US Retail Sales Rebound Annually Despite Minor Monthly Decline

US Retail Sales Rebound Annually Despite Minor Monthly Decline

US retail sales in May showed a significant year-over-year increase, with a slight month-over-month decrease, but the long-term growth trend remains solid. The apparel sector rebounded strongly, and the restaurant industry continued its recovery. The NRF revised its full-year retail sales growth forecast upwards. Experts emphasize the importance of long-term trends over short-term fluctuations. Data analysts should delve deeper into the data to uncover valuable insights and provide retailers with actionable recommendations. This analysis is crucial for understanding the ongoing economic recovery and its impact on the retail landscape.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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BNSF Acquisition Sparks Shippers Concerns Over Rising Freight Costs

BNSF Acquisition Sparks Shippers Concerns Over Rising Freight Costs

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) of the U.S. Department of Transportation held hearings on Berkshire Hathaway's acquisition of BNSF Railway, focusing on whether the $8.1 billion acquisition premium should be included in BNSF's cost base, thus impacting freight pricing. Shippers expressed concerns about potential freight rate increases and urged the STB to protect their interests. Experts suggested breaking the regulatory cycle. This case concerns fair competition and efficiency improvement in rail transport, and the outcome will have a profound impact on the industry. The core issue is whether the premium should be considered when calculating BNSF's costs.

01/22/2026 Logistics
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Amazon Halts Thirdparty Delivery Service Amid Strategy Review

Amazon Halts Thirdparty Delivery Service Amid Strategy Review

Amazon's suspension of non-self-operated package delivery services has sparked industry attention on its logistics strategy. This move may be a temporary measure to address the challenges of the pandemic, or it may be accumulating strength for a larger-scale logistics expansion in the future. Experts believe that the short-term impact on UPS and FedEx is limited, but in the long run, Amazon's determination to enter the logistics field will not change, and future competition will be more intense. This decision highlights the evolving landscape of e-commerce fulfillment and Amazon's ambition to control more of its supply chain.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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Logistics Sector Faces Tech Growth Amid Talent Shortages

Logistics Sector Faces Tech Growth Amid Talent Shortages

The 30th annual 'Trends and Issues in Logistics and Transportation' report reveals the profound impact of technological transformation on the logistics industry. Companies are shifting their strategic focus from cost control to innovation, with operational goals increasingly emphasizing asset utilization. Technology adoption is becoming a key competitive differentiator, but also presents cost and talent challenges. The report also commemorates the original author of the study, Mary Holcomb, and looks forward to the future of the research. This year's edition highlights the critical need for businesses to adapt to the evolving technological landscape and address the growing talent gap.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Supply Chain Education Tackles Skills Gap to Boost Business Growth

Supply Chain Education Tackles Skills Gap to Boost Business Growth

This article delves into the significance of supply chain education and how investing in education can bridge the skills gap and drive business growth. It analyzes the current state of the supply chain talent market, highlighting the existing skills gap and its impact on both companies and individuals. Furthermore, the article introduces diverse educational models and explores how companies can enhance team capabilities and cultivate a learning organization through skills gap assessments and on-the-job training. Ultimately, it emphasizes the crucial role of continuous learning in addressing the evolving demands of the supply chain industry.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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WCO Aids Gambia in Strengthening Trade Audit Systems

WCO Aids Gambia in Strengthening Trade Audit Systems

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) in enhancing its Post Clearance Audit (PCA) capabilities through training and diagnostic assessments. This initiative aims to help Gambia build an efficient and compliant trade environment. The project covers PCA principles, risk management, and business cooperation, offering recommendations for improvement. The ultimate goal is to promote trade facilitation and economic development in Gambia.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bahrain Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Backing

Bahrain Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a Post Clearance Audit workshop in Bahrain to enhance Bahrain Customs' revenue collection capabilities. The workshop focused on international standards, risk management, and audit preparation, emphasizing the importance of risk assessment and data analysis in auditing. Through case studies and practical exercises, it helped Bahrain Customs officials master audit techniques, laying the foundation for building an efficient tax system. The training aimed to improve compliance and reduce revenue leakage through effective post-clearance control mechanisms.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Uzbekistan Strengthens Customs Controls with WCO Backing

Uzbekistan Strengthens Customs Controls with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), provided remote technical assistance to the State Customs Committee (SCC) of Uzbekistan, focusing on enhancing Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) capabilities. Through theoretical reviews, practical exercises, and case studies, the project significantly improved the auditing skills of Uzbek customs officers and provided recommendations for developing specific customs procedures. This initiative supports Uzbekistan's efforts to improve its trade facilitation level.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Pacific Customs Alliance Expands Regional Expertise for Sustainable Growth

Pacific Customs Alliance Expands Regional Expertise for Sustainable Growth

WCO, in collaboration with JICA and Japan Customs, is supporting Pacific Island Countries in building a pool of customs experts through training programs. This initiative aims to enhance their customs enforcement capabilities and promote trade facilitation. The project focuses on strengthening regional cooperation and improving customs administration in the Pacific region, ultimately contributing to economic growth and security.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Trains Data Analysts in South Korea

WCO Trains Data Analysts in South Korea

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a data analysis lecture for WCO Scholarship Program students at Sungkyunkwan University in South Korea. The lecture covered data strategy implementation, customs data analysis applications, and geospatial intelligence. Through interactive discussions, WCO representatives answered student questions, helping to enhance customs data analysis capabilities and promote global trade security and facilitation. The initiative aims to equip participants with the skills necessary to leverage data for improved customs operations and decision-making within their respective administrations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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