US Ends america First Food Aid Rule As Costs Rise

US Ends america First Food Aid Rule As Costs Rise

During the Trump administration, there was an attempt to implement an "America First" food aid policy, requiring 100% of food aid shipments to use American vessels. However, the plan was eventually halted due to high shipping costs. This article analyzes the economic and security considerations behind the policy, as well as the challenges faced by "America First" in a globalized context. It also explores how to balance protecting national interests with fulfilling international responsibilities in the realm of food aid.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Trucking Group Calls for FMCSA Safety Rating Overhaul

Trucking Group Calls for FMCSA Safety Rating Overhaul

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) is urging the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to re-evaluate its safety rating system, citing geographical biases and data quality issues that distort ratings. Concerns raised highlight deficiencies in data sufficiency, enforcement disparities, and rating standards within the current system. These shortcomings necessitate improvements to more accurately reflect a carrier's safety performance. The ATA believes a revised system is crucial for providing a more reliable assessment of motor carrier safety and identifying high-risk operators effectively.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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Fmcsas New Leader Robin Hutcheson Focuses on Truck Safety Supply Chains

Fmcsas New Leader Robin Hutcheson Focuses on Truck Safety Supply Chains

Robin Hutcheson's official appointment as Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) marks a new chapter in US trucking safety regulation. She is expected to continue previous policies, strengthening safety oversight and focusing on supply chain efficiency. Hutcheson faces challenges including driver shortages and inadequate infrastructure. The industry anticipates her collaboration with stakeholders to promote the sustainable development of the trucking industry, balancing safety concerns with the demands of a robust supply chain and addressing critical infrastructure needs.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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Trump Tariffs Struggle with Product Origin Verification

Trump Tariffs Struggle with Product Origin Verification

The Trump administration planned to impose tariffs on several EU countries, aiming to exert pressure. However, the ambiguous labeling of the origin of EU goods hindered the U.S. Customs' ability to effectively identify the specific producing countries, thus obstructing the implementation of the tariff policy. Geographical indication products are more easily targeted. This situation highlights the disconnect between the U.S. trade policy objectives and its execution capabilities. The lack of clear origin labeling undermines the effectiveness of the intended trade measures.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Data Analytics Boosts Customs Trade Efficiency and Security

Data Analytics Boosts Customs Trade Efficiency and Security

The 215th/216th sessions of the WCO Permanent Technical Committee (PTC) highlighted the pivotal role of data analysis in modern customs operations. Discussions focused on leveraging big data and innovative technologies to optimize trade facilitation, risk management, supply chain security, and customs-tax cooperation. This charted a course for the future development of customs, emphasizing data analysis as a new engine driving trade facilitation and security. The meeting underscored the importance of data-driven insights for enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in customs administration.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Barbados Adopts Peoplecentric Customs Reform with WCO Support

Barbados Adopts Peoplecentric Customs Reform with WCO Support

The WCO is assisting Barbados Customs with reforms to enhance human resource management and build a high-performing customs administration that serves national development. This initiative focuses on modernizing customs practices and strengthening the skills and capabilities of customs officers. Ultimately, the goal is to create a more efficient and effective customs service that contributes significantly to Barbados' economic growth and security. The project aims to improve operational efficiency, reduce trade costs, and enhance border security through targeted training and process improvements.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Niger Customs Modernizes HR to Boost Collaboration

Niger Customs Modernizes HR to Boost Collaboration

With the support of the WCO-WACAM project, Niger Customs has initiated a human resources modernization transformation. Through change management and communication activities, it aims to increase awareness and support for modernization both internally and externally. By establishing a competency-based HRM system, Niger Customs seeks to improve work efficiency and employee quality, promote economic development, and provide a reference for other developing countries. This initiative highlights the importance of investing in human capital for effective customs administration and national development.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Lesotho Revenue Authority Advances Operational Excellence in Strategic Retreat

Lesotho Revenue Authority Advances Operational Excellence in Strategic Retreat

The Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA) successfully held a high-level strategic retreat to clarify strategic priorities, enhance leadership, and accelerate reform and modernization. The World Customs Organization, the World Bank, and the Finnish Customs Cooperation Fund provided support. The retreat strengthened the management team's cohesion and provided clear direction for the organization's future development. Key focus areas included improving tax administration, fostering effective leadership, and driving strategic growth initiatives to enhance the LRA's overall performance and contribution to Lesotho's economic development.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Ghana Modernizes Customs with WCO Assistance

Ghana Modernizes Customs with WCO Assistance

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the WACAM project, supports the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in enhancing stakeholder engagement to foster a more transparent and efficient tax environment. Through training and pilot consultative committee meetings, the GRA strengthens its connections with businesses and the public, collaboratively addressing issues and improving service quality. This process culminates in an action plan to drive customs modernization. The initiative aims to build trust and cooperation, leading to a more effective and responsive customs administration in Ghana.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Agencies Enhance Efficiency Via SECOWCO Partnership

Customs Agencies Enhance Efficiency Via SECOWCO Partnership

The SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) aims to improve customs and tax administration in developing countries. Through training courses and capacity building initiatives, the GTFP helps managers master the latest management concepts and techniques to promote trade facilitation and support economic development. The program has supported customs and tax officials in numerous countries to enhance their capabilities, contributing to a more open and prosperous international trading system. This includes providing resources and expertise to modernize procedures and improve efficiency.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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