European Patent Office Fee Hike Costsaving Strategies for Firms

European Patent Office Fee Hike Costsaving Strategies for Firms

The European Patent Office (EPO) will increase official fees from April 1, 2026, with an average rise of 5-8%. Companies should comprehensively review pending and granted patents, prepay fees where possible, file applications early, and streamline claims to mitigate rising costs. In the long term, optimizing patent application strategies and exploring ways to maximize patent value are crucial to offset the impact of the fee increases. Proactive planning and strategic adjustments are essential for maintaining cost-effectiveness in European patent protection.

02/11/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Half of Japanese Firms Reassess China Operations Amid Tensions

Half of Japanese Firms Reassess China Operations Amid Tensions

A survey reveals that over 60% of Japanese companies believe strained Japan-China relations negatively impact the Japanese economy, with nearly half already affected or anticipating business pressure. The tourism sector is suffering, and manufacturers are concerned about supply chain risks. If tensions persist, almost half of the companies will reassess their business strategies in China, with some potentially considering withdrawal. This highlights the significant economic consequences and strategic adjustments Japanese businesses are contemplating due to the evolving geopolitical landscape.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Global Apparel Retailers Shift Supply Chains Amid Challenges

Global Apparel Retailers Shift Supply Chains Amid Challenges

Moody's research indicates that large apparel retailers are better positioned to navigate cost and compliance challenges arising from supply chain diversification due to their financial strength and brand recognition. Discount brands and smaller businesses, with tighter profit margins, face greater pressure for transformation. Companies should conduct cost assessments, choose appropriate strategies, and monitor emerging market risks to ensure supply chain stability. The trend of supply chain diversification in the global apparel retail industry highlights the competitive advantages of larger players in adapting to evolving market dynamics.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Walmarts Flipkart Shuts Down ANS Commerce in Ecommerce Shift

Walmarts Flipkart Shuts Down ANS Commerce in Ecommerce Shift

Walmart's Flipkart announced the closure of its SaaS platform, ANS Commerce, and subsequent layoffs. This move is likely aimed at cost reduction in preparation for a potential IPO. The shutdown of ANS Commerce highlights the intense competition in the e-commerce sector and the challenges faced by startups, serving as a warning for the SaaS industry. The future direction of Walmart's e-commerce strategy warrants close attention.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
AI Innovator Sima Yue Drives Business Growth in China

AI Innovator Sima Yue Drives Business Growth in China

Sima Yue's 2026 "AI Long March Journey" invites you to retrace the Long March, drawing inspiration and empowering AI practice to help businesses navigate cycles and reshape their growth engines. Through the dual empowerment of "spirit + practice," it aims to build AI teams with unwavering belief and hard skills, enabling companies to win the future. The event is divided into three phases, unlocking the complete Long March route step-by-step, systematically extracting spiritual power, and completing a leap in capabilities.

02/12/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Canadian Railway Shutdown Triggers Supply Chain Disruptions

Canadian Railway Shutdown Triggers Supply Chain Disruptions

Labor disputes have halted operations at Canada's two major railway companies, triggering a North American supply chain crisis. Businesses should proactively respond by diversifying transportation channels, optimizing inventory management, and strengthening supply chain collaboration. Leveraging technology to enhance supply chain resilience is also crucial. Concurrently, Canada needs to accelerate its economic transformation, building a more competitive economic structure to mitigate future disruptions and reduce reliance on single transportation modes. This shift will improve overall economic stability and preparedness for global challenges.

01/07/2026 Logistics
Read More
Retail Logistics Firms Cut Jobs Ahead of Peak Season

Retail Logistics Firms Cut Jobs Ahead of Peak Season

Driven by the global economic downturn, retail giants and freight forwarding companies are laying off employees ahead of the peak season. Amazon plans to cut 10,000 jobs, and C.H. Robinson has also implemented significant layoffs. PwC predicts that half of US companies may face layoffs. Cross-border e-commerce sellers should carefully select logistics partners, control costs, pay attention to market changes, and improve competitiveness to cope with industry reshuffling.

12/31/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Amazon Faces Growth Slowdown Amid Postpandemic Shifts

Amazon Faces Growth Slowdown Amid Postpandemic Shifts

Amazon's stock price has plummeted nearly 50%, revealing the decline of the e-commerce dividend. With the pandemic boost over, high expansion costs, and increased competition, Amazon is forced to lay off employees, cut costs, and explore new growth areas like social shopping. Despite these challenges, Amazon still possesses brand and technological advantages. The success or failure of its transformation will determine its future development.

12/31/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Project44 Buys Convey for 255M to Boost Lastmile Tracking

Project44 Buys Convey for 255M to Boost Lastmile Tracking

Project44 acquired Convey for $255 million, aiming to expand its end-to-end supply chain visibility platform, particularly strengthening its last-mile delivery capabilities. Convey's technology helps shippers connect parcel and freight data, optimizing the final mile delivery experience. This marks project44's third acquisition this year, demonstrating its strategy to build a more robust supply chain visibility platform. The acquisition will integrate Convey's expertise in last-mile delivery with project44's existing capabilities to provide enhanced tracking and management for shipments.

01/19/2026 Logistics
Read More
Ukraine Crisis Drives Air Freight Price Hikes Strains Businesses

Ukraine Crisis Drives Air Freight Price Hikes Strains Businesses

The Ukraine crisis has led to soaring fuel costs and airspace restrictions, resulting in increased air freight surcharges and reduced capacity. Businesses should assess their supply chains, explore alternative solutions, plan capacity in advance, and optimize inventory management. Communication with customers is crucial. In the long term, companies should strengthen supply chain resilience through diversified suppliers, regionalized production, digital transformation, and robust risk management systems to effectively navigate these challenges.

01/19/2026 Logistics
Read More