The United States recently signed a new trade agreement with Japan and the Philippines to promote economic cooperation and enhance trade fluidity. However, with the increase in trade, serious congestion in trans-Pacific shipping has emerged, necessitating measures to ensure transport efficiency and ensure mutual benefits for the three countries.
The high tariffs imposed by the US on China have prompted Chinese exporters to evade these tariffs through transshipment trade via third countries, raising concerns among neighboring Asian nations. Trump's new policies have further increased global trade uncertainty, necessitating careful responses from stakeholders.
The Harmonized System (HS) is a crucial tool in international trade that enhances trade efficiency through standardized product classification. Developed by the World Customs Organization, it encompasses over 5,000 product categories, providing a framework for standardized data analysis and customs management. The HS ensures a universal language for global trade, effectively supporting the standardization of customs procedures and trade statistics across countries.
Amazon is developing a new energy logistics network in Europe, planning to add same-day delivery services in 20 more regions over the next year, covering multiple countries and cities. Additionally, Amazon Global Logistics is optimizing customs clearance processes and route configurations to enhance the efficiency of sellers' cross-border supply chains.
The 19th Conference of Heads of Customs Administrations of French-Speaking Countries was held in Senegal, focusing on trade facilitation, economic competitiveness, and customs cooperation in combating illicit trade. The conference adopted the 'Dakar Declaration,' which proposes ten recommendations aimed at simplifying customs clearance procedures, strengthening information sharing, deepening regional cooperation, and improving personnel skills. The WCO pledged its support and will establish a follow-up monitoring system. The Prime Minister of Senegal expressed appreciation and encouragement for the work of customs officials from French-speaking countries.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) hosted a study visit for customs experts from Portuguese-speaking African countries, aiming to enhance their application of the Harmonized System (HS) and promote regional trade development. The activities included participation in the HS Committee (HSC) meeting, meetings with representatives of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), and planned capacity-building workshops to strengthen tariff classification and customs cooperation. The visit focused on improving skills and fostering collaboration to facilitate trade and ensure accurate classification practices within the region.
The Trump administration recently adjusted tariff policies regarding Canada and other trade partners, significantly increasing import tariff rates for most countries and imposing new regulations on low-value goods. This series of policies aims to protect the U.S. market and reassess the global trade landscape through taxation measures.
The 3rd WCO Knowledge Academy successfully took place in Brussels, gathering 155 customs and trade professionals from 50 countries. The two-week intensive training covered traditional customs topics, trade facilitation, security frameworks, and featured a special “Women in Leadership” workshop. The WCO Secretary General personally presented certificates, recognizing the participants' achievements. The Knowledge Academy promoted international exchange and cooperation in the field of customs and trade, contributing to global trade development.
The ATA Carnet serves as a duty-free passport for international trade, allowing businesses to temporarily import goods into over 80 countries and regions without customs duties. By simplifying customs procedures, it helps companies reduce costs and enhance cross-border business efficiency, making it a vital tool for promoting international trade.
This article explores the role of advance rulings in international trade, highlighting the legal certainty and risk management advantages they offer to businesses and customs in terms of classification, origin, and valuation. The technical guidelines from the World Customs Organization support the implementation of advance rulings by countries, promoting trade efficiency and transparency.
