Mozambique Strengthens Environmental Laws with WCO Backing

Mozambique Strengthens Environmental Laws with WCO Backing

WCO co-organized a workshop to enhance Mozambican officials' awareness of environmental conventions, combat the illegal transfer of hazardous waste, and promote environmentally sustainable development. The workshop aimed to strengthen enforcement capabilities and foster collaboration to address environmental crime. By improving understanding of international agreements and customs procedures, the initiative seeks to protect Mozambique's environment and contribute to global efforts in combating illegal waste trafficking. This joint effort highlights the importance of customs cooperation in safeguarding the environment and ensuring compliance with multilateral agreements.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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UPS Faces Historic Strike As 330000 Workers Threaten Walkout

UPS Faces Historic Strike As 330000 Workers Threaten Walkout

Negotiations between UPS and the Teamsters union have broken down, potentially leading to a strike by 330,000 employees, which could become the largest work stoppage in US history. A strike would severely disrupt the supply chain, impacting online shopping for consumers and business operations. It is crucial for both parties to reach an agreement quickly to avoid significant economic losses. The potential disruption highlights the fragility of current supply chains and the importance of successful labor negotiations.

11/03/2025 Logistics
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Trump Backs Dockworkers Stalls Port Automation in US

Trump Backs Dockworkers Stalls Port Automation in US

Trump publicly supports the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), opposing port automation and advocating for prioritizing American workers' jobs. Labor-management negotiations on automation have stalled, prompting industry associations to urge a return to the negotiating table. Trump's intervention could influence the direction of negotiations, potentially impacting the US economy and global supply chains. The dispute highlights the tension between technological advancement and job security, with significant implications for the future of work in the maritime industry.

01/22/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Labor Talks Stalemate Risks Supply Chain Disruptions

US Rail Labor Talks Stalemate Risks Supply Chain Disruptions

Labor negotiations in the US railway industry are facing renewed turbulence, with internal divisions emerging within the railway unions, adding uncertainty to the already fragile supply chain. This article delves into the key points of the labor negotiations, the internal union disagreements, and the railway companies' responses. It proposes strategies for businesses to cope with supply chain uncertainties and calls for a win-win solution between labor and management to ensure the stable operation of rail transport.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Dockworkers Employers Negotiate to Prevent Automation Strike

US Dockworkers Employers Negotiate to Prevent Automation Strike

The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) will resume negotiations on January 7th to avert a potential strike after their contract expires on January 15th. The core issue revolves around port automation, specifically the use of semi-automated gantry cranes. The ILA fears automation will jeopardize worker jobs, while the USMX aims to enhance port competitiveness. The outcome of these negotiations will significantly impact US port operations, worker rights, and the global supply chain.

01/30/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Labor Deal Reached Strike Averted

US Rail Labor Deal Reached Strike Averted

Significant progress has been made in US railroad labor negotiations, with multiple unions reaching tentative agreements with railway companies, reducing the risk of rail service disruptions after the September 16th 'cooling-off' period. The Presidential Emergency Board's (PEB) recommendations provided a framework for negotiations, including wage increases and lump-sum payments. Reaching a final agreement is crucial for the stability of the US economy, averting potential supply chain issues and economic fallout from a nationwide rail shutdown.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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WTO Advances Trade Facilitation Talks Amid Key Proposals

WTO Advances Trade Facilitation Talks Amid Key Proposals

This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the minutes from the WTO Trade Facilitation Negotiating Group meeting in December 2007. It interprets the positions and proposals of various parties and forecasts the future direction of negotiations. The meeting focused on textual work, the involvement of international organizations, and discussions on technical assistance, capacity building, and special and differential treatment. The article emphasizes that strengthening international cooperation, enhancing transparency, and simplifying trade documents are key directions for future negotiations.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Customs Boost Environmental Pact Enforcement

Asiapacific Customs Boost Environmental Pact Enforcement

The World Customs Organization held a workshop in the Asia-Pacific region focusing on the enforcement of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). The workshop aimed to enhance the capacity of member customs agencies to combat the illicit trade of environmentally sensitive goods. Topics covered included an overview of MEAs, global trade trends, risk management, document verification, and cargo inspection. The event fostered regional cooperation and the sharing of best practices, laying a foundation for addressing global environmental challenges. It emphasized the critical role of customs in protecting the environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Tackles Customs Law Reform As Nationalism Grows

WCO Tackles Customs Law Reform As Nationalism Grows

The 13th World Customs Law Conference focused on customs law changes and multilateral trade system challenges against the backdrop of nationalism. The World Customs Organization (WCO) emphasized the crucial role of capacity building in addressing trade protectionism and presented its work in e-commerce. The conference also discussed issues such as the participation of Least Developed Countries in international trade, the EU Customs Code, and challenges for customs brokers. The aim was to promote trade facilitation and security, and to maintain the stability of the global trading system.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Customs Training to Strengthen Environmental Protection

WCO Enhances Customs Training to Strengthen Environmental Protection

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEA) Train-the-Trainer workshop in Kenya, focusing on the Basel and Montreal Conventions. Through capacity building, the WCO aims to assist national customs administrations in improving compliance, combating illegal trade, and protecting the environment. The Sida-WCO Trade Facilitation and Customs Modernization (TFCM) Programme provides technical assistance to relevant customs agencies to address trade-related environmental issues and promote sustainable development. This initiative empowers customs officers to effectively enforce environmental regulations and contribute to global environmental protection efforts.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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