WCO Reports Palestines Progress in Mercator Trade Program

WCO Reports Palestines Progress in Mercator Trade Program

A World Customs Organization (WCO) assessment reveals Palestine's active participation in the Mercator Programme, which supports the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and simplifies trade procedures. The Palestinian Customs Administration has benefited significantly in areas such as tariffs and risk management, maintaining close ties with the private sector and neighboring customs administrations. The assessment lays the groundwork for future tailored support, and the WCO will continue to provide assistance to promote Palestinian economic development and regional trade facilitation. This collaboration aims to further streamline customs processes and enhance trade efficiency.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bahamas Customs Enhances Trade with WCO Partnership

Bahamas Customs Enhances Trade with WCO Partnership

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Bahamas Customs in launching its first Time Release Study (TRS) to identify bottlenecks and optimize processes, ultimately improving trade efficiency. Through the TRS and the development of a Single Window system, the Bahamas aims to significantly improve its business environment, enhance international competitiveness, and lay the groundwork for joining the World Trade Organization. The WCO will continue to provide support to help the Bahamas achieve its trade facilitation goals. This initiative is crucial for economic growth and integration into the global trading system.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Barbados Customs Adopts Skillsbased Hiring to Boost Efficiency

Barbados Customs Adopts Skillsbased Hiring to Boost Efficiency

Barbados Customs is reforming its human resource management, collaborating with the WCO and IMF to develop a skills directory and explore the establishment of an internal HR department. This initiative aims to modernize HR practices within the customs administration, aligning them with international standards and best practices. The focus on skills-driven development is expected to enhance the capabilities of customs officers and improve overall operational efficiency. This reform represents a significant step towards strengthening Barbados Customs' capacity to effectively manage its workforce and contribute to national economic development.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO APEC Boost Digital Trade in Asiapacific

WCO APEC Boost Digital Trade in Asiapacific

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO) highlighted the role of smart borders in Connectivity 4.0 at the APEC Summit in Chile. He presented WCO's initiatives to facilitate the integration of SMEs into global value chains and address the challenges of e-commerce. The WCO also expressed its support for Chilean customs reform, aiming to jointly build a new landscape for digital trade in the Asia-Pacific region. The focus is on leveraging technology and collaboration to streamline trade processes and foster economic growth within the APEC framework.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US Customs Shifts Refunds to Electronic ACH Payments

US Customs Shifts Refunds to Electronic ACH Payments

U.S. Customs announced the full digitalization of duty refunds, effective February 6th. Companies must ensure ACH electronic payment setup or designate a customs broker for collection; otherwise, direct refunds will be unavailable. This move is likely related to the Supreme Court's expected ruling on tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Businesses are advised to prepare promptly to navigate future trade changes. This digitalization aims to streamline the refund process and improve efficiency for both Customs and importers. Early preparation is crucial to avoid disruptions and ensure timely receipt of refunds.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Hasbo Shifts to IP Focus Amid Tariffs After Strong Q1

Hasbo Shifts to IP Focus Amid Tariffs After Strong Q1

Hasbro's Q1 revenue increased by 17%, but the company maintained its full-year guidance due to the impact of high tariffs. Hasbro is addressing these challenges by ensuring the price competitiveness of core products, deepening retail channel partnerships, and accelerating cost reduction plans. Simultaneously, the company is focusing on developing high-profit IP such as Star Wars, Marvel, Magic: The Gathering, and My Little Pony, aiming to drive future growth. Inventory optimization and deeper cultivation of franchise rights may become the dual engines for navigating the economic cycle.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Luxury Retailer Saks Global Struggles With Mounting Debt

Luxury Retailer Saks Global Struggles With Mounting Debt

Saks Fifth Avenue's parent company, Saks Global Group, is facing a potential bankruptcy crisis after failing to make bond interest payments. The company is burdened by debt, declining performance, and executive departures. This situation reflects the broader challenges facing traditional department stores, including competition from e-commerce, inflationary pressures, and changing consumer habits. Digital transformation is now critical. The future of the group is uncertain, and the path to restructuring will be challenging. The crisis highlights the vulnerability of even established luxury retailers in the current economic climate.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Chinauae Maritime Route Opens Key Asiaeurope Trade Link

Chinauae Maritime Route Opens Key Asiaeurope Trade Link

The China-UAE maritime route is a vital trade corridor connecting China and the United Arab Emirates, transporting a wide variety of goods, including energy products, machinery, electronics, and agricultural products. The voyage typically takes 40-50 days, with costs influenced by various factors. With deepening Sino-UAE economic and trade relations and the advancement of the “Belt and Road” Initiative, the China-UAE maritime route is poised for broader development prospects. Sustainable development can be achieved through route optimization, port upgrades, digital transformation, and green shipping practices.

01/26/2026 Logistics
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Sri Lankan Rupee Weakens to X Against US Dollar note Replace X with the Current Exchange Rate If Available Eg 033 or 1300 If Unspecified the Headline Focuses on the Trend Alternative if Emphasizing Stability sri Lankan Rup

Sri Lankan Rupee Weakens to X Against US Dollar note Replace X with the Current Exchange Rate If Available Eg 033 or 1300 If Unspecified the Headline Focuses on the Trend Alternative if Emphasizing Stability sri Lankan Rup

Currently, 100 Sri Lankan Rupees can be exchanged for approximately 0.33 USD. Understanding exchange rate dynamics and utilizing financial instruments are crucial for cross-border transactions. This article explores these topics and offers practical advice.

08/25/2025 Exchange Rate Query
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Tiktok Shop Shifts to Managed Model in Crossborder Ecommerce

Tiktok Shop Shifts to Managed Model in Crossborder Ecommerce

TikTok e-commerce is reportedly launching a "fully managed" model, where merchants only supply goods and the platform handles operations. This aims to shorten the sales process and improve efficiency, with plans to fully open the Shop function in the US this year. The fully managed model is becoming an industry trend, testing the platform's product selection and operational capabilities, while also bringing opportunities and challenges to merchants. TikTok e-commerce is accelerating its transformation, and the combination of its massive traffic and the fully managed model may reshape the landscape of cross-border e-commerce.

12/30/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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