North American Rail Freight Carloads Rise Intermodal Declines

North American Rail Freight Carloads Rise Intermodal Declines

For the week ending November 8, 2025, U.S. rail carload traffic saw a slight increase of 0.1%, while intermodal units decreased by 8.7% year-over-year. Year-to-date figures show carloads and intermodal up 1.8% and 2.5% respectively, but the single-week data reflects pressures from economic slowdown, supply chain challenges, and energy transition. Rail freight needs to embrace innovation and strengthen collaboration to navigate these challenges and seize growth opportunities.

02/04/2026 Logistics
Read More
Chinas Myfoodie Nanjing Agricultural University Open Pet Food Research Center

Chinas Myfoodie Nanjing Agricultural University Open Pet Food Research Center

Myfoodie has partnered with Nanjing Agricultural University to establish a joint research institute, focusing on scientific innovation in pet food and enhancing product competitiveness. The collaboration centers around nutritional composition, raw material processing, and other key areas. They will explore the application of natural plants in pet food, ensuring the safety and quality of their products. This partnership aims to advance the field of pet nutrition and develop healthier, more sustainable pet food options.

Asiapacific Leads in Adopting Global Ecommerce Standards

Asiapacific Leads in Adopting Global Ecommerce Standards

The WCO Cross-border E-commerce Framework was launched in the Asia-Pacific region to standardize e-commerce activities. Experts recommend strengthening identity management, data exchange, and other aspects. The Asia-Pacific region should actively participate in standard setting and seize opportunities presented by cross-border e-commerce. This initiative aims to facilitate trade, enhance security, and promote consumer protection within the region's rapidly growing digital economy. Collaboration and harmonization are key to successful implementation.

Zimbabwe Launches Electronic Single Window to Streamline Trade

Zimbabwe Launches Electronic Single Window to Streamline Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports the Zimbabwe Electronic Single Window (ZeSW) project. It enhances capacity through workshops and strengthens collaboration with government agencies to streamline trade procedures. The project aims to reduce operational costs for businesses, improve customs clearance efficiency, and enhance Zimbabwe's international competitiveness, ultimately leading to economic prosperity. WCO's support is crucial for the effective implementation and sustainability of the ZeSW, contributing to Zimbabwe's trade facilitation efforts and economic growth.

Bahrain Customs Boosts Clearance Efficiency with WCO Support

Bahrain Customs Boosts Clearance Efficiency with WCO Support

Bahrain Customs is collaborating with the WCO to enhance clearance efficiency, reduce trade costs, and promote trade facilitation by establishing a robust post-clearance audit mechanism and building a pre-clearance system. A WCO expert team held a workshop in Bahrain, providing professional training to Bahrain Customs officials to help them achieve their trade facilitation goals. This collaboration aims to streamline customs processes and contribute to a more efficient and competitive trading environment for Bahrain.

Nicaragua Enhances Trade Via WCO Efficiency Study

Nicaragua Enhances Trade Via WCO Efficiency Study

The WCO held a workshop in Nicaragua to help optimize clearance processes and improve trade efficiency. The workshop was supported by the WCO-Norad project. The aim was to enhance trade facilitation by streamlining customs procedures and reducing delays. Key areas covered included risk management, automation, and cooperation between agencies. The workshop provided practical guidance and fostered collaboration among stakeholders to achieve faster and more efficient clearance times, ultimately contributing to economic growth and competitiveness.

WCO ASAPRA Partner to Simplify Customs Enhance Trade Compliance

WCO ASAPRA Partner to Simplify Customs Enhance Trade Compliance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Association of Professional Customs Brokers of the Americas (ASAPRA) are deepening cooperation to enhance trade facilitation and compliance through information sharing, training collaboration, and technological innovation. This initiative aims to reduce compliance costs for businesses, improve customs clearance efficiency, and enhance global competitiveness. By fostering a smoother and more efficient trade environment, this partnership will help businesses seize trade opportunities and build a shared future.

Pacific Islands Boost Tax Revenue with Regional Training

Pacific Islands Boost Tax Revenue with Regional Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), launched the 'Master Training Program (MTP)' to enhance the revenue management capacity of Customs administrations in Pacific Island Countries. The program focuses on developing tax experts and improving the accuracy of customs valuation and HS code classification, thereby promoting trade facilitation and sustainable economic development. Pacific Island Customs administrations have identified revenue-related issues as a primary focus of the MTP.

WCO Enhances Kyrgyzstans Customs for Trade Efficiency

WCO Enhances Kyrgyzstans Customs for Trade Efficiency

The WCO, in collaboration with the OSCE, is assisting the Kyrgyz Republic Customs in launching a new round of Time Release Study (TRS). This initiative aims to optimize customs clearance procedures, reduce trade costs, and promote economic development within the country. By analyzing the time taken for goods to be released, the study will identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement in the customs process, ultimately leading to enhanced trade facilitation and increased efficiency.

China Expands Logistics Ties with Central and Eastern Europe

China Expands Logistics Ties with Central and Eastern Europe

The 4th China-CEEC Countries Logistics Cooperation Secretariat Liaison Meeting was successfully held in Yibin. Beichen Zhongjin, as the implementing unit, was responsible for conference planning, guest reception, and cooperation agreement signing, facilitating several cooperation outcomes. This promoted cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries in logistics, port economy, and transportation infrastructure. The meeting served as a significant platform for strengthening ties and exploring new avenues for collaboration in the region.

02/03/2026 Logistics
Read More