Panama Canal Drought Forces Shippers to Reroute Cargo

Panama Canal Drought Forces Shippers to Reroute Cargo

The Panama Canal is facing low water levels, leading to increased shipping delays and forcing shippers to seek alternative routes. This article analyzes the impact of the canal's restrictions, explores strategies for shippers to cope with the situation, and offers expert advice. The goal is to help businesses maintain competitiveness in a complex and volatile market environment affected by the ongoing disruptions to global shipping through the Panama Canal. The situation requires careful planning and risk mitigation strategies.

01/16/2026 Logistics
Read More
Long Beach Port Cargo Declines Amid Economic Headwinds

Long Beach Port Cargo Declines Amid Economic Headwinds

The Port of Long Beach reported a 15.4% year-over-year decline in cargo volume for August, marking the 11th consecutive month of decrease. This is attributed to shifting consumer spending, inventory glut, a global economic downturn, and increased competition. The port is addressing these challenges through infrastructure upgrades, digital transformation, and diversification efforts, aiming to enhance efficiency and competitiveness. The throughput decline may lead to lower freight rates, shorter delivery times, and optimized inventory management.

01/16/2026 Logistics
Read More
Shopify Exits Logistics Flexport Gains Market Share

Shopify Exits Logistics Flexport Gains Market Share

Shopify's sale of its logistics business to Flexport marks a strategic shift back to its core e-commerce operations. Flexport expands its global services and enhances its end-to-end supply chain solutions through this acquisition. The deal sparks reflection on the e-commerce self-built logistics model and foreshadows future trends: intelligent, flexible, green, and collaborative e-commerce logistics. This transaction highlights the increasing importance of specialized logistics providers in the evolving e-commerce landscape.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Understanding CIF Key Aspects of International Trade Costs

Understanding CIF Key Aspects of International Trade Costs

This article provides an in-depth analysis of CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) Incoterms, a commonly used term in international trade. It elucidates its core meaning, key functions, applicable scenarios, and usage precautions. By comparing CIF with other Incoterms, it helps readers comprehensively understand its advantages and limitations, enabling them to make more informed decisions in international trade. The analysis aims to clarify the responsibilities and risks associated with CIF, providing valuable insights for businesses involved in global commerce.

01/16/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
Read More
Apparel Industry Turns to Live Streaming for Crossborder Ecommerce Growth

Apparel Industry Turns to Live Streaming for Crossborder Ecommerce Growth

The fashion industry faces challenges such as declining revenue and reduced profits, prompting business owners to turn to live streaming for transformation. Chinese fashion cross-border e-commerce holds a significant position in the global market due to its industrial chain advantages, but still needs to transform and upgrade. By focusing on precise product selection, brand globalization, and creating compelling consumption scenarios, businesses can seize opportunities in the US, Europe, and emerging markets to achieve sustainable development.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
New Customs System Eases Trade Amid Environmental Rules

New Customs System Eases Trade Amid Environmental Rules

A WCO workshop in the EAC/SADC region helped customs administrations address environmental risks, combat illicit trade, protect the environment, and facilitate trade. The workshop aimed to strengthen customs' capacity to identify and manage environmental risks associated with cross-border movements. Businesses are encouraged to improve their compliance levels to mitigate potential risks related to environmental regulations and international trade practices. This proactive approach ensures both adherence to legal requirements and contribution to a more sustainable global trade environment.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Advocates Green Customs to Promote Sustainable Trade

WCO Advocates Green Customs to Promote Sustainable Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held its first symposium focusing on “Green Customs,” exploring the role of the Harmonized System (HS) in supporting environmentally sustainable trade. The meeting brought together representatives to propose more feasible “green” solutions for the 2027 and subsequent HS versions. It emphasized the importance of international cooperation and innovation in promoting sustainable development within global trade practices. The symposium aimed to identify concrete steps for integrating environmental considerations into the HS nomenclature.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Asiapacific Customs Adopt Digital Tools for Modernization

Asiapacific Customs Adopt Digital Tools for Modernization

The 20th Asia-Pacific WCO Regional Training Center Heads Meeting focused on digital transformation and capacity building. Discussions centered on leveraging VR technology to enhance customs training, deepening regional cooperation, evaluating the impact of capacity building initiatives, and addressing challenges posed by the pandemic. The meeting aimed to improve the professional capabilities and modernization level of customs administrations in the Asia-Pacific region by exploring innovative training methods and fostering collaboration in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Roboticsasaservice Transforms Supply Chain Efficiency

Roboticsasaservice Transforms Supply Chain Efficiency

The rise of the RaaS model is helping businesses optimize supply chains, reduce costs, and increase flexibility. Global deployments are projected to exceed 1.3 million units by 2026, benefiting industries such as logistics. RaaS offers a cost-effective and scalable solution for automating various tasks, improving efficiency and responsiveness in dynamic market conditions. By leveraging robotic solutions through a service model, companies can avoid large upfront investments and access advanced technology without the burden of maintenance and upgrades.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
WCO 2025 Meeting to Address Customs Efficiency Security and Tech

WCO 2025 Meeting to Address Customs Efficiency Security and Tech

This paper provides an in-depth interpretation of the core topics discussed at the 2025 World Customs Organization (WCO) Technical Committee meetings. These topics include the WCO theme, AEO system, intelligent security equipment, free zones, TRS database system, e-commerce, performance evaluation, information technology, certificates of origin, smart customs, green customs, and vulnerable borders. The meetings aim to promote global customs cooperation, enhance trade efficiency and security, and address emerging challenges in the international trade landscape.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More