New Global Guidelines Clarify Customs Valuation of Franchise Fees

New Global Guidelines Clarify Customs Valuation of Franchise Fees

The World Customs Organization issued a new advisory opinion clarifying that franchise fees should not be included in the customs valuation of imported goods under specific circumstances. Originating from a Mexican case and confirmed by the Technical Committee on Customs Valuation, this opinion aims to reduce import costs for businesses and enhance customs valuation transparency. Companies should study the opinion, assess their franchise agreements, and communicate with customs authorities to ensure valuation compliance and capitalize on trade opportunities. This helps in correctly determining the dutiable value and avoiding potential penalties.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Tiktok Shop Challenges Amazon Rakuten in Japans Beauty Market

Tiktok Shop Challenges Amazon Rakuten in Japans Beauty Market

TikTok Shop is still in its exploratory phase within the Japanese market, with beauty and personal care identified as a potential growth catalyst. Merchants need to pay attention to the rational consumption habits of Japanese consumers and strengthen localized operations. A dual approach of content seeding and product card conversion is crucial. Focusing on niche functional products and culturally relevant makeup can also help gain traction in this competitive landscape. Success hinges on understanding local preferences and tailoring strategies accordingly to navigate the challenges and capitalize on opportunities.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Ottawa Warehouses Adapt to Meet Ecommerce Demand Surge

Ottawa Warehouses Adapt to Meet Ecommerce Demand Surge

An Ottawa logistics fulfillment company successfully transitioned from a traditional warehousing model to an e-commerce order fulfillment model through strategic transformation, process optimization, and technology enablement, achieving rapid business growth. Their experience demonstrates that embracing e-commerce is an inevitable choice for third-party logistics companies. Businesses should seize e-commerce opportunities and achieve business leaps by optimizing processes, introducing technology, and strengthening cooperation. This case highlights the importance of adapting to the evolving market landscape and leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and meet the demands of online retail.

01/27/2026 Warehousing
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North American Intermodal Volume Declines Amid Supply Chain Challenges

North American Intermodal Volume Declines Amid Supply Chain Challenges

The Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) reported a first decline in North American intermodal volumes in five years during Q3, impacted by supply chain disruptions and weather events. While the year-to-date volume for the first nine months still shows growth, challenges and opportunities persist. Collaborative efforts are needed to strengthen infrastructure, optimize networks, increase labor availability, improve equipment utilization, and promote digitalization. These actions are crucial for reshaping supply chain resilience in the face of ongoing uncertainties and fostering future growth in the intermodal sector.

01/27/2026 Logistics
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Maritime Supply Chains Face Postpandemic Challenges IHS Markit

Maritime Supply Chains Face Postpandemic Challenges IHS Markit

IHS Markit's expert Paul Bingham offers an in-depth analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing the maritime shipping supply chain in the post-pandemic era. He examines the balance between capacity, cost, and efficiency, highlighting key trends such as ultra-large vessels and industry consolidation. Bingham emphasizes the importance of enhanced freight visibility, supply chain network redesign, and the utilization of risk modeling tools for logistics managers to navigate future market uncertainties. These strategies are crucial for mitigating supply chain risks and optimizing capacity management in the evolving maritime shipping market.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Global Trade Initiative Extended to Boost Sustainable Growth

Global Trade Initiative Extended to Boost Sustainable Growth

The Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), jointly launched by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the World Customs Organization (WCO), has been officially extended for another year. The program aims to simplify trade procedures, enhance transparency, strengthen international cooperation, and build capacity to promote global trade development. This extension provides beneficiary countries with more opportunities to further advance trade facilitation reforms and improve their competitiveness in global trade. It allows for continued support in streamlining customs processes and fostering a more efficient and predictable trading environment.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Regional LTL Shipping Firms Balance Service and Cost Pressures

Regional LTL Shipping Firms Balance Service and Cost Pressures

This paper delves into the opportunities and challenges of the regional LTL transportation market driven by e-commerce. It analyzes the success factors of Quest for Quality award-winning carriers and provides practical advice for businesses selecting suitable LTL carriers. The study emphasizes the importance of service quality, digital transformation, and green logistics. The aim is to help businesses find the optimal balance between service and cost, ultimately enhancing their competitiveness in the dynamic logistics landscape. The paper offers insights for navigating the complexities of LTL shipping in the e-commerce era.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Infrastructure Crisis Can 1 Trillion Plan Spur Recovery

US Infrastructure Crisis Can 1 Trillion Plan Spur Recovery

The trillion-dollar infrastructure plan proposed by the Trump administration has seen little progress, drawing widespread attention. Experts urge focusing on key areas and addressing financing issues through public-private partnerships. The new Secretary of Transportation emphasizes the necessity of reform, but bipartisan disagreement persists in Congress regarding funding sources. The path to upgrading American infrastructure faces both challenges and opportunities. The lack of concrete action raises concerns about its potential impact on economic growth and competitiveness. Finding common ground on funding mechanisms is crucial for moving forward.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Port Upgrades Transform Supply Chains Amid Growth Push

US Port Upgrades Transform Supply Chains Amid Growth Push

This article delves into the impact of US port infrastructure upgrades on the supply chain. Through an interview with Descartes' Senior Vice President Brendan McCahill, it explores the current state and future trends of ports on the West Coast, East Coast, and Gulf Coast. The article emphasizes that businesses should monitor port dynamics, optimize supply chain layouts, strengthen cooperation and communication, and embrace technological innovation to seize the opportunities presented by port upgrades and reshape supply chain competitiveness. This proactive approach allows companies to navigate the evolving landscape and capitalize on infrastructure improvements.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Volumes Drop in Early 2024

US Rail Freight Volumes Drop in Early 2024

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes declined year-over-year in the first week of February, with varying performance across categories. While cumulative freight volume saw a slight increase, the decline in intermodal transportation partially offset this growth. Overall, North American rail freight volume decreased, with significant regional differences. Moving forward, railway companies need to optimize asset allocation, improve operational efficiency, expand service offerings, strengthen partnerships, embrace digitalization, and focus on sustainable development to address challenges and seize opportunities.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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