Baghdad Emerges As Key Inland Port on Tigris River

Baghdad Emerges As Key Inland Port on Tigris River

Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, holds maritime potential due to its strategic location along the Tigris River, connecting to the Persian Gulf. This analysis explores Baghdad's geographical advantages, its land transportation network, and its future prospects as an inland river port city in the Middle East. The city's position offers opportunities for trade and economic development, leveraging its river access and connectivity to regional and international markets. The study considers the challenges and opportunities associated with developing Baghdad as a key hub for Iraqi maritime transport.

Flexport Data Reveals Global Shipping Delays

Flexport Data Reveals Global Shipping Delays

The Flexport Ocean Timeliness Indicator (OTI) is a crucial tool for measuring global ocean freight stress. It tracks containers from factory to destination port, providing weekly data for Transpacific and Far East routes. By analyzing the OTI and its First Mile Index, businesses can understand current ocean shipping conditions, forecast future trends, optimize supply chain strategies, and improve decision-making efficiency. The OTI offers valuable insights into the complexities of ocean freight, enabling proactive responses to potential disruptions and enhancing overall supply chain resilience.

WCO and ZATCA Enhance MENA Customs Training to Ease Trade

WCO and ZATCA Enhance MENA Customs Training to Ease Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with Saudi ZATCA, organized a Harmonized System (HS) expert pre-certification workshop for the Middle East and North Africa region. This initiative aims to cultivate local experts, enhance regional customs capacity, and facilitate trade. Through a rigorous assessment and certification process, the WCO will expand its pool of experts, support regional capacity building efforts, and promote the standardization of global trade practices. The workshop is a key step in strengthening regional customs expertise and streamlining trade processes.

Saudi Customs Launches Single Window for MENA Trade

Saudi Customs Launches Single Window for MENA Trade

A regional workshop held by the World Customs Organization in Saudi Arabia focused on coordinating border management, Single Window implementation, and the application of the WCO Data Model in the Middle East and North Africa region. The conference emphasized the importance of strategic planning, business process re-engineering, and data harmonization. The aim is to facilitate regional cross-border trade and economic development by streamlining procedures, improving efficiency, and enhancing transparency. This initiative seeks to create a more seamless and effective trade environment within the region.

MENA Aviation Leaders Gather for Industry Transformation at IATA Summit

MENA Aviation Leaders Gather for Industry Transformation at IATA Summit

The 2026 IATA Middle East & North Africa Aviation Day will be held in Bahrain, focusing on three key themes: data-driven, seamless connectivity, and sustainable aviation. The summit will bring together aviation leaders, policymakers, and innovators to discuss opportunities and challenges facing the aviation industry in the MENA region. The goal is to promote the transformation and upgrading of the regional aviation industry and build a brighter future for aviation. The event aims to foster collaboration and innovation to drive progress in these crucial areas.

Emerging Ecommerce Markets Offer Untapped Growth Potential

Emerging Ecommerce Markets Offer Untapped Growth Potential

This paper delves into the potential and characteristics of three emerging cross-border e-commerce markets: Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. It recommends competitive product selection strategies tailored to each market, aiming to help cross-border e-commerce sellers seize opportunities and gain a market advantage. The article emphasizes the development potential of emerging markets while reminding sellers to pay attention to potential risks. By understanding these nuances, sellers can better navigate these dynamic landscapes and optimize their strategies for success.

MENA Customs Boost Efficiency in Wcoled Workshop

MENA Customs Boost Efficiency in Wcoled Workshop

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a workshop on organizational performance evaluation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, aiming to enhance regional customs effectiveness. The workshop covered core topics such as strategic planning indicator design and work area planning. Qatar Customs shared their experience in business intelligence exploration. Based on WCO standards, this event assists customs administrations in the MENA region to improve management and promote regional trade development. This initiative aims to foster efficiency and collaboration within the customs community.

Amazon Sellers Optimize FBA Logistics for Holiday Sales

Amazon Sellers Optimize FBA Logistics for Holiday Sales

Amazon sellers preparing for the year-end shopping season should focus on key FBA deadlines and optimize inventory management to ensure timely stock replenishment and avoid stockouts. Providing accurate delivery windows and tracking IDs can reduce delays. Consider avoiding West Coast congestion and opting for East and Central region warehouses. Proactive planning for promotional activities, optimizing product listings, monitoring customer feedback, and leveraging Amazon Advertising can further enhance competitiveness during peak season. Careful planning and execution are crucial for maximizing sales and customer satisfaction.

01/08/2026 Logistics
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MSC Raises Asiaeurope Shipping Rates Amid Supply Chain Strains

MSC Raises Asiaeurope Shipping Rates Amid Supply Chain Strains

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has announced an increase in shipping rates from the Far East to Europe, effective June 2025, covering Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Black Sea, and North Africa. This will increase supply chain cost pressures. Businesses need to optimize their layout, improve inventory management, negotiate freight rates, consider alternative transportation methods, and increase product added value to cope. Experts point out that the long-term upward trend of shipping costs cannot be ignored, and companies should pay close attention to market dynamics.

01/08/2026 Logistics
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US Import Growth Slows Amid Trade Shifts

US Import Growth Slows Amid Trade Shifts

Descartes' latest report reveals that US import growth stalled in October, experiencing a year-over-year decline, indicating increased market risk. China's import share rose, but its total volume decreased, mirroring a general downturn among major trading partners. Performance varied between East and West Coast ports. Businesses should diversify their supply chains, optimize inventory, enhance risk management, and actively explore new markets to navigate the changing market landscape. The stagnation suggests potential challenges ahead for the US economy and highlights the need for proactive strategies.

01/07/2026 Logistics
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