US Import Data Highlights Supply Chain Risks in February

US Import Data Highlights Supply Chain Risks in February

US import TEUs decreased month-over-month but increased year-over-year in February, with a record high daily average. Growth was seen in energy, consumer goods, and industrial equipment, while materials and IT declined. The overall trend remains unclear, with attention focused on inflation and market consolidation. The mixed signals suggest a complex economic landscape, requiring careful monitoring of these key factors to understand future import patterns and potential impacts on the supply chain.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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Freight Market Slump Presents Risks and Opportunities

Freight Market Slump Presents Risks and Opportunities

Bloomberg analyst Lee Klaskow interprets the US freight market, highlighting the high risk of economic recession and the arrival of a freight market winter. Excess capacity has led to falling freight rates, but the market is expected to turn around in the second half of the year. Companies should improve operational efficiency, expand diversified businesses, strengthen customer relationship management, pay attention to market dynamics, and embrace technological innovation to meet challenges and seize opportunities.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Ports Face Import Surge Ahead of Holidays Strike Concerns

US Ports Face Import Surge Ahead of Holidays Strike Concerns

Rising import volumes into US East Coast and Gulf Coast ports are driven by the risk of port strikes, as retailers front-load inventory to mitigate potential supply chain disruptions. Slow progress in labor negotiations casts a long shadow of strike action. Analysis suggests import volume isn't directly correlated with retail sales but reflects retailer expectations. All parties need to work towards an agreement to avoid the economic impact of a strike.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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Malawis Ecommerce Sector Shows Growth Potential

Malawis Ecommerce Sector Shows Growth Potential

Malawi, a landlocked country in Africa, is experiencing emerging e-commerce opportunities. This article provides an in-depth analysis of Malawi's geographical environment, economic structure, e-commerce market size, and investment potential. It highlights agriculture as the cornerstone of the economy, with tourism and e-commerce gradually developing. This analysis offers insights and investment recommendations for cross-border sellers looking to explore the Malawian market, providing valuable market analysis and potential avenues for growth.

01/21/2026 Port Encyclopedia
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Trade War Uncertainty Weighs on Winter Freight Demand

Trade War Uncertainty Weighs on Winter Freight Demand

The US-led trade war introduces uncertainty into the freight economy, leading to decreased demand, supply chain disruptions, and increased costs. Businesses should diversify markets, optimize supply chains, improve efficiency, and strengthen risk management. Governments should stabilize policies, provide support, and enhance cooperation. The trade war has profound implications for global economic growth, inflation, and geopolitics. In the long term, it will reshape global supply chains, intensify technological competition, and alter international relations.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Pacific Islands Boost Customs Skills Via WCOJICA Training

Pacific Islands Boost Customs Skills Via WCOJICA Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) joint project's Mentor Training Programme (MTP) has been successfully implemented in Pacific Island Countries. By training local trainers, the program builds sustainable customs capacity and enhances the expertise of customs officers in the areas of Customs Valuation (CV) and the Harmonized System (HS). This initiative provides strong support for regional economic development by strengthening customs administration and promoting efficient trade facilitation.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Gambia Revenue Authority Enhances Trade Via WCO Partnership

Gambia Revenue Authority Enhances Trade Via WCO Partnership

The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) is collaborating with the World Customs Organization (WCO) to enhance its national performance measurement system through the implementation of the WCO Performance Measurement Mechanism (PMM), better serving its 2025-2029 strategic plan. This collaboration focuses on trade facilitation measures, such as the AEO program, coordinated border management, and automation, aiming to create a more efficient, transparent, and predictable trading environment, ultimately fostering economic development in The Gambia.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Belgium Trains Francophone Africa in Trade Facilitation

Belgium Trains Francophone Africa in Trade Facilitation

In 2016, the Belgian Customs Academy provided training to 20 customs officers from French-speaking Africa and organized a visit to the WCO headquarters. Through lectures and field visits, participants gained a deeper understanding of the WCO's operations and strategic directions. They learned about trade facilitation, capacity building, and other relevant topics. This training aimed to improve customs management in Africa and contribute to trade facilitation efforts in the region, ultimately fostering economic development.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Chinaeurope Maritime Trade Revives Ancient Silk Road Via New Pacts

Chinaeurope Maritime Trade Revives Ancient Silk Road Via New Pacts

China-Europe maritime trade has a long history, with the 2002 maritime agreement marking a significant milestone. This agreement facilitated the growth of trade between China and Europe, and shipping routes now span the globe. Looking ahead, China-Europe maritime transport is poised for development towards intelligence, green practices, interconnectivity, and free trade, promising a bright future. The agreement significantly boosted trade volume and fostered closer economic ties between the two regions.

02/12/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Mongolia Customs Adopts Data Analytics with WCO Backing

Mongolia Customs Adopts Data Analytics with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supported the Mongolian Customs General Administration (MCGA) in hosting a data analysis workshop. This initiative aims to enhance MCGA's evidence-based decision-making and build a data-driven customs administration. As part of the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), the workshop focused on developing data governance strategies and improving risk management capabilities. These efforts are crucial for enabling trade facilitation and contributing to economic development in Mongolia.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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