WCO and WTO Boost Global Trade Facilitation Committees

WCO and WTO Boost Global Trade Facilitation Committees

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the World Trade Organization (WTO), held a high-level course for chairs of National Trade Facilitation Committees. The course aimed to enhance participants' understanding of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and strengthen their ability to engage with stakeholders. The WCO shared its experience in stakeholder consultation and resource mobilization, introducing relevant tools and standards to support countries in establishing and improving their National Trade Facilitation Committees. This collaborative effort contributes to building a more open and efficient global trading system.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Mexico Gains Supply Chain Clout Amid North American Trade Shifts

Mexico Gains Supply Chain Clout Amid North American Trade Shifts

Mexico's exports to the US have reached record highs due to US tariffs on China, positioning it as a central hub in North American supply chain restructuring. The USMCA agreement guarantees zero-tariff advantages, fostering industrial upgrading. Mexico is evolving from a 'trade haven' to a core node in the industrial chain with R&D, manufacturing, and integration capabilities. This transformation has profound implications for the global trade landscape, demonstrating Mexico's increasing importance in international commerce and its ability to capitalize on shifting global economic dynamics.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US Rice Gains Access to China Amid Easing Trade Tensions

US Rice Gains Access to China Amid Easing Trade Tensions

The first-ever approval of US rice exports to China marks a significant breakthrough in US-China trade relations. Despite competition from other Asian countries and logistical challenges, US rice exporters are expected to find opportunities in China's vast market and help reduce the US trade deficit. This agreement also sends a positive signal of increased trust and cooperation between the two countries in the economic sphere. The access to the Chinese market opens new avenues for US agricultural producers and strengthens bilateral economic ties.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Water Infrastructure Bill to Upgrade Ports Boost Resilience

US Water Infrastructure Bill to Upgrade Ports Boost Resilience

The US Congress has reached an agreement on the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act. This bill will improve port dredging depths, increase federal funding support, and authorize the Army Corps of Engineers to initiate multiple water resources projects. Ports are expected to be the biggest beneficiaries, but funding allocation and project implementation still face challenges. The WIIN Act marks a new beginning for water resources development in the United States, requiring joint efforts from all parties to ensure its effective implementation.

01/29/2026 Port Encyclopedia
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LA and Long Beach Ports Boost Supply Chain Green Efforts

LA and Long Beach Ports Boost Supply Chain Green Efforts

The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are strengthening their collaboration to address global trade challenges by updating their cooperation agreement. This focuses on supply chain logistics, gateway marketing, environmental sustainability, security, and legislative advocacy. Initiatives include the launch of a 'gray chassis pool' to improve container transportation efficiency and plans for a stakeholder summit to resolve freight challenges. The ports are also continuing to advance the Clean Air Action Plan, aiming to create a more efficient, environmentally friendly, and secure port complex.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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US Retailers Seek White House Help to Avert Port Strike

US Retailers Seek White House Help to Avert Port Strike

The National Retail Federation (NRF) is actively urging the White House to intervene in the labor negotiations between the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) to avert a potential port strike starting October 1st. The article analyzes the potential economic impacts of a strike, including goods shortages, price increases, and supply chain disruptions. It also offers advice for businesses on how to prepare. With time running short, all parties need to reach an agreement quickly to ensure supply chain stability.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Retailers Seek White House Help Amid West Coast Port Delays

Retailers Seek White House Help Amid West Coast Port Delays

The National Retail Federation (NRF) is urging the White House to intervene in labor negotiations between the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) to avert a potential port strike. This looming crisis threatens not only the retail industry but also the broader U.S. economy. The NRF, along with 177 trade associations, sent a letter to President Biden emphasizing the need for immediate White House action to facilitate a new agreement and prevent a recurrence of West Coast port congestion.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Retailers Push White House to Mediate Port Labor Talks

Retailers Push White House to Mediate Port Labor Talks

The National Retail Federation (NRF), along with 177 trade associations, is urging the White House to intervene in the labor negotiations between the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) to avert a potential port strike starting October 1st. The NRF emphasizes that a strike would have a disastrous impact on retail, manufacturing, agriculture, and the overall economy. They urge all parties to draw on past successful experiences and reach an agreement quickly, or at least maintain port operations during the negotiation period.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Botswana Strengthens Environmental Customs Enforcement Under Global Pacts

Botswana Strengthens Environmental Customs Enforcement Under Global Pacts

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with UNEP and others, held a workshop for Botswana Customs to enhance awareness of the Basel and Montreal Conventions and strengthen controls over the cross-border movement of hazardous waste and ozone-depleting substances. The workshop fostered cooperation between customs and environmental agencies. Further technical assistance is planned to support the implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. This initiative aims to bolster Botswana's capacity in enforcing environmental regulations and facilitating legitimate trade while preventing illegal trafficking of harmful materials.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Aviation Sector Boosts Decarbonization Amid Tighter Policies

Aviation Sector Boosts Decarbonization Amid Tighter Policies

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) urges governments to adopt supportive policies to accelerate aviation decarbonization. The CAAF/3 agreement lays the foundation for a global framework, emphasizing the promotion of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), setting emission reduction targets, and fostering international cooperation and technology transfer. IATA highlights the necessity of policy support, technological innovation, and economic incentives to collectively drive the sustainable development of the aviation industry. This collaborative approach is crucial for achieving meaningful progress in reducing the carbon footprint of air travel.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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