Retail Giants Warn Border Tax Could Raise Consumer Prices

Retail Giants Warn Border Tax Could Raise Consumer Prices

Retail giants, led by Walmart and Target, united in opposition to the Border Adjustment Tax (BAT), arguing it would lead to higher prices for consumers, harm consumer interests, and jeopardize retail jobs. Retailers actively lobbied Congress, emphasizing the tax's potential to trigger trade wars and advocating for fair tax reform. They argued that the BAT would disproportionately impact low-income consumers and disrupt supply chains, ultimately hurting the American economy. Their efforts highlighted the potential negative consequences of the proposed tax policy on both the retail sector and the broader consumer base.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Lesotho Revenue Authority Advances Tax Modernization with Talent Initiative

Lesotho Revenue Authority Advances Tax Modernization with Talent Initiative

The Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA) is actively implementing a competency-based human resource management system to enhance operational efficiency and tax collection capabilities. Supported by the World Customs Organization through the EPCB-HRMP project, the initiative aims to assist LRA in building a strategic HR management system. This system focuses on aligning talent with roles, ultimately contributing to LRA's modernization goals. This endeavor offers valuable lessons and best practices for other African tax administrations seeking to modernize their HR practices and improve overall performance.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Ecommerce Tax Leads to Slight Price Increases Demand Steady

Ecommerce Tax Leads to Slight Price Increases Demand Steady

The Marketplace Fairness Act might slightly increase online shopping prices, but the convenience and other advantages of e-commerce will likely sustain its overall growth. Retailers and supply chains need to proactively adapt to tax policy changes and optimize their operational models. Future e-commerce tax policies will emphasize fairness and efficiency. Data analysis will play a crucial role in helping governments and businesses develop reasonable strategies. This shift necessitates a focus on compliance and efficiency within the retail landscape to maintain competitiveness.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Belgium Scraps Small Parcel Tax Amid EU Ecommerce Reforms

Belgium Scraps Small Parcel Tax Amid EU Ecommerce Reforms

Belgium's abandonment of the €2 small package tax and adoption of the EU's €3 unified tariff policy reflects the accelerating reform of EU cross-border e-commerce taxation. Facing the new policy, Chinese sellers need to adjust their strategies, such as establishing overseas warehouses, optimizing product structures, and strengthening compliance operations to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities for industry upgrades. This shift requires proactive adaptation to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape and maintain competitiveness in the European market.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Zambia Tax Authority Adopts WCO Tool to Boost Efficiency

Zambia Tax Authority Adopts WCO Tool to Boost Efficiency

With support from the Sida-WCO Trade Facilitation Project, WCO experts assisted the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) in leveraging the Performance Measurement Mechanism (PMM) to enhance strategic decision-making and governance. By establishing a data-driven performance evaluation system, ZRA aims to optimize operational efficiency and achieve customs modernization, ultimately contributing more significantly to Zambia's economic development. The PMM helps ZRA to monitor progress, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that resources are allocated effectively, leading to better trade facilitation and increased revenue collection.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US Considers Gas Tax Hike to Fund Infrastructure Repairs

US Considers Gas Tax Hike to Fund Infrastructure Repairs

Faced with the severe challenges of US infrastructure, Trump's proposed fuel tax increase has once again attracted attention. This article analyzes the role of fuel tax in the Highway Trust Fund and the political resistance to raising it. It also explores alternative financing models, such as congestion pricing, mileage-based user fees, and public-private partnerships. The article advocates for actively exploring new infrastructure financing pathways to lay the foundation for the future development of the United States. The need for sustainable funding solutions is crucial for modernizing and maintaining the nation's vital infrastructure.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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China Opposes EU Carbon Border Tax As Trade Barrier

China Opposes EU Carbon Border Tax As Trade Barrier

China's Ministry of Commerce has expressed concerns regarding the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), arguing that its design exhibits trade protectionist tendencies and unfairly impacts Chinese exports. China emphasizes the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" and urges the EU to adhere to international rules, abandon protectionism, and jointly promote green trade and investment. China also stresses the importance of maintaining the stability of global supply chains.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bipartisan Bill Proposes Modernizing Short Line Railroad Tax Credits

Bipartisan Bill Proposes Modernizing Short Line Railroad Tax Credits

A bipartisan group of U.S. Senators introduced legislation to update the short line railroad tax credit. The bill focuses on adjusting the credit calculation to better reflect current costs and incorporates an inflation index. The ASLRRA commended the effort, stating it would incentivize private capital investment in railroad upgrades, enhance transportation efficiency, and benefit businesses and communities. This update aims to modernize the tax credit and encourage continued investment in crucial short line rail infrastructure, supporting economic growth and efficient freight movement.

01/30/2026 Logistics
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Short Line Railroads Gain Boost from Expanded Tax Credits

Short Line Railroads Gain Boost from Expanded Tax Credits

The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) welcomes the Senate's proposed legislation to improve the short line railroad tax credit. The bill aims to incentivize infrastructure investment by short line railroads, driving modernization and economic development. It achieves this by increasing the credit cap, covering all mileage, and introducing an inflation index, aligning the credit more closely with actual costs. These changes will encourage railroads to invest in crucial infrastructure upgrades, leading to a more efficient and robust rail network.

01/30/2026 Logistics
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Hong Kong Updates Tax Residency Rules for Crossborder Workers

Hong Kong Updates Tax Residency Rules for Crossborder Workers

The Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has updated its guidance on determining dual residency, elaborating on the application of the 'tie-breaker rule' in establishing tax residency. The guidance focuses on factors such as the place of effective management, habitual abode, permanent home, and nationality. It provides tax optimization advice for cross-border workers and high-net-worth individuals to mitigate the risk of double taxation. Understanding these guidelines is crucial for individuals with potential dual residency to ensure compliance and optimize their tax obligations in Hong Kong.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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