Georgia Joins Revised Kyoto Convention to Boost Trade

Georgia Joins Revised Kyoto Convention to Boost Trade

Georgia has officially joined the Revised Kyoto Convention, becoming its 116th contracting party, marking a significant step in its trade facilitation efforts. The Convention, considered the "gold standard" for global trade facilitation, promotes international trade development through simplified customs procedures and increased transparency. The World Customs Organization encourages more countries to join, working together to build an open and efficient global trade system. This accession highlights Georgia's commitment to streamlining trade processes and fostering economic growth through adherence to international standards.

01/08/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Latin American Officials Boost Tax Customs Expertise in Training

Latin American Officials Boost Tax Customs Expertise in Training

The Advanced Course on Tax and Customs Administration for Latin America and the Caribbean, co-organized by institutions like the IMF, successfully concluded. It aimed to enhance the management capabilities of senior officials in the region to address challenges in the complex international trade environment. The curriculum covered strategic management, risk management, performance management, and international cooperation. With the fifth edition of the course soon to launch, it will further contribute to sustainable development by equipping officials with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the evolving global landscape and promote efficient tax and customs practices.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
US Maritime Shipping Faces Challenges Amid Growth Opportunities

US Maritime Shipping Faces Challenges Amid Growth Opportunities

While not 'locked down,' U.S. maritime shipping faces numerous challenges: port congestion, truck driver shortages, rising labor costs, and increased international competition. Addressing these issues requires a collaborative effort from the government, businesses, and unions. This includes upgrading infrastructure, improving labor conditions, and optimizing logistics management to ensure the global competitiveness of U.S. maritime shipping. Solutions must focus on efficiency and resilience to navigate current disruptions and future-proof the industry against evolving global trade dynamics.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Ivory Coast Enhances Customs Training for Advanced Ruling System

Ivory Coast Enhances Customs Training for Advanced Ruling System

Côte d'Ivoire is actively enhancing its customs classification skills in preparation for implementing an advance rulings system, aligning with the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement. With support from the EU and Germany, Côte d'Ivoire held a customs classification workshop aimed at developing expertise, improving trade facilitation, and contributing to global trade. The advance rulings system, a key mechanism, will enhance trade predictability, reduce costs, promote compliance, and facilitate Côte d'Ivoire's integration into the global trading system.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
The Future of Logistics in Africa Addressing Challenges and Innovating Development

The Future of Logistics in Africa Addressing Challenges and Innovating Development

The African logistics industry demonstrates remarkable resilience and growth potential in the face of global economic challenges. With increased demand for African goods, enhanced investments in port infrastructure, and the adoption of digital technologies, Africa's position in global maritime trade is steadily rising. Looking ahead, Africa is expected to become a significant pillar of global trade.

07/23/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Uschina Trade War Escalates Over Shipbuilding Tariffs

Uschina Trade War Escalates Over Shipbuilding Tariffs

The US has initiated trade actions against China's shipbuilding industry, including raising fees on foreign vessels, eliminating the 'backdoor' for LNG export restrictions, and imposing high tariffs. China has retaliated by charging fees on US ships. This trade war stems from competition between the US and China in economics, technology, and geopolitics. It will have profound implications for global trade, potentially leading to supply chain disruptions, rising trade protectionism, and slower global economic growth. This escalating conflict adds further uncertainty to the already complex international trade landscape.

01/27/2026 Logistics
Read More
Hong Kong Trade Faces Falling Freight Rates Tariff Threats

Hong Kong Trade Faces Falling Freight Rates Tariff Threats

Global container freight rates continue to decline, compounded by the risks of US tariff policies, posing significant challenges to Hong Kong's trade. This paper analyzes the impact of falling freight rates and tariff policies on Hong Kong's trade and proposes response strategies at the government, enterprise, and financial levels. These include strengthening international cooperation, diversifying market layout, optimizing supply chain management, maintaining financial stability, embracing technological innovation, and strengthening talent development. The aim is to help Hong Kong find new development opportunities amidst the challenges.

11/03/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Namibia Enhances Border Systems to Improve Trade

Namibia Enhances Border Systems to Improve Trade

Namibia is actively promoting Coordinated Border Management (CBM) by establishing an inter-agency standard regulatory framework and unified data standards, aiming to reduce border delays and facilitate legitimate trade. This framework was developed in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and supported by the WCO's Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme. Namibia's practice provides valuable experience for other developing countries, contributing to building a more open, efficient, and secure global trading system. The initiative focuses on streamlining procedures and enhancing cooperation between various border agencies.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
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.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Global Customs Agencies Strengthen Ozone Layer Protections

Global Customs Agencies Strengthen Ozone Layer Protections

The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively participates in international efforts to protect the ozone layer by strengthening border controls, combating illegal trade, and enhancing customs capacity. These measures effectively enforce multilateral environmental agreements such as the Montreal Protocol. Future efforts should focus on strengthening international cooperation, risk management, and technological applications to safeguard human health and the global environment. The WCO's commitment to environmental security ensures a safer and healthier planet for future generations by preventing the illegal trade of ozone-depleting substances and promoting sustainable practices.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More