Americas Caribbean Boost Customs Cooperation on Risk Management

Americas Caribbean Boost Customs Cooperation on Risk Management

The World Customs Organization held a risk management workshop in the Americas and Caribbean region to enhance the risk management capabilities and cooperation of customs administrations. The conference reviewed the successful experience of 'Operation Dragon', emphasizing the importance of information exchange. It also designed new regional target projects to jointly address trade risks and maintain regional economic security. The workshop aimed to foster a collaborative environment for customs officials to share best practices and strengthen regional partnerships in combating illicit trade and securing the supply chain.

WCO Enhances Customs Efficiency Through Time Release Study Program

WCO Enhances Customs Efficiency Through Time Release Study Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducts Technical Operational Advisor (TOA) accreditation workshops to develop Time Release Study (TRS) experts, assisting members in optimizing customs procedures. Through rigorous assessment and training, accredited TOAs will participate in technical assistance missions, enhancing global customs efficiency and promoting trade facilitation. This initiative aims to build capacity within member administrations to conduct and utilize TRS effectively, leading to improved border management and reduced trade costs. The TOA program is a key component of the WCO's efforts to modernize customs operations worldwide.

Haian New Port Emerges As Key Logistics Hub for Qiongzhou Strait

Haian New Port Emerges As Key Logistics Hub for Qiongzhou Strait

Hai'an New Port is undergoing a transformation from a passenger and cargo ro-ro terminal to a vessel maintenance, emergency rescue, and regional logistics hub in the Qiongzhou Strait. As a key port operator in western Guangdong, it connects the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area with the Hainan Free Trade Port, playing a vital role in regional logistics and actively expanding into new business areas. The port's strategic location makes it a crucial link for trade and transportation between the mainland and Hainan Island.

US Retail Sales Jump in July Amid Ecommerce Boom

US Retail Sales Jump in July Amid Ecommerce Boom

July retail sales data showed robust growth, with both the U.S. Department of Commerce and the National Retail Federation (NRF) reporting increases. Consumer confidence and the labor market were key drivers, but trade war uncertainties remain. The NRF raised its full-year sales forecast. Online sales continued to lead, and the apparel sector performed particularly well. The retail industry outlook is optimistic, but vigilance regarding trade risks is necessary. The strong sales suggest continued economic growth and positive consumer spending habits, despite potential headwinds.

WCO Proposes Green HS Codes to Support Circular Economy

WCO Proposes Green HS Codes to Support Circular Economy

A World Customs Organization seminar focused on Green HS, exploring how to improve the HS coding system to more accurately track the lifecycle of materials like plastics, metals, and wood, thereby promoting the circular economy. Experts suggested introducing more granular HS codes to differentiate types of waste, trace their origin and destination, and align with international agreements like the Basel Convention to achieve environmentally sustainable trade. The goal is to use customs trade as a tool for tracking materials and promoting responsible waste management.

Zambia Tax Authority Adopts WCO Tool to Boost Efficiency

Zambia Tax Authority Adopts WCO Tool to Boost Efficiency

With support from the Sida-WCO Trade Facilitation Project, WCO experts assisted the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) in leveraging the Performance Measurement Mechanism (PMM) to enhance strategic decision-making and governance. By establishing a data-driven performance evaluation system, ZRA aims to optimize operational efficiency and achieve customs modernization, ultimately contributing more significantly to Zambia's economic development. The PMM helps ZRA to monitor progress, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that resources are allocated effectively, leading to better trade facilitation and increased revenue collection.

DHL Launches Streamlined US Customs Clearance Service

DHL Launches Streamlined US Customs Clearance Service

DHL Global Forwarding introduces a customs clearance integration service designed to simplify US import processes, addressing trade changes and tariff complexities. This service reduces costs, shortens timelines, and mitigates compliance risks by consolidating customs clearance procedures, particularly benefiting high-volume operations. This initiative aligns with the evolving global trade landscape and empowers businesses to gain a competitive edge in the cross-border e-commerce sector. It aims to streamline the import process and improve overall supply chain efficiency for businesses operating in the US market.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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Fedex Restructures Networks to Lead Global Ecommerce Shipping

Fedex Restructures Networks to Lead Global Ecommerce Shipping

FedEx is reorganizing its professional logistics and e-commerce solutions into FedEx Trade Networks (FTN) to enhance cross-border e-commerce service capabilities by integrating resources and optimizing processes. This move aims to seize market opportunities and address fierce competition, focusing on heavy freight transportation and customized solutions while simplifying international shipping. Despite the challenges, FedEx's strategic transformation aligns with global trade development trends. Its future development is worth watching as it navigates the evolving landscape of international commerce and strives to maintain a competitive edge.

DHL Enhances US Imports with Integrated Customs Service

DHL Enhances US Imports with Integrated Customs Service

DHL Global Forwarding introduces an integrated customs clearance service designed to simplify the U.S. import process, reduce costs, and improve efficiency, helping retailers navigate trade barriers and tariff complexities. This service lowers compliance risks and enhances transparency and certainty by consolidating shipments and optimizing customs clearance procedures. It's particularly beneficial for high-volume imports, multi-vendor sourcing, and cross-border e-commerce, enabling retailers to gain a competitive edge in global trade. The solution streamlines the process and provides better control over import costs.

01/30/2026 Logistics
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Major Food and Beverage Firms Adapt to Tariff Challenges

Major Food and Beverage Firms Adapt to Tariff Challenges

Facing global trade tensions, food and beverage companies are actively responding to tariff challenges. While most believe tariffs have a limited impact on profitability, they are more concerned about retaliatory measures and boycotts. Companies like Campbell Soup and Brown-Forman face rising costs and market restrictions, while General Mills and Coca-Cola are adopting diversification strategies. Agricultural companies like Tyson Foods are actively seeking alternative markets to mitigate potential retaliatory tariffs. The overall sentiment suggests a proactive approach to navigate the complexities of the current trade environment.