Europe Ocean Freight Costs Fall As Supply Chain Pressures Ease

Europe Ocean Freight Costs Fall As Supply Chain Pressures Ease

Good news for European shipping: port congestion is easing, container supply is increasing, and freight rates are stabilizing with a slight decrease. However, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and global economic slowdown continue to introduce uncertainty. Foreign trade enterprises need to pay close attention to market dynamics and manage risks effectively. The improvement in congestion and container availability offers some relief, but ongoing geopolitical and economic factors necessitate careful monitoring and proactive risk mitigation strategies for businesses involved in European trade.

02/02/2026 Logistics
Read More
West and Central Africa Strengthen Antismuggling with Joint Customs Training

West and Central Africa Strengthen Antismuggling with Joint Customs Training

The online seminar for West and Central African Customs enhanced intelligence analysis capabilities to combat customs fraud and transnational crime. The training focused on WCO intelligence policies, RILO liaison, and other key areas. This initiative aimed to strengthen regional cooperation among customs administrations in the region. By improving information sharing and analytical skills, the seminar contributes to more effective border control and a safer trade environment. The ultimate goal is to disrupt illicit activities and promote legitimate trade flows within the region.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Asian Ports Face Congestion Ahead of Peak Shipping Season

Asian Ports Face Congestion Ahead of Peak Shipping Season

Several key container ports in Asia are experiencing severe congestion, including Ningbo, Shanghai, and Manila, with Semarang in Indonesia facing potential shutdown. The congestion is caused by a combination of factors including customs inspections, surging cargo volumes, and holidays. Ports are actively taking measures to alleviate the situation. However, with the Chinese Lunar New Year approaching, the congestion is expected to worsen. Foreign trade companies need to plan ahead to mitigate potential disruptions to their supply chains and manage trade risks.

02/03/2026 Logistics
Read More
Ozon Touts Russian Ecommerce Growth for Chinese Sellers in Shenzhen

Ozon Touts Russian Ecommerce Growth for Chinese Sellers in Shenzhen

Russian e-commerce platform Ozon will host an official seller conference in Shenzhen, focusing on China-Russia trade opportunities. The withdrawal of Western brands, the warming of China-Russia trade, the rise of the RMB, and growing Russian consumer demand are creating golden opportunities for Chinese cross-border e-commerce. Ozon is actively expanding cooperation with Chinese sellers to help Chinese brands cultivate the Russian market. The conference aims to facilitate this growth and provide insights into navigating the Russian e-commerce landscape.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Guide to Launching a Profitable Independent Ecommerce Store

Guide to Launching a Profitable Independent Ecommerce Store

This article delves into the development, promotion, and operation of independent foreign trade websites. It provides comprehensive guidance from selecting a website building platform and optimizing website design to multi-channel promotion strategies and refined operational management. Emphasizing data-driven approaches and user-centric principles, it aims to help businesses build efficient independent foreign trade websites and achieve business growth in the global market. The article covers key aspects like platform choices, design optimization, marketing tactics, and data analysis for effective website management.

02/03/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
Read More
Global Ecommerce Expansion Key Platform Selection Guide

Global Ecommerce Expansion Key Platform Selection Guide

This article provides a comparative analysis of leading foreign trade website building platforms such as Shoptop, Shopify, WooCommerce, and Wix. It examines their costs, functionalities, technical requirements, and market positioning, offering a selection guide for businesses. Furthermore, the article explores future trends in foreign trade website building, including the application of artificial intelligence, no-code development, integration with social commerce, and mobile-first design. This analysis helps businesses make informed decisions about their online presence and adapt to the evolving e-commerce landscape.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
WCO Releases Ehandbook to Streamline Global Customs Clearance

WCO Releases Ehandbook to Streamline Global Customs Clearance

The WCO Data Model e-Handbook is an authoritative guide published by the World Customs Organization, designed to provide a unified data standard for customs, cross-border regulatory agencies, e-commerce architects, and businesses. It aims to break down information barriers, improve customs clearance efficiency, reduce operating costs, and facilitate global trade. The handbook includes the latest WCO Data Model version, data requirements, message implementation guidelines, and implementation documentation, making it a crucial tool for achieving cross-border trade data interoperability.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
West African Customs Officials Trained on Rules of Origin

West African Customs Officials Trained on Rules of Origin

The WCO and JICA are collaborating on a Rules of Origin training program in West Africa. This initiative focuses on developing 'trainers' to enhance customs capacity in the region. The project aims to equip customs officials with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively implement and manage Rules of Origin, particularly in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By strengthening customs capacity, the program seeks to facilitate trade and address the challenges posed by the AfCFTA.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More