WCO Program Strengthens African Customs for Trade Growth

WCO Program Strengthens African Customs for Trade Growth

The World Customs Organization (WCO), with EU funding, held a Technical and Operational Advisor (TOA) accreditation workshop for French-speaking African countries. The aim was to enhance customs officials' skills in areas like commodity classification, origin, and valuation. Through pre-accreditation and field visit assessments, the project seeks to expand the pool of experts and facilitate regional trade. Quantitative evaluation and continuous improvement are crucial for the project's success, contributing to the upgrading of African trade. The program ultimately aims to streamline customs procedures and boost economic development within the region.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Ivory Coast Launches Transparent Customs System to Boost Trade

Ivory Coast Launches Transparent Customs System to Boost Trade

With support from the EU-WCO and the German Alliance for Trade Facilitation, Côte d'Ivoire is actively developing a national Advance Ruling System. This initiative aims to enhance trade transparency and predictability, reduce trade disputes, attract foreign investment, and improve customs efficiency. The system is expected to revitalize Côte d'Ivoire's trade development and serve as a model for other African nations. It will provide traders with binding rulings on tariff classification, origin, and other customs-related matters before import or export, fostering a more predictable and reliable trading environment.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Afcfta Study Finds Origin Rule Gaps in Textiles Auto Sectors

Afcfta Study Finds Origin Rule Gaps in Textiles Auto Sectors

The EU-World Customs Organization Rules of Origin Africa Programme released a report comparing rules of origin for the textile and automotive industries. The report reveals the impact of different rules on trade, industrial layout, and value chains. It provides a reference for policymakers and businesses, contributing to African regional economic development. The analysis highlights key differences and their consequences for sourcing strategies, production location, and overall competitiveness within the African context. This research aims to inform better policy decisions and promote sustainable economic growth in the region.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Shipping Costs Surge Importers Brace for 2026 Trade Challenges

Shipping Costs Surge Importers Brace for 2026 Trade Challenges

Contrary to expectations, sea freight rates surged at the beginning of 2026, influenced by the Red Sea crisis, pre-Chinese New Year shipping rush, and the EU Emissions Trading System. Asia-Europe and trans-Pacific routes experienced significant price increases, adding cost pressure to foreign trade companies. This article analyzes the reasons behind the price hikes and proposes coping strategies for foreign trade enterprises, aiming to help them find certainty in their supply chains amidst uncertainty. It explores ways to mitigate the impact of volatile shipping costs and optimize supply chain operations.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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WCO Boosts Trade Control Enforcement in Albania Kosovo

WCO Boosts Trade Control Enforcement in Albania Kosovo

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its STCE and COPES projects, conducted online training for Albanian and Kosovar Customs, aiming to enhance their enforcement capabilities in strategic trade control and dual-use item management. The training covered strategic item definitions, evidence collection standards, and investigation techniques. It emphasized the application of data analysis in risk assessment and intelligence analysis to build a global strategic trade control system and maintain global security. The training is expected to improve the effectiveness of customs operations in preventing the illicit proliferation of sensitive goods.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Ecommerce Giant Crossborder Tong Struggles Amid Market Decline

Ecommerce Giant Crossborder Tong Struggles Amid Market Decline

Global Top E-commerce's 2021 annual report reveals a significant decline in its hundred-billion-scale export business, shrinking to only 30% of its former size. This article delves into the reasons behind the company's precipitous revenue drop, analyzes the performance of its various subsidiaries, and explores potential paths for self-rescue and transformation. Global Top E-commerce's experience serves as a warning to the broader cross-border e-commerce industry. The investigation highlights the challenges and uncertainties facing companies heavily reliant on export activities within the rapidly evolving global market.

01/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Chinas Haiyunhui Expands Crossborder Ecommerce Warehousing

Chinas Haiyunhui Expands Crossborder Ecommerce Warehousing

This paper focuses on the overseas warehouse selection problem that cross-border e-commerce sellers care about. Taking "Haiyunhui Overseas Warehouse" as an example, it deeply analyzes its potential service content, logistics timeliness, and charging standards. It emphasizes that the selection of overseas warehouses requires comprehensive consideration and suggests that sellers conduct thorough investigation and evaluation to choose the most suitable partner for their business needs, thus helping the success of cross-border e-commerce business. This includes evaluating service offerings, delivery speed, and cost structures to ensure optimal alignment with business goals.

01/05/2026 Logistics
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Hyundai Recalls Vehicles Amid Whistleblower Probe

Hyundai Recalls Vehicles Amid Whistleblower Probe

Hyundai Motor faces a massive recall and government investigation in South Korea due to internal whistleblowing, exposing issues within its quality control system. An engineer reported five major design flaws concealed by the company, affecting several key models. This crisis highlights internal communication failures and hierarchical culture within Hyundai. It also raises concerns about corporate social responsibility and government oversight. Hyundai needs to address the quality problems and rebuild its brand image. The incident underscores the importance of transparent communication channels and robust quality assurance processes within automotive manufacturing.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Upss Failed TNT Bid Slows Logistics Industry Consolidation

Upss Failed TNT Bid Slows Logistics Industry Consolidation

UPS officially withdrew its $6.8 billion acquisition plan of TNT Express after the European Commission concluded the merger would significantly harm competition in the European parcel market. The failed deal not only hinders the consolidation efforts of the logistics giant but also foreshadows a more complex competitive landscape in the future. The EU's antitrust scrutiny played a crucial role in blocking the merger, highlighting the regulatory challenges faced by companies seeking large-scale acquisitions in the logistics sector within the European Union.

01/26/2026 Logistics
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Eus Digital Services Act Imposes Stricter Ad Rules on Tech Giants

Eus Digital Services Act Imposes Stricter Ad Rules on Tech Giants

The EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) aims to regulate online content moderation by large tech companies and promote fair competition. This legislation significantly impacts the advertising strategies of giants like Amazon, Google, and Meta, particularly in protecting vulnerable groups. Implementation of the DSA will increase compliance costs for tech companies, potentially limit their innovation, and reshape the relationship between users and platforms. It may set a new global standard for digital regulation, forcing companies to be more transparent and accountable for the content they host and the advertising they display.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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