Afcfta Study Finds Origin Rule Gaps in Textiles Auto Sectors

Afcfta Study Finds Origin Rule Gaps in Textiles Auto Sectors

The EU-World Customs Organization Rules of Origin Africa Programme released a report comparing rules of origin for the textile and automotive industries. The report reveals the impact of different rules on trade, industrial layout, and value chains. It provides a reference for policymakers and businesses, contributing to African regional economic development. The analysis highlights key differences and their consequences for sourcing strategies, production location, and overall competitiveness within the African context. This research aims to inform better policy decisions and promote sustainable economic growth in the region.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Launches Antitrafficking Training in MENA to Protect Cultural Heritage

WCO Launches Antitrafficking Training in MENA to Protect Cultural Heritage

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with various partners, successfully conducted a training-of-trainers workshop for customs officers in the Middle East and North Africa region. This initiative aimed to enhance the capacity of customs personnel to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property. The training covered cultural property identification, risk management, and international cooperation, emphasizing the importance of implementing relevant WCO resolutions. This training represents a significant step by the WCO in the field of cultural heritage protection and contributes to strengthening the defenses against cultural property crime.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Chabahar Port Rivals Karachi As Key Afghan Trade Hub

Chabahar Port Rivals Karachi As Key Afghan Trade Hub

The Afghan Ministry of Industry and Commerce anticipates that Iran's Chabahar Port will potentially replace Pakistan's Karachi Port as Afghanistan's primary maritime outlet. Chabahar Port boasts a strategic location and offers a free trade zone for Afghan traders. The recent shipment of Indian-aided wheat from the port signals a new era for Afghan trade. This development highlights the growing importance of Chabahar Port in facilitating regional commerce and potentially reshaping the landscape of port competition in the region, offering Afghanistan a viable alternative for its import and export activities.

01/27/2026 Port Encyclopedia
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Hanjin Races to Sell Long Beach Terminal Amid Deadline Pressure

Hanjin Races to Sell Long Beach Terminal Amid Deadline Pressure

Hanjin Shipping's sale of its Long Beach terminal assets is nearing completion. After Korea Line relinquished its priority purchasing rights, HMM and MSC jointly bid. Creditors are pressuring Hanjin to expedite Korea Line's decision to avoid bankruptcy. This transaction impacts the Port of Long Beach's operations, shipping competition, and global trade. Quantifying throughput, industry consolidation, competitor strategies, and legal risks is crucial from a data-driven perspective. The outcome will significantly reshape the landscape of container shipping and port operations in the region, potentially influencing global supply chains.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Chinas COSCO Launches Thailandeurope Roro Route for Auto Exports

Chinas COSCO Launches Thailandeurope Roro Route for Auto Exports

COSCO SHIPPING Specialized Carriers launched a new Ro-Ro route connecting Thailand and Europe, facilitating Changan Automobile's first complete vehicle shipment from its Thai production base to the European market. This provides a new logistics channel for the collaborative overseas expansion of the Chinese automotive industry chain. This route marks the third key route deployed by COSCO SHIPPING's car carriers in the Thai market, further enhancing its third-country route network along the RCEP region and the Belt and Road Initiative, providing strong support for the 'globally manufactured, globally sold' strategy of Chinese automobiles.

01/30/2026 Logistics
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Lesotho South Africa Study Customs Efficiency to Boost Trade

Lesotho South Africa Study Customs Efficiency to Boost Trade

Lesotho and South Africa jointly released an end-to-end clearance time study report, aiming to optimize border management and improve cross-border trade efficiency. The study focuses on the Maseru Bridge and Ficksburg Bridge border posts, highlighting the importance of trade facilitation in unlocking the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Both countries are committed to implementing the report's recommendations, strengthening economic ties, and promoting regional economic development. The study underscores the critical role of efficient border procedures in fostering trade and growth within the region.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Ukraines Customs Training With Regional Center Upgrade

WCO Enhances Ukraines Customs Training With Regional Center Upgrade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) deployed a technical assistance mission to support Ukraine Customs' capacity building, focusing on assessing and assisting the Khmelnytskyi Regional Training Center (RTC) in defining its role and strategic planning. Through workshops, the RTC clarified its position within the WCO's capacity building framework and developed future directions. This initiative aims to enhance customs management in Ukraine and the broader European region, contributing to international trade and global security. The mission helped RTC to identify key areas for improvement and develop a roadmap for future growth and development.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Georgia South Carolina Ports Form Southern States Chassis Pool

Georgia South Carolina Ports Form Southern States Chassis Pool

The Georgia Ports Authority and the South Carolina Ports Authority have partnered to submit an agreement to the Federal Maritime Commission to establish the 'South Atlantic Chassis Pool 3.0' (SACP 3.0). This aims to address chassis aging, shortages, and market fragmentation in container shipping in the Southeastern United States. Operated by the North American Chassis Pool Cooperative (NACPC), the pool focuses on improving chassis quality, increasing scale, and providing a cost-based pricing model. The goal is to enhance container shipping efficiency and reduce logistics costs for shippers in the region.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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Americas Caribbean Customs Workshop Boosts Audit Skills for Revenue Growth

Americas Caribbean Customs Workshop Boosts Audit Skills for Revenue Growth

The World Customs Organization held a post-clearance audit (PCA) seminar for the Americas and Caribbean region in the Dominican Republic, aiming to enhance customs tax collection capabilities. The seminar focused on risk management, audit planning optimization, personnel training, and information technology application, promoting regional cooperation to address cross-border trade challenges and safeguard national economic security. By strengthening PCA, the goal is to improve tax compliance and achieve effective growth in tax revenue. This initiative underscores the importance of robust PCA systems in ensuring fair and efficient tax administration.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Haiti Dominican Republic Boost Customs Skills in WCO Workshop

Haiti Dominican Republic Boost Customs Skills in WCO Workshop

The WCO trained customs officers in Haiti to enhance their valuation capabilities. This initiative aimed to strengthen customs valuation practices, ensuring revenue security and promoting fair trade. Furthermore, the program fostered cooperation between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, encouraging regional collaboration in customs administration. By building capacity and promoting regional partnerships, the WCO contributes to the sustainable development of Haiti and the wider Caribbean region, facilitating legitimate trade and combating illicit activities. The focus on valuation is crucial for accurate revenue collection and a level playing field for businesses.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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