Why does AliExpress shipping from Australia take longer?

Hello All.

I am in Australia & have been dropshipping from China. I am very aware of the issue surrounding shipping times which can take anywhere from 2 - 4 weeks. Some AliExpress stores do ship “Australia to Australia”. What totally bamboozles me is that, not only is it more expensive than shipping from China, IT TAKES LONGER! I just don’t understand how this can be so. Can anyone please explain why this would be so ? I have reached out to one supplier but have not heard back as yet.

Before anyone recommends places like Syncee, CJ Dropshipping etc for suppliers in Australia, I don’t want to pay a subscription if I don’t have to. Plus these sites don’t have the type of products I am looking for.

Thank you.