US Rail Freight Intermodal Gains Offset Coal Decline

US Rail Freight Intermodal Gains Offset Coal Decline

Recent data from the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reveals a mixed picture for the U.S. rail freight market. Container shipments have seen significant growth, reflecting resilient consumer demand, while traditional freight volumes are declining, highlighting the challenges of the energy transition. The Baltimore bridge collapse has created a short-term impact. The rail industry needs to innovate and collaborate to address these challenges and seize opportunities. The container volume increase suggests continued strength in the supply chain, despite broader economic uncertainties.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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Latin American Tax Program Enhances Leadership Compliance

Latin American Tax Program Enhances Leadership Compliance

The advanced course on Tax and Customs Administration successfully held its third and fourth editions in Guatemala, providing strategic skills and tools to senior tax and customs officials from Central and South America. Jointly launched by the IMF, the Spanish Institute for Fiscal Studies, and the WCO, the course aims to enhance tax and customs administration and facilitate trade in the region. The upcoming fifth edition will continue to focus on modern management skills and leadership development.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Tech Innovations Transform Global Border Management

WCO Tech Innovations Transform Global Border Management

This WCO report analyzes the application of disruptive technologies like blockchain and AI in customs, exploring their potential, challenges, and implementation strategies. It discusses how these technologies can revolutionize customs processes, enhance efficiency, and improve security. The report also addresses the hurdles to adoption, such as data privacy concerns and the need for skilled personnel. Finally, it emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and provides recommendations for leveraging disruptive technologies to modernize customs administration and strengthen border security globally.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Malawi Strengthens Wildlife Trade Enforcement Via INAMA Project

Malawi Strengthens Wildlife Trade Enforcement Via INAMA Project

The World Customs Organization's INAMA Project aims to enhance the capacity of developing countries' customs administrations to combat illegal wildlife trade. From 2019-2020, the project conducted risk management capacity assessment and enhancement activities in Malawi. Through training and cooperation, it helped the Malawi Revenue Authority strengthen risk identification and response, and promoted regional collaboration to combat illegal wildlife trade and protect endangered species. The project focused on improving customs officials' skills in detecting and intercepting illegal wildlife products.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Updates price Actually Paid Definition to Boost Trade Compliance

WCO Updates price Actually Paid Definition to Boost Trade Compliance

The new WCO regulations clarify the definition of "price actually paid or payable," assisting companies with compliance, facilitating trade, and improving the accuracy and efficiency of customs valuation. This clarification helps businesses understand and adhere to international valuation standards, streamlining import/export processes. By providing a more precise definition, the WCO aims to reduce valuation disputes and promote fair trade practices globally. Ultimately, this leads to more predictable and transparent customs procedures, benefiting both businesses and customs administrations.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West Africa Enhances Risk Management with WCOJICA Initiative

West Africa Enhances Risk Management with WCOJICA Initiative

The WCO/JICA Joint Project successfully completed a Master Trainer Program in West Africa, training 18 experts in risk management and intelligence analysis for customs administrations in six countries, including Benin and Burkina Faso. Through working groups, regional training material development, and virtual training, the project significantly enhanced customs risk management capabilities in the West African region and promoted regional cooperation and sustainable development. The WCO and JICA will continue to support customs capacity building in West Africa.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Gambia Revenue Authority Streamlines Trade to Spur Economic Growth

Gambia Revenue Authority Streamlines Trade to Spur Economic Growth

The Gambia Revenue Authority is collaborating with the World Customs Organization to optimize customs operations and strengthen trade facilitation measures through the implementation of performance assessment mechanisms. These measures include Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programs and coordinated border management. The goal is to enhance the national performance assessment system and promote economic development in The Gambia. This collaborative effort aims to improve customs efficiency and effectiveness, ultimately contributing to a more streamlined and competitive trade environment.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Strengthens Risk Management for Middle Corridor Trade in Central Asia Caucasus

WCO Strengthens Risk Management for Middle Corridor Trade in Central Asia Caucasus

The WCO and JICA collaborated to enhance customs risk management capabilities in the Central Asia and Caucasus region. A training program was held in Georgia to develop Master Trainers, aiming to ensure the smooth operation of the 'Middle Corridor'. This initiative focuses on strengthening regional customs expertise and facilitating efficient trade flows along this crucial trade route. The program supports improved risk assessment and management practices within customs administrations, contributing to secure and efficient border procedures.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Unveils Tech Network to Streamline Global Border Control

WCO Unveils Tech Network to Streamline Global Border Control

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched the Technology Network (TeN), aiming to be a leading global hub for border management technology. This platform facilitates information exchange, experience sharing, and collaboration among customs administrations, technology providers, and other stakeholders. It promotes technological innovation and application to improve global border management. Companies can register their products for free, and customs administrations can search for the latest technology solutions. The goal is to collectively build an intelligent border management ecosystem.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Adopts Digital Tools to Modernize Global Trade

WCO Adopts Digital Tools to Modernize Global Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) highlighted the transformative impact of digital technologies on customs at the Global Trade Conference, emphasizing the WCO Framework of Standards on Cross-Border E-Commerce, big data, and blockchain applications. Acknowledging challenges such as technology integration and data standardization, the WCO is committed to building an intelligent, secure, and efficient global trade ecosystem, driving the digital transformation of customs worldwide. It aims to facilitate trade while ensuring security and compliance through innovative digital solutions.

01/08/2026 Customs Knowledge
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