North Macedonia Boosts Customs with WCO Tariff Training

North Macedonia Boosts Customs with WCO Tariff Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a national workshop on tariff classification in the Republic of North Macedonia. The workshop aimed to enhance the country's customs capacity in classifying goods such as dairy products, food supplements, and high-tech equipment. Sponsored by the German Customs Cooperation Fund, WCO experts provided theoretical and practical guidance, introducing relevant WCO tools and resources. This initiative supports the modernization of customs administration in North Macedonia, ensuring accurate tariff classification and efficient trade facilitation.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Postpandemic Supply Chains Struggle to Balance Safety Stock and Lean Practices

Postpandemic Supply Chains Struggle to Balance Safety Stock and Lean Practices

A Gartner survey reveals a divide among supply chain professionals regarding increasing safety stock versus adhering to lean manufacturing principles. The automotive and high-tech industries lean towards boosting inventory, while sectors like industrial manufacturing show less interest. Companies must strike a balance to build a resilient supply chain, encompassing risk assessment, supply chain visibility, diversified sourcing, digital transformation, and strategic partnerships. This approach allows businesses to navigate disruptions effectively while maintaining operational efficiency and responsiveness to market demands.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Chinas Toy Exports Thrive Amid Market Challenges

Chinas Toy Exports Thrive Amid Market Challenges

Chinese toy companies expanding overseas face a mixed bag. Success stories like POP MART, MINISO's TOP TOY, and Rastar Group profit through localization, channel advantages, and exclusive IP licensing. Conversely, companies like Bloks, Alpha Group, and Mubang High-Tech struggle with losses or even delisting due to over-reliance on external IP, excessive content investment, or lack of product differentiation. Key considerations for successful overseas expansion include differentiated product selection, strategic leveraging of trends, and effective localization strategies.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Flexport Shifts Strategy to Focus on Growth Profitability

Flexport Shifts Strategy to Focus on Growth Profitability

Logistics tech company Flexport plans layoffs as part of a strategic adjustment to address macroeconomic headwinds and management changes, focusing on growth and profitability. The company will optimize resource allocation to ensure customer service and operations. The founder's return aims to reshape the company's direction. This move highlights the need for businesses to review supply chain cost structures, strengthen communication with logistics partners, and leverage technology to improve efficiency and adapt to market changes, ultimately enhancing competitiveness.

01/30/2026 Logistics
Read More
Shenzhen Airport Rivals Shanghai in Air Cargo Growth

Shenzhen Airport Rivals Shanghai in Air Cargo Growth

Shenzhen Bao'an Airport is rapidly developing its cargo business, challenging Shanghai Pudong Airport's dominance, thanks to its strategic location, industrial support, route network, and service improvements. Strong demand from high-tech industries and cross-border e-commerce, coupled with an optimized route network and efficient operations, give it an advantage in the international air cargo market. Shenzhen Bao'an Airport has the potential to become a new leader in international air freight in mainland China, reshaping the domestic air cargo landscape.

12/30/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
AI Boosts Crossborder Ecommerce for Sellers

AI Boosts Crossborder Ecommerce for Sellers

The explosion of ChatGPT has sparked a global AI race among tech giants, also bringing new opportunities for cross-border e-commerce. Sellers can leverage ChatGPT for product research, listing optimization, ad targeting, customer service, and content marketing. However, a rational perspective is crucial. It should be viewed as an auxiliary tool, combined with human intelligence, to stand out in the competition. It is not a replacement for human creativity and strategic thinking but a powerful tool to enhance existing processes.

01/05/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Aviation Groups Partner to Improve Carbon Emissions Transparency

Aviation Groups Partner to Improve Carbon Emissions Transparency

IATA is partnering with travel tech platform Traveleast to offer consumers more accurate and transparent carbon emission calculations for air travel. By integrating industry data and technological expertise, both parties aim to build a unified and reliable carbon accounting system, fostering sustainable development within the industry. This collaboration seeks to raise consumer environmental awareness, promote technological innovation, and encourage the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels. The initiative will empower travelers to make informed choices and contribute to a more sustainable aviation future.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
UPS Reports Q1 Challenges Amid Weak Demand Costcutting Focus

UPS Reports Q1 Challenges Amid Weak Demand Costcutting Focus

UPS's Q1 earnings report reveals declines in both revenue and profit, impacted by macroeconomic headwinds and shifting consumer behavior. Challenges exist across all business segments, particularly in retail and high-tech. The company has lowered its full-year forecast, emphasizing cost control and efficiency improvements. Simultaneously, UPS is actively engaged in labor negotiations with the Teamsters union, striving to reach a 'win-win-win' outcome. The company aims to navigate the current economic climate and position itself for future growth despite these challenges.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Stack Overflow Thrives Despite AI Disruption

Stack Overflow Thrives Despite AI Disruption

Stack Overflow is experiencing growth, generating $115 million in annual revenue. The company is embracing AI through data licensing, AI tools, and advertising, while simultaneously defending the value of human knowledge. This represents a transformation for the technology community, as Stack Overflow adapts to the changing landscape and continues to provide valuable resources for developers and technologists worldwide. It's a strategic shift to leverage AI while maintaining its core mission of knowledge sharing and problem-solving within the tech industry.

01/23/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Mexico Hikes Tariffs Erodes Chinas Trade Edge

Mexico Hikes Tariffs Erodes Chinas Trade Edge

Mexico's increased tariffs on imports from China and other Asian countries aim to protect domestic jobs and support local manufacturing, but raise concerns about rising costs. Chihuahua's export growth, driven by high-tech industries, highlights the complexity of the Mexican economy. Businesses need to reassess the cost advantages of nearshoring, be wary of policy risks, and consider diversifying their supply chain arrangements. The tariff changes could significantly impact companies relying on cost-effective imports and necessitate a re-evaluation of sourcing strategies.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More