WCO Ensured Global Trade Stability During Pandemic

WCO Ensured Global Trade Stability During Pandemic

Amidst the global pandemic, the World Customs Organization (WCO) actively coordinates its member customs administrations to address the impact on international trade. This is achieved through information sharing, trade facilitation measures, enhanced international cooperation, and protection of frontline customs officers. The WCO established a dedicated COVID-19 information webpage, simplified customs clearance procedures for essential medical supplies, promoted the revised Kyoto Convention, and provided capacity building support. These efforts significantly contribute to ensuring global trade stability and fostering economic recovery during these challenging times.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Freight Slump Defies Strong Macroeconomic Data

Freight Slump Defies Strong Macroeconomic Data

This article explores the divergence between freight logistics and macroeconomic data, analyzing the impact of factors such as the consumption shift towards services, inventory cycle fluctuations, supply chain reshaping, and high interest rates on freight logistics. It suggests strategies for the freight logistics industry to transform and adapt, including embracing digitalization, expanding service offerings, focusing on sustainability, and strengthening collaborations. The article highlights the need for the industry to proactively respond to these evolving economic and consumer landscapes to maintain competitiveness and drive future growth.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Service and Cost Drive 2024 Forklift Purchasing Trends

Service and Cost Drive 2024 Forklift Purchasing Trends

The 2024 forklift application survey reveals that service quality and total cost of ownership are surpassing price as key factors in forklift procurement decisions. Companies are placing greater emphasis on reliability, service support, safety, and energy efficiency during evaluation. Economic conditions are influencing purchasing intentions, and regular replacement of parts is a primary maintenance focus. This shift indicates a growing awareness of the long-term value and operational efficiency offered by superior service and reliable equipment, rather than solely focusing on initial purchase price.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Trucking Firms Adjust to New English Rules Labor Costs Rise

US Trucking Firms Adjust to New English Rules Labor Costs Rise

The US government's stricter English proficiency requirements for truck drivers have a limited impact on capacity, failing to significantly alter market supply and demand. Factors like international trade and tariff policies exert a greater influence on demand. Shippers should focus on actual market changes and adjust their strategies accordingly, as the English proficiency rule alone is unlikely to cause major disruptions. The analysis suggests that broader economic forces are the primary drivers of trucking rates and capacity, overshadowing the impact of this specific regulation.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Rebounds in June As Intermodal Offsets Coal Decline

US Rail Freight Rebounds in June As Intermodal Offsets Coal Decline

U.S. rail freight data for June 2011 presented a mixed picture. Total freight volume increased year-over-year, but coal shipments declined. Intermodal transportation was a bright spot, although its growth rate slowed. Metallic ores and forest products showed strong performance. Railroad employment increased, and capacity was sufficient. Future trends will depend on economic recovery, supply chain stability, and energy policies. The data suggests cautious optimism with potential headwinds in the coal sector and a need to monitor intermodal growth for sustained positive impact.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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Intermodal Declines Ease As Domestic Demand Rises

Intermodal Declines Ease As Domestic Demand Rises

Despite continued declines in intermodal volumes in September, the rate of decrease narrowed, with domestic container volumes showing a positive trend. According to the IANA report, economic weakness and high inventory levels are the primary constraints, but a turnaround is expected in the second half of the year. Experts believe that intense market competition requires companies to optimize operations and seize opportunities for growth. The resilience in domestic container volume suggests underlying strength in certain sectors, warranting further investigation and strategic adjustments by industry players.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern Seek Merger to Transform Rail Industry

Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern Seek Merger to Transform Rail Industry

Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) and Kansas City Southern (KCS) jointly filed a merger application with the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) to form Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC). This merger aims to create a single-line rail network spanning across the three North American countries, enhancing trade efficiency and promoting economic growth. The proposed merger still requires approval from shareholders and regulatory bodies. The resulting CPKC would be a major player in the North American rail landscape, potentially reshaping supply chains and trade flows.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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Dominica Measures Social Impact of Datadriven Service Day

Dominica Measures Social Impact of Datadriven Service Day

Dominica Community Service Day enhances residents' quality of life and promotes social harmony through volunteering, community events, and educational outreach. This paper, from a data analyst's perspective, quantifies its social capital, human capital, environmental impact, and economic benefits. It proposes data-driven strategies to optimize the event, aiming to enhance its value and collectively build a better community. The analysis focuses on leveraging data insights to improve the effectiveness and reach of the community service day, ensuring maximum positive impact on the local environment and society.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Togo WCO Boost Women Traders Via Customs Reform

Togo WCO Boost Women Traders Via Customs Reform

The World Customs Organization (WCO) collaborated with the Togolese Revenue Office (OTR) to focus on trade facilitation through a gender equality lens. Through capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and policy recommendations, the initiative aims to empower Togolese Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), particularly women traders. The goal is to build a more equitable, secure, and efficient trading environment, fostering economic growth and social development in Togo. This partnership highlights the importance of inclusive trade practices and the role of customs in promoting gender equality.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Gambia Advances Tax Reform with WCO to Boost West African Standards

Gambia Advances Tax Reform with WCO to Boost West African Standards

With the support of the WCO, the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has initiated strategic management reforms aimed at enhancing organizational project management capabilities and strategic monitoring and evaluation frameworks. This collaboration aims to position the GRA as a strategic management role model in West Africa, ultimately increasing fiscal revenue and promoting economic development. The reforms focus on building internal capacity and establishing robust mechanisms for tracking progress and ensuring accountability in achieving strategic objectives. The expected outcome is a more efficient and effective revenue collection system.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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