Serbia Enhances Trade Via WCO Mercator Program

Serbia Enhances Trade Via WCO Mercator Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully completed a Mercator Program assessment of Serbian Customs, marking significant progress in trade facilitation for Serbia. The assessment aimed to understand Serbia's current compliance with the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement and develop a tailored action plan. The WCO will provide technical assistance through the PMFE to help Serbia improve its trade facilitation level and promote economic growth. This initiative will support Serbia in streamlining customs procedures and reducing trade costs, ultimately boosting its competitiveness in the global market.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Armenia Joins Istanbul Convention to Boost Trade

Armenia Joins Istanbul Convention to Boost Trade

Armenia's accession to the Istanbul Convention aims to simplify international trade procedures, reduce costs, and expand access to overseas markets, ultimately fostering economic development. By adopting the ATA Carnet system, Armenia streamlines customs procedures for temporary imports, benefiting businesses involved in exhibitions, fairs, and professional equipment movement. This move is expected to enhance trade facilitation, making it easier and more efficient for Armenian companies to engage in global commerce and attract foreign investment. The convention's implementation promises to boost Armenia's competitiveness in the international arena.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Malaysia Boosts Customs Oversight with WCO Audit Training

Malaysia Boosts Customs Oversight with WCO Audit Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully held a Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) training in Malaysia, aiming to enhance the customs' PCA capabilities and promote trade facilitation. The workshop covered PCA concepts, risk management, valuation, and auditing techniques, sharing case experiences from Japan and China. This training will help Malaysian Customs provide more convenient customs clearance services for enterprises while ensuring revenue collection, thereby promoting economic development. The training emphasized practical skills and knowledge transfer to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of post-clearance controls.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Nigeria Customs Modernizes Trade with Improved Ruling System

Nigeria Customs Modernizes Trade with Improved Ruling System

Nigeria Customs is set to launch an “Advance Ruling” program to streamline customs clearance procedures and improve efficiency. This initiative aims to facilitate trade, achieve mutual benefits for all stakeholders, and contribute to economic development. The implementation of the Advance Ruling System is expected to provide traders with greater certainty and predictability regarding the classification, origin, and valuation of goods before importation, thereby reducing delays and costs associated with customs clearance. This will ultimately boost trade volumes and enhance Nigeria's competitiveness in the global market.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Comoros Boosts Customs Skills for WTO Accession Bid

Comoros Boosts Customs Skills for WTO Accession Bid

A joint WTO-WCO workshop aimed to enhance Comoros' customs valuation capabilities in preparation for WTO accession. The workshop covered topics such as customs valuation methods, pre-shipment inspection, and trade facilitation. The goal was to assist Comoros in establishing an efficient and transparent trade system to promote economic development. The experience of Comoros can offer valuable insights for other developing countries seeking to improve their trade practices and integrate into the global trading system. This initiative highlights the importance of capacity building for successful WTO membership.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Uschina Trade War Escalates Over Shipbuilding Tariffs

Uschina Trade War Escalates Over Shipbuilding Tariffs

The US has initiated trade actions against China's shipbuilding industry, including raising fees on foreign vessels, eliminating the 'backdoor' for LNG export restrictions, and imposing high tariffs. China has retaliated by charging fees on US ships. This trade war stems from competition between the US and China in economics, technology, and geopolitics. It will have profound implications for global trade, potentially leading to supply chain disruptions, rising trade protectionism, and slower global economic growth. This escalating conflict adds further uncertainty to the already complex international trade landscape.

01/27/2026 Logistics
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US Retail Sales Jump in July Amid Ecommerce Boom

US Retail Sales Jump in July Amid Ecommerce Boom

July retail sales data showed robust growth, with both the U.S. Department of Commerce and the National Retail Federation (NRF) reporting increases. Consumer confidence and the labor market were key drivers, but trade war uncertainties remain. The NRF raised its full-year sales forecast. Online sales continued to lead, and the apparel sector performed particularly well. The retail industry outlook is optimistic, but vigilance regarding trade risks is necessary. The strong sales suggest continued economic growth and positive consumer spending habits, despite potential headwinds.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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WTO and WCO Partner to Enhance Global Trade Living Standards

WTO and WCO Partner to Enhance Global Trade Living Standards

The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) emphasized the crucial role of collaboration between trade and customs communities in improving global well-being at the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council meeting. By strengthening information sharing, capacity building, and technological innovation, the WTO and WCO can jointly build a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable global trading system. This cooperation is essential for facilitating trade, ensuring security, and promoting economic development worldwide. The focus is on streamlining processes and fostering a collaborative environment for mutual benefit.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Digital Transformation Boosts Supply Chain Resilience

Digital Transformation Boosts Supply Chain Resilience

This paper explores how integrating digital manufacturing into the supply chain can enhance a company's ability to respond to economic and political uncertainties. It focuses on analyzing the implementation strategies and benefits of digital manufacturing, as well as the key elements in the digital transformation process. The aim is to help companies build a more resilient supply chain system. It discusses practical approaches to leverage digital technologies for increased agility and responsiveness, ultimately enabling businesses to navigate complex and volatile market conditions more effectively.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Infrastructure Bill Delayed Amid Political Stalemate

US Infrastructure Bill Delayed Amid Political Stalemate

The US surface transportation authorization bill faces another extension. Experts argue that short-term extensions fail to address the core issues. The new administration needs to promptly resolve the Highway Trust Fund's funding shortfall and break the bipartisan gridlock on transportation infrastructure construction. A long-term solution is crucial for sustained economic growth and improved mobility. Failure to act decisively will further exacerbate existing infrastructure problems and hinder future development. The political will to overcome partisan divides is essential to secure a robust and reliable transportation network.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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