Trade Deals Cut Sourcing Costs for Global Manufacturers

Trade Deals Cut Sourcing Costs for Global Manufacturers

Multinational manufacturers can significantly reduce global procurement costs by effectively leveraging trade agreements. This paper proposes five best practices: in-depth understanding of regulations, building a regulatory database, optimizing supply chain connectivity, utilizing advanced technology, and continuous improvement. By implementing these practices, companies can lower tariff expenses and enhance their competitiveness in the global market. Focusing on these key areas enables businesses to maximize the benefits offered by trade agreements and achieve substantial cost savings in their international sourcing operations.

Oakland Port Traffic Dips Amid Global Trade Shifts

Oakland Port Traffic Dips Amid Global Trade Shifts

The Port of Oakland experienced a 15% year-over-year decrease in cargo volume in August, reflecting weakened retail demand and declining exports. While increased vessel calls and high commercial property occupancy offer positive indicators, global trade slowdown and supply chain diversification pose ongoing challenges. The port needs to adapt to the new economic environment and achieve sustainable development through strategic adjustments such as improving operational efficiency, expanding diversified services, and strengthening inland connections. These measures are crucial to navigate the current economic climate and ensure future growth.

01/16/2026 Logistics
Read More
Six Strategies to Turn Trade Disruption into Growth

Six Strategies to Turn Trade Disruption into Growth

In today's complex global trade landscape, how can businesses mitigate risks and seize opportunities? This article, from a customs expert's perspective, proposes six key strategies: leveraging data to predict tariff impacts, meticulously reviewing tariff provisions, proactively addressing customs audits, optimizing supply chain layout, prioritizing compliance management, and fully utilizing ACE data. By mastering these strategies, companies can gain an advantage in the turbulent trade environment and achieve sustainable growth. These actions will enable businesses to navigate challenges and capitalize on emerging possibilities.

Top 20 Tools to Streamline Global Trade Operations

Top 20 Tools to Streamline Global Trade Operations

This article selects 20 essential foreign trade operation tools, covering data mining, customer communication, product selection analysis, SEO optimization, and more. It helps traditional foreign trade enterprises acquire customers accurately and empowers cross-border e-commerce sellers to operate with precision, reduce costs, and increase efficiency, ultimately winning in the global market. These tools are designed to streamline processes and improve overall performance in international trade.

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.

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.

HS Codes Boost Sustainability in Global Textile Trade

HS Codes Boost Sustainability in Global Textile Trade

A World Customs Organization seminar explored the role of HS codes in fostering sustainable development within the textile industry. Key issues highlighted included the identification of environmentally friendly textiles, value chain transparency, and the standardization of the circular economy. The seminar aimed to promote the adaptation of HS codes to environmental needs and contribute to the construction of a green textile trade system. Discussions focused on how updated HS classifications can better track and incentivize sustainable practices throughout the textile supply chain, ultimately supporting a more environmentally responsible industry.

Guide to Customs Inspections for Foreign Trade Firms

Guide to Customs Inspections for Foreign Trade Firms

This article provides an in-depth analysis of various aspects of customs inspections, including the targets, entities, content, procedures, and response strategies. Through case studies, it emphasizes the importance of foreign trade companies actively cooperating with customs inspections and highlights that compliant operation is crucial for the sustainable and healthy development of enterprises. The aim is to help foreign trade companies understand customs inspections, avoid risks, and achieve sustainable development. This understanding promotes smoother trade operations and reduces potential penalties.

Wholesale Trade Firms Face Key ERP Selection Challenges

Wholesale Trade Firms Face Key ERP Selection Challenges

This paper addresses the transformation and upgrading needs of wholesale trade enterprises by deeply evaluating four mainstream manufacturing ERP systems: WanDaBao, SAP S/4HANA, NetSuite, and Odoo. Through simulating the actual business processes of an electronic component wholesale enterprise, it objectively assesses each system's performance in inventory management, order processing, supply chain collaboration, and production data integration. It also provides recommendations for ERP implementation and cost considerations, serving as a valuable reference for enterprises in their ERP selection process.

WCO and IPPC Boost Global Trade with Stricter Plant Health Rules

WCO and IPPC Boost Global Trade with Stricter Plant Health Rules

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) signed a cooperation agreement to promote the safety and efficiency of international trade in plants and plant products. The cooperation will focus on five key areas: electronic data exchange, e-commerce, sea containers, single windows, and communication and promotion. The aim is to build a safer and more efficient plant trade system, inject new vitality into global trade, and build a global community of plant health. This partnership will contribute to smoother and more secure international trade flows.