EUWCO Project Boosts African Free Trade with Rules Harmonization

EUWCO Project Boosts African Free Trade with Rules Harmonization

The EU-WTO Rules of Origin Africa Programme will significantly contribute to finalizing the AfCFTA's Rules of Origin by 2025. This initiative aims to harmonize key origin systems across Africa, fostering a unified approach to trade regulations. By promoting a community of practice focused on origin-related issues, the project supports the broader goal of African economic integration. Ultimately, streamlining and standardizing Rules of Origin will reduce trade barriers and facilitate smoother trade flows within the AfCFTA, boosting economic growth and development across the continent.

US Supply Chain Council Releases Resilience Plan for Global Disruptions

US Supply Chain Council Releases Resilience Plan for Global Disruptions

The U.S. Supply Chain Resilience Council was established to bolster supply chain resilience and address global challenges. Its objectives include protecting jobs, investing in infrastructure, and safeguarding supply chain security. The Council fosters collaboration through platform building, policy advocacy, and public outreach, driving supply chain development. Moving forward, the Council aims to expand its membership, enhance communication efforts, and collaborate with policymakers to collectively tackle emerging challenges. It serves as a crucial forum for industry, government, and other stakeholders to address vulnerabilities and strengthen critical supply chains.

Bamboo Rose Launches Aipowered Retail Decision Platform

Bamboo Rose Launches Aipowered Retail Decision Platform

Zhu Mei will showcase TotalPLM™ at NRF 2026, highlighting its breakthrough in decision intelligence. This AI-powered platform helps retail businesses optimize product lifecycle management, accelerate time-to-market, and improve sales and profit margins. Leveraging AI-driven workflows and an Agent-First architecture, TotalPLM™ offers retailers a smarter and more efficient way to operate. The platform aims to provide intelligent insights and automation for product development, sourcing, and merchandising, ultimately leading to better decision-making and increased profitability within the retail sector.

German Services Sector Growth Slows on Costs Uncertainty

German Services Sector Growth Slows on Costs Uncertainty

Germany's final Services PMI was released, slightly exceeding expectations but showing a clear slowdown in growth. The report analyzes the opportunities and challenges facing the German service sector, including labor shortages, rising costs, and declining business confidence. Combining expert opinions and successful case studies, it provides practical advice for companies to develop market strategies for 2026. The aim is to help businesses seize opportunities and achieve sustainable development in a complex economic environment. The report offers insights into navigating these challenges and capitalizing on potential growth areas.

Can Small Freight Forwarders Challenge Giants with Data Democratization

Can Small Freight Forwarders Challenge Giants with Data Democratization

The global freight forwarding industry is undergoing a dual transformation driven by mergers & acquisitions and technological advancements. While large companies expand through acquisitions, technology offers SMEs opportunities to compete with giants. Data democratization and cloud computing are emerging technologies that could potentially help SMEs break through intense market competition. The direction of free trade agreements will also impact the development of the freight forwarding industry. The ability of smaller players to leverage these trends to maintain market share will be key to their long-term success.

Bipartisan Bill Seeks to Modernize Short Line Railroad Tax Credits

Bipartisan Bill Seeks to Modernize Short Line Railroad Tax Credits

The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) appreciates the bipartisan Senate bill aimed at improving the short line railroad tax credit. This legislation seeks to modernize the tax credit policy by adjusting the credit cap, expanding its scope, and establishing an inflation-linked mechanism. These changes are designed to encourage short line railroads to increase investment in infrastructure, thereby promoting regional economic development. The improvements will make the tax credit more effective in supporting crucial infrastructure upgrades for these vital transportation links.

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Supply Chain Leaders Urge Resilience Ahead of 2025 Challenges

Supply Chain Leaders Urge Resilience Ahead of 2025 Challenges

ASCM CEO Abe Eshkenazi interprets key supply chain trends for 2025 and beyond: resilient supply chains, digital transformation, sustainability, and talent development. Companies must actively embrace change to win in the fierce market competition of the future. These trends highlight the need for agility, adaptability, and a focus on environmental and social responsibility. Businesses that prioritize these areas will be better positioned to navigate disruptions and achieve long-term success. Investing in talent and technology is crucial for building a future-proof supply chain.

Subaru Adapts to US Tariffs Shifts Toward Evs

Subaru Adapts to US Tariffs Shifts Toward Evs

Subaru faces a potential $2.5 billion tariff impact and is actively taking countermeasures. These include increasing US domestic production, optimizing the supply chain, adjusting the product structure, and re-evaluating investment plans. The goal is to mitigate the tariff effects and strive for at least 100 billion yen in operating profit. Simultaneously, Subaru is firmly advancing its electrification transformation, injecting new momentum into future development. The company is navigating the challenges posed by tariffs while focusing on long-term growth and sustainability in the North American market.

East Coast Gulf Ports Secure Sixyear Labor Deal With Wage Automation Terms

East Coast Gulf Ports Secure Sixyear Labor Deal With Wage Automation Terms

The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have reached a new six-year agreement covering 36 ports along the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts. The agreement includes record wage increases and automation protections, averting a potential port shutdown. This provides a significant boost to labor relations and is important for the stability and development of the U.S. supply chain. The deal addresses concerns about job security in the face of increasing automation, ensuring a balance between technological advancement and workforce stability.

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East Coast Gulf Ports Secure Sixyear Labor Deal Amid Automation Dispute

East Coast Gulf Ports Secure Sixyear Labor Deal Amid Automation Dispute

A new six-year agreement has been reached for US East and Gulf Coast ports, ensuring labor peace and paving the way for port development amidst automation. The agreement includes record wage increases, automation protections, and accelerated wage growth for new hires. It aims to balance worker rights with port efficiency, setting the stage for the US to play a more significant role in global trade. This deal addresses key concerns surrounding automation's impact on jobs while securing long-term stability for port operations.

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