South Koreas Daiso Ends Japanese Partnership to Prioritize Domestic Expansion

South Koreas Daiso Ends Japanese Partnership to Prioritize Domestic Expansion

South Korean AsungHMP invested ₩500 billion to repurchase shares held by Japan's Daiso Industries Co., Ltd., achieving full control of Asungdaiso Corp. This move aims to strengthen local control, eliminate Japanese capital influence, accelerate its localization strategy, and lay the foundation for deepening the Korean market and expanding overseas. Daiso's strong performance growth in recent years has provided the confidence for this strategic transformation. The acquisition signifies a shift towards a more independent and domestically focused approach for the retail chain.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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ECB Holds Rates Raises Inflation Forecast on Services Pressure

ECB Holds Rates Raises Inflation Forecast on Services Pressure

The ECB held interest rates steady but revised its 2026 inflation forecast upwards, highlighting the stickiness of services inflation. Lagarde reiterated a data-dependent approach, suggesting no immediate shift from its hawkish stance. Going forward, the ECB needs to balance fighting inflation with supporting growth. Investors should closely monitor economic data and policy developments. The upward revision of inflation expectations, particularly in the services sector, signals a persistent challenge for the ECB in achieving its price stability target, despite its ongoing tightening measures.

01/28/2026 Exchange Rate Query
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US Factory Orders Unexpectedly Drop in September

US Factory Orders Unexpectedly Drop in September

US factory orders rose a less-than-expected 0.2% in September, with the data delayed due to the government shutdown. While durable goods and non-defense capital goods orders held steady, the overall figure suggests a potential slowdown in the manufacturing recovery. The market impact was limited, with investors focusing more on the latest economic indicators and Federal Reserve policy. The modest increase in factory orders reinforces concerns about the pace of economic growth and its implications for future monetary policy decisions.

01/28/2026 International Settlement
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WCO Boosts Oman Customs Data Analysis Capabilities

WCO Boosts Oman Customs Data Analysis Capabilities

At the request of Oman Customs, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a data analysis workshop to enhance their data analysis capabilities. The workshop focused on developing a data mobilization strategy, cultivating data analysis talent, and recommending a phased implementation of data analysis projects. It also emphasized strengthening external cooperation and building a data-driven culture to support Oman Customs' data-driven transformation. This aims to improve efficiency in areas such as risk assessment, revenue collection, and trade facilitation, ultimately leading to better customs operations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO JICA Boost East Africa Customs Valuation for Trade Growth

WCO JICA Boost East Africa Customs Valuation for Trade Growth

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) joint project held an advanced Customs Valuation trainer workshop in East Africa. The aim was to cultivate experienced trainers, develop practical training materials, and enhance customs valuation capabilities in East Africa, thereby promoting trade facilitation. Through case studies, expert guidance, and skills sharing, the workshop improved the professional level of customs officials and customs brokers, contributing to regional economic development. The initiative underscores the importance of skilled personnel in ensuring fair and efficient trade practices.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Workshop Enhances Risk Management for Asiapacific Customs

WCO Workshop Enhances Risk Management for Asiapacific Customs

The WCO Asia Pacific Regional Risk Management Accreditation Workshop was successfully held in Malaysia, aiming to cultivate a group of experts proficient in risk management to support customs administrations of member countries. Through rigorous selection and systematic training, participants mastered risk management tools and enhanced their professional skills. The event emphasized the core role of data analysis in customs risk management, contributing to building a secure and efficient global trade environment. The workshop underscored the importance of proactive risk assessment and mitigation strategies for improved customs operations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Workshop Enhances Namibias IP Enforcement

WCO Workshop Enhances Namibias IP Enforcement

The WCO held a workshop in Namibia to enhance intellectual property rights enforcement capabilities of Customs administrations in Eastern and Southern Africa. The workshop focused on risk management, information sharing, and the identification of counterfeit medicines. Participants explored strategies to strengthen regional cooperation and combat the trade in illicit goods that infringe on intellectual property rights. The aim was to improve the effectiveness of Customs administrations in protecting intellectual property at the border and fostering a safer and more secure trading environment within the region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Gabon Enhances Customs Skills with WCO Training Program

Gabon Enhances Customs Skills with WCO Training Program

Under the WCO-WACAM project funded by the Swedish government, the Gabon Customs Administration successfully held a 'Train-the-Trainer' workshop. This significantly enhanced the capabilities of 23 participants in key areas such as customs valuation and tariffs. The project not only lays the foundation for a sustainable talent development system within Gabon Customs but also provides valuable lessons learned for other developing countries. The workshop aimed to empower participants to become effective trainers and contribute to the long-term strengthening of customs operations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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East Africa Boosts Antismuggling Efforts with WCO JICA Support

East Africa Boosts Antismuggling Efforts with WCO JICA Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) jointly held a workshop in Uganda to enhance customs intelligence analysis capabilities and strengthen anti-smuggling efforts in East Africa. Customs officials from various East African countries collaborated to develop post-seizure analysis training materials. Experts from the WCO and Japan Customs provided guidance to help East African customs improve their intelligence-driven risk management and combat smuggling crimes. The workshop aimed to build capacity and foster regional cooperation in tackling cross-border illicit trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Tunisia Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Assistance

Tunisia Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Assistance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a national workshop on Post Clearance Audit (PCA) in Tunisia, aiming to enhance the Tunisian Customs' PCA capabilities. The workshop covered WCO guidelines interpretation, human resource management, case studies, and group discussions. It assisted Tunisian Customs in optimizing audit processes, addressing risks in complex trade environments, and promoting economic development. The training sought to improve efficiency and effectiveness in identifying and addressing compliance issues after goods have been released, contributing to a more secure and predictable trade environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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