Eswatini Customs Modernizes Through Skills Training

Eswatini Customs Modernizes Through Skills Training

The Eswatini Revenue Authority (SRA), in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO), undertook a people development diagnostic mission to develop a competency-based customs talent development strategy, aiming to enhance customs modernization. The SRA is committed to adopting relevant management principles and implementing a plan encompassing key elements such as competency model development, job analysis, recruitment and training, and performance management. This initiative is designed to promote trade facilitation and economic development within Eswatini.

WCO Committee Advances Global Trade Facilitation Measures

WCO Committee Advances Global Trade Facilitation Measures

The latest meeting of the WCO Technical Committee focused on customs facilitation, emphasizing data standardization, risk management, SME support, cross-border e-commerce facilitation, and AEO mutual recognition. Businesses should strengthen compliance management, embrace digital transformation, and enhance international cooperation to adapt to the evolving trade landscape. The meeting highlighted the importance of streamlined processes and innovative solutions to promote efficient and secure international trade flows, ultimately contributing to global economic growth and development.

Global Airlines Urge Mask Mandates Over Distancing to Boost Travel Confidence

Global Airlines Urge Mask Mandates Over Distancing to Boost Travel Confidence

IATA supports mask-wearing to restart aviation but opposes price increases due to empty seats. The risk of transmission on airplanes is low, and comprehensive prevention measures can ensure passenger safety and rebuild confidence. IATA believes that requiring masks is a more effective and less economically damaging approach than leaving seats empty to ensure social distancing. Prioritizing passenger well-being and affordability is crucial for the aviation industry's recovery and the broader economic rebound.

TD Cowen Analyzes Shifting Freight Market Trends

TD Cowen Analyzes Shifting Freight Market Trends

TD Cowen expert Jason Seidl shared insights on the freight market at the SMC3 JumpStart 2025 conference, covering the current economic situation, tariff impacts, AI applications, nearshoring trends, and the LTL/TL market outlook. He emphasized the importance for businesses to monitor market dynamics, embrace new technologies, optimize supply chains, and adopt rational pricing strategies to address challenges and seize opportunities. Companies need to stay informed and proactive in this evolving landscape.

Trucking Industry Faces Winter Challenges Amid Fragile Recovery

Trucking Industry Faces Winter Challenges Amid Fragile Recovery

The FTR Trucking Conditions Index indicates a slight recovery in the US trucking industry, but it still faces challenges such as weak demand, intense freight rate competition, and excess capacity. Weak manufacturing data exacerbates industry uncertainty. Trucking companies need to control costs, improve service quality, and pay attention to market dynamics to meet these challenges. The industry's future development will require transformation and adjustment. The recovery is fragile and dependent on broader economic improvements.

US Import Data Highlights Supply Chain Risks in February

US Import Data Highlights Supply Chain Risks in February

US import TEUs decreased month-over-month but increased year-over-year in February, with a record high daily average. Growth was seen in energy, consumer goods, and industrial equipment, while materials and IT declined. The overall trend remains unclear, with attention focused on inflation and market consolidation. The mixed signals suggest a complex economic landscape, requiring careful monitoring of these key factors to understand future import patterns and potential impacts on the supply chain.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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Freight Market Slump Presents Risks and Opportunities

Freight Market Slump Presents Risks and Opportunities

Bloomberg analyst Lee Klaskow interprets the US freight market, highlighting the high risk of economic recession and the arrival of a freight market winter. Excess capacity has led to falling freight rates, but the market is expected to turn around in the second half of the year. Companies should improve operational efficiency, expand diversified businesses, strengthen customer relationship management, pay attention to market dynamics, and embrace technological innovation to meet challenges and seize opportunities.

US Ports Face Import Surge Ahead of Holidays Strike Concerns

US Ports Face Import Surge Ahead of Holidays Strike Concerns

Rising import volumes into US East Coast and Gulf Coast ports are driven by the risk of port strikes, as retailers front-load inventory to mitigate potential supply chain disruptions. Slow progress in labor negotiations casts a long shadow of strike action. Analysis suggests import volume isn't directly correlated with retail sales but reflects retailer expectations. All parties need to work towards an agreement to avoid the economic impact of a strike.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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Malawis Ecommerce Sector Shows Growth Potential

Malawis Ecommerce Sector Shows Growth Potential

Malawi, a landlocked country in Africa, is experiencing emerging e-commerce opportunities. This article provides an in-depth analysis of Malawi's geographical environment, economic structure, e-commerce market size, and investment potential. It highlights agriculture as the cornerstone of the economy, with tourism and e-commerce gradually developing. This analysis offers insights and investment recommendations for cross-border sellers looking to explore the Malawian market, providing valuable market analysis and potential avenues for growth.

Trade War Uncertainty Weighs on Winter Freight Demand

Trade War Uncertainty Weighs on Winter Freight Demand

The US-led trade war introduces uncertainty into the freight economy, leading to decreased demand, supply chain disruptions, and increased costs. Businesses should diversify markets, optimize supply chains, improve efficiency, and strengthen risk management. Governments should stabilize policies, provide support, and enhance cooperation. The trade war has profound implications for global economic growth, inflation, and geopolitics. In the long term, it will reshape global supply chains, intensify technological competition, and alter international relations.