Half of Japanese Firms Reassess China Operations Amid Tensions

Half of Japanese Firms Reassess China Operations Amid Tensions

A survey reveals that over 60% of Japanese companies believe strained Japan-China relations negatively impact the Japanese economy, with nearly half already affected or anticipating business pressure. The tourism sector is suffering, and manufacturers are concerned about supply chain risks. If tensions persist, almost half of the companies will reassess their business strategies in China, with some potentially considering withdrawal. This highlights the significant economic consequences and strategic adjustments Japanese businesses are contemplating due to the evolving geopolitical landscape.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Japanmalaysia Shipping Costs Drop Faster Options Emerge

Japanmalaysia Shipping Costs Drop Faster Options Emerge

This article provides a detailed analysis of sea freight time from Japan to Malaysia, influencing factors, and acceleration strategies. Full container load (FCL) typically takes 10-15 days, while less than container load (LCL) takes 15-20 days. Factors like port congestion, weather, and customs clearance can affect the timeline. Choosing direct routes, fast shipping companies, booking in advance, and using professional freight forwarders can shorten transit time. It also addresses common questions regarding shipping costs, cargo tracking, and insurance.

02/02/2026 Logistics
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WCOJICA Initiative Strengthens Customs Trade in East and Southern Africa

WCOJICA Initiative Strengthens Customs Trade in East and Southern Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), successfully held the 3rd Working Group Activity of the Advanced Rules of Origin Trainers Project for the East and Southern Africa region in Zambia. This project aims to cultivate qualified customs trainers, enhance regional customs capacity, and facilitate the smooth implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Through systematic training and curriculum development, the project will provide a solid foundation of skilled personnel for regional trade facilitation.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Burkina Faso Boosts Customs with Wcobacked Reforms

Burkina Faso Boosts Customs with Wcobacked Reforms

With support from the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a workshop in Burkina Faso to assist the country in implementing the revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) and the SAFE Framework. The workshop focused on the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, providing practical guidance on the RKC and AEO for customs officials and private sector representatives of Burkina Faso. It also helped develop action plans to improve customs administration and promote international trade development in Burkina Faso.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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New Customs Clearance System Aims to Streamline Global Trade

New Customs Clearance System Aims to Streamline Global Trade

This paper delves into the pre-arrival processing proposal jointly presented by Hong Kong, China, Japan, South Korea, Mongolia, and Switzerland. It analyzes the core content, advantages, and challenges of this proposal, integrating international standards, practices, and case studies. The paper forecasts the future development trends of pre-arrival processing, emphasizing the crucial roles of risk management, technological innovation, capacity building, and public awareness. The aim is to assist businesses in seizing trade opportunities by understanding and implementing effective pre-arrival processing strategies.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Launches Global Effort to Stop Fake COVID19 Vaccines

WCO Launches Global Effort to Stop Fake COVID19 Vaccines

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched the "Project on Urgent Facilitation and Coordination of Customs Controls over Cross-Border Movements of COVID-19 Related Goods" to combat the cross-border trafficking of counterfeit vaccines and other illicit goods while ensuring the smooth flow of legitimate vaccine shipments. Funded by Japan Customs, the project aims to enhance customs' ability to combat illicit trade and safeguard global pandemic response efforts by building a coordinated regulatory system, analyzing illegal trade trends, and conducting capacity building activities.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Palau Adopts WCO Standards to Modernize Customs Tariffs

Palau Adopts WCO Standards to Modernize Customs Tariffs

Palau, with support from the WCO and the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund, successfully hosted a National Harmonized System (HS) Workshop. The aim was to enhance the tariff classification skills of customs officials, facilitating trade and promoting customs modernization. This event marks a significant step for Palau in integrating into global trade and achieving sustainable economic development. The workshop underscores the importance of accurate tariff classification for efficient customs procedures and compliance with international standards, ultimately benefiting Palau's economic growth and trade competitiveness.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Japanese Ecommerce Sellers Turn to Offshore Accounts

Japanese Ecommerce Sellers Turn to Offshore Accounts

Addressing the financial challenges faced by cross-border e-commerce sellers in the Japanese market, this article introduces the advantages of Japanese offshore accounts. These benefits include optimizing fund repatriation, mitigating exchange rate risks, and enhancing localized operational efficiency. Compliant establishment and management of offshore accounts are crucial strategies for sellers to improve profitability in Japan. It allows for smoother transactions and better control over earnings generated within the Japanese market, ultimately leading to a more competitive and sustainable business model.

02/11/2026 International Settlement
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DHL Launches Costcutting Chinajapan Multimodal Service

DHL Launches Costcutting Chinajapan Multimodal Service

DHL Global Forwarding launched a multimodal transport service between China and Japan, integrating waterway, railway, and road resources. This solution achieves a 60% cost reduction, a 3-day transit time improvement, and a 92% reduction in carbon emissions. Covering multiple economic regions in China, the service utilizes 12-foot containers and offers flexible, efficient, and environmentally friendly logistics solutions. DHL particularly sees potential in the fashion, apparel, and automotive industries and plans to introduce less-than-container load (LCL) services in the future.

02/12/2026 Logistics
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Global Air Freight Faces Varied Customs Clearance Rules

Global Air Freight Faces Varied Customs Clearance Rules

This article provides an in-depth analysis of air freight customs clearance differences in major countries and regions, including the United States, the European Union, Japan, and the United Kingdom. It covers document requirements, declaration procedures, and special regulations, aiming to help businesses and individuals master key customs clearance points in each country. The goal is to improve air freight efficiency, avoid potential risks, and ensure smooth global cargo flow. It offers practical guidance for navigating international customs regulations and optimizing the import/export process.

11/03/2025 Customs Knowledge
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