purchase price (about 33%) before the car is registered in Australia.
How to export a Chevrolet Silverado, step by step
- Agree the purchase and secure the title/export paperwork in USA.
- Book ocean freight — roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) is cheapest, a sole-use container is safest for a high-value car.
- Confirm the exact model is eligible under the SEVS register before you commit.
- Clear customs (roughly 5% duty plus 10% GST on the customs value, and Luxury Car Tax above the threshold).
- Complete RAWS compliance through a Registered Automotive Workshop; left-hand-drive cars usually need remanufacturing to RHD.
- Register in your state or territory once compliance is signed off.
Exporting a Chevrolet Silverado: rules & compliance
Import eligibility runs through SEVS or RAWS, and right-hand-drive conversion is often required for full-size pickups. Compliance plating must precede state registration.
Frequently asked questions
Do Silverados sold in Australia come in right-hand drive?+
Many are converted to right-hand drive locally, and a US import typically needs the same.
How is GST applied to a Silverado import?+
GST of 10% is charged on the customs value plus duty and freight.
What is the total estimated cost to export a Chevrolet Silverado?+
About $73,154 all-in for a $55,000 example — the purchase price plus roughly $18,154 in freight, insurance, duty, VAT/GST, compliance and registration. Your figure shifts with the exact price, route and exchange rate.
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