US Imports Drop Sharply in May Amid Trade Tensions China Hit Hardest

US Imports Drop Sharply in May Amid Trade Tensions China Hit Hardest

A Descartes report reveals a significant drop in U.S. container imports in May, with China freight experiencing a record decline due to trade friction and tariffs. The share of East Coast and Gulf Coast ports increased, while West Coast ports saw a decrease, indicating a profound shift in trade patterns. The impact of ongoing trade disputes is clearly visible in the reduced import volumes and the changing dynamics between different port regions.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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Global Customs Body Warns of Rising Smuggling Threats

Global Customs Body Warns of Rising Smuggling Threats

The World Customs Organization (WCO) released its latest 'Smuggling Trends Report,' providing an in-depth analysis of illicit trade dynamics and trends, offering risk alerts and compliance guidance for businesses. The report emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in helping businesses identify vulnerabilities, strengthen supply chain security, and maintain global trade stability. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding evolving smuggling patterns and implementing proactive measures to mitigate risks associated with illegal trade activities.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Yangjiang Firms Adopt SOP System to Enhance Exports

Yangjiang Firms Adopt SOP System to Enhance Exports

The Foreign Trade Super Mario service system is specifically designed for Yangjiang premium merchants, offering efficient SOP solutions to boost inquiry conversion. Through practical case studies and precise marketing positioning, it helps merchants build a million-dollar foreign trade elite team and achieve doubled performance. This system focuses on streamlining processes and maximizing the effectiveness of each stage of the foreign trade journey, ultimately leading to increased sales and market share for Yangjiang businesses.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Colombia Adopts WCO Program to Modernize Customs

Colombia Adopts WCO Program to Modernize Customs

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Colombian Customs (DIAN) launched the Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP). This initiative aims to enhance Colombian Customs' capabilities in areas like risk management and post-clearance audit through capacity building support. The program seeks to simplify customs procedures, improve clearance efficiency, and reduce trade costs. Ultimately, the GTFP intends to promote Colombia's economic growth and sustainable development, injecting strong momentum into the country's trade development.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bahrain Customs Boosts Clearance Efficiency with WCO Support

Bahrain Customs Boosts Clearance Efficiency with WCO Support

Bahrain Customs is collaborating with the WCO to enhance clearance efficiency, reduce trade costs, and promote trade facilitation by establishing a robust post-clearance audit mechanism and building a pre-clearance system. A WCO expert team held a workshop in Bahrain, providing professional training to Bahrain Customs officials to help them achieve their trade facilitation goals. This collaboration aims to streamline customs processes and contribute to a more efficient and competitive trading environment for Bahrain.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US Customs Clarifies Import Rules for Smartwatches and Drones

US Customs Clarifies Import Rules for Smartwatches and Drones

The Harmonized System Committee of the World Customs Organization has released its latest commodity classification decisions, clarifying the customs classification standards for high-tech products such as smartwatches and drones. This move helps companies accurately declare import and export goods, reduce trade risks, and promote the improvement of international trade rules. It provides clearer guidelines for customs authorities and businesses alike, ensuring consistent application of tariffs and trade regulations for these rapidly evolving technologies.

02/03/2026 HS Code Query
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World Customs Day Highlights Global Connectivity Efforts

World Customs Day Highlights Global Connectivity Efforts

The theme of World Customs Day 2012 was "Connectivity." The World Customs Organization aimed to strengthen cooperation within the global customs community by enhancing connections at the people, institutional, and information levels. This initiative sought to improve trade efficiency and security, build a closer global customs community, and ultimately serve the development of global trade. The focus was on fostering seamless and secure trade flows through enhanced collaboration and information sharing among customs administrations worldwide.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Five Key Goals for Success in Global Export Markets

Five Key Goals for Success in Global Export Markets

This article outlines five key career goals for foreign trade professionals: expanding networks, refining skills, enhancing communication, addressing knowledge gaps, and specializing in niche areas. By setting clear objectives and providing actionable guidance, this resource empowers foreign trade professionals to boost their career competitiveness, achieve professional advancement, and tap into the global market. It offers practical advice on how to strategically develop these areas to facilitate career growth and success in the international trade arena.

02/05/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Cuba Adopts WCO Data Model to Modernize Customs

Cuba Adopts WCO Data Model to Modernize Customs

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports Cuban Customs in implementing the WCO Data Model through technical assistance. This initiative aims to streamline trade processes, enhance efficiency, and promote data interoperability with other government agencies. The WCO Data Model, serving as a common language for global trade, facilitates the modernization of Cuban Customs by standardizing data elements and information structures. This integration into the global trade system will ultimately improve Cuba's international competitiveness.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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China Boosts Crossborder Ecommerce with New Policies

China Boosts Crossborder Ecommerce with New Policies

China's Ministry of Commerce is intensifying efforts to stabilize foreign trade by boosting cross-border e-commerce, expanding demonstration zones, introducing supportive policies, and fostering market players. As a major foreign trade province, Shenzhen should seize this opportunity, leverage its geographical advantages, improve its industrial chain, strengthen policy innovation, cultivate talent, and support the export of competitive products. This will enable Shenzhen to make a greater contribution to stabilizing and growing national foreign trade.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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