Balkan Customs Labs Enhance Trade Efficiency Through Regional Cooperation

Balkan Customs Labs Enhance Trade Efficiency Through Regional Cooperation

A Balkan Regional Customs Laboratory Workshop was held in Serbia, promoted by the World Customs Organization. The meeting focused on laboratory modernization, compliance with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, ISO 17025 quality certification, and CLEN cooperation opportunities. The aim was to enhance the capabilities of regional customs laboratories, promote trade facilitation, and build a more efficient trading environment. The discussions centered around improving analytical techniques, sharing best practices, and fostering collaboration to streamline customs procedures and reduce trade barriers within the Balkan region.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Turkey Calls for Global Cooperation on Transit Trade Sanctions

Turkey Calls for Global Cooperation on Transit Trade Sanctions

Turkey has submitted a proposal to the WTO aimed at regulating transit trade penalty measures and preventing abuse that hinders trade flows. The proposal suggests applying penalty constraints applicable to import and export trade, with modifications, to transit trade. This aims to ensure fair and transparent penalty principles, promote trade facilitation, enhance efficiency, guarantee fairness, and ultimately promote economic development and global supply chain stability. The proposal seeks to prevent disproportionate penalties that disrupt transit routes and negatively impact landlocked developing countries.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
US Tariffs Cut China Exports Hit Shipping Sector

US Tariffs Cut China Exports Hit Shipping Sector

Increased US tariffs on Chinese goods have led to a sharp decline in export bookings from China to the US, forcing shipping companies to cancel sailings. Despite tariff exemptions granted by the US government, a significant volume of transpacific container imports remains affected. Shipping lines like Hede, Matson, SeaLead, TS Lines, and COSCO are facing increased pressure as the industry navigates transformative challenges. The reduction in trade volume is directly impacting their operations and profitability, forcing them to adapt to the new economic landscape.

11/03/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Trade Rep Tai Outlines New China Strategy

US Trade Rep Tai Outlines New China Strategy

US Trade Representative Katherine Tai outlined the US's new trade strategy towards China, emphasizing US economic interests as the core. The strategy involves evaluating and enforcing the 'Phase One' trade agreement, and focusing on China's 'non-market' trade policies. This new approach aims to address trade challenges posed by China. However, the future direction of US-China trade relations remains uncertain.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Delays China Chip Tariffs Amid Strategic Review

US Delays China Chip Tariffs Amid Strategic Review

The US's temporary suspension of chip tariffs on China is a calculated move driven by three considerations: solidifying the 'trade truce,' easing inflationary pressures, and providing businesses with adjustment time. This benefits Chinese companies in the short term, but long-term risks remain. Businesses should seize the opportunity to diversify markets, enhance technological capabilities, and closely monitor policy changes to address future challenges and uncertainties. This pause allows for strategic realignment in a dynamic global landscape.

01/15/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
US Adjusts Drone Policy Amid Strained China Relations

US Adjusts Drone Policy Amid Strained China Relations

The U.S. Department of Commerce withdrew its plan to restrict drone imports from China, but the FCC still includes DJI and others on its "Covered List." Some non-Chinese drone manufacturers received exemptions until the end of 2026. China's low-altitude economy is booming, and U.S. policies are impacting the industry's development. The competition between the U.S. and China in the drone sector is expected to continue, influencing the global industrial landscape. This ongoing tension will shape future innovation and market access for drone technology worldwide.

01/23/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Port Traffic Drops As China Trade Slows

US Port Traffic Drops As China Trade Slows

A Descartes report indicates a significant drop in US port throughput in May, with China's import share hitting a two-year low, primarily due to trade friction and tariff policies. Supply chain diversification is accelerating, posing challenges for West Coast ports while creating opportunities for East Coast ports. Businesses should diversify sourcing strategies. Governments need to uphold a multilateral trading system to mitigate negative impacts and foster stable global trade.

02/04/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Trade Policies Fuel Global Economic Worries Over Tariffs Tech

US Trade Policies Fuel Global Economic Worries Over Tariffs Tech

The US continues tariffs and tech export restrictions against China, revealing its own economic anxieties. A strong dollar and hawkish interest rate hikes further exacerbate problems for emerging markets like Latin America. Faced with a global economic crossroads, open cooperation and mutually beneficial outcomes are the right path forward. The US protectionist measures highlight internal weaknesses and the global impact of its monetary policies, emphasizing the need for collaborative solutions to navigate the current economic challenges.

01/04/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
US and China Strike Tentative Deal on Tiktoks Future

US and China Strike Tentative Deal on Tiktoks Future

The Ministry of Commerce announced a preliminary framework agreement between China and the US regarding TikTok's US operations. This involves establishing a new joint venture responsible for data security and content management, while ByteDance retains control over commercial operations. China urges the US to provide a fair business environment and promote the stable development of China-US economic and trade relations. This move aims to address US concerns about data security while allowing TikTok to continue operating in the US market under a restructured framework.

01/15/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Ocean Freight Rates Surge Amid Uschina Trade Strain

Ocean Freight Rates Surge Amid Uschina Trade Strain

The surge in China-US ocean freight rates stems from pandemic-induced supply-demand imbalances, leading to reduced shipping capacity, port congestion, and surging demand. This intensifies cost pressures on exporters, drives up consumer prices, and disrupts supply chains. Mitigation strategies include increasing shipping capacity, optimizing port operations, strengthening international cooperation, and promoting digital transformation to stabilize the global trade chain.

01/15/2026 Logistics
Read More