Retailers Push White House to Mediate Port Labor Talks

Retailers Push White House to Mediate Port Labor Talks

The National Retail Federation (NRF), along with 177 trade associations, is urging the White House to intervene in the labor negotiations between the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) to avert a potential port strike starting October 1st. The NRF emphasizes that a strike would have a disastrous impact on retail, manufacturing, agriculture, and the overall economy. They urge all parties to draw on past successful experiences and reach an agreement quickly, or at least maintain port operations during the negotiation period.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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New Mara Serena Airport Opens Near Maasai Mara Reserve

New Mara Serena Airport Opens Near Maasai Mara Reserve

Mara Serena Airport (MRE) serves as a vital gateway to Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve, providing convenient air access for tourists. This small airport is crucial for local tourism and economic development, while also facing challenges in wildlife protection and weather conditions. The story behind the MRE code represents a bridge connecting the world to the pristine African wilderness. Its operation and maintenance are essential for sustaining the tourism industry and supporting the local communities dependent on it. The airport facilitates access to unique safari experiences.

01/30/2026 Airport Codes
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US Trucker English Rule Raises Freight Costs

US Trucker English Rule Raises Freight Costs

The US government's enhanced English proficiency regulations for truck drivers aim to improve road safety but have a limited overall impact on the freight market. Nationally, the proportion of drivers suspended due to insufficient English is small, resulting in minimal capacity impact. Localized capacity constraints may emerge in regions like Texas and the Mexican border. The long-term effects require further observation, and companies should monitor policy changes and adjust strategies accordingly. The new regulations are not expected to significantly disrupt the national freight market.

01/30/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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East Coast Port Strike Threatens Retail Imports West Coast Shift

East Coast Port Strike Threatens Retail Imports West Coast Shift

The National Retail Federation reports a potential surge in August import volume due to retailers front-loading shipments and shifting to the West Coast amid East and Gulf Coast port strike risks. Labor negotiation stalemates and the Red Sea crisis exacerbate existing supply chain challenges, highlighting the importance of supply chain resilience. Retailers need to closely monitor developments and develop contingency plans to ensure business continuity. This proactive approach is crucial to mitigate potential disruptions caused by the combined pressures on global trade routes and labor relations.

01/30/2026 Logistics
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Bolivia Adopts WCO Program to Strengthen Customs Oversight

Bolivia Adopts WCO Program to Strengthen Customs Oversight

The Switzerland-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) supports Bolivian Customs in enhancing its risk management capabilities. Through workshops, progress is reviewed, recommendations are provided, and continuous technical assistance, capacity building, and experience sharing are offered. The aim is to assist Bolivian Customs in establishing a scientific, efficient, and sustainable risk management system. This system will help safeguard national economic security and promote legitimate trade development. The project focuses on building a robust framework for identifying and mitigating potential risks in cross-border trade.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Comoros Streamlines Customs with WCO Support to Boost Trade

Comoros Streamlines Customs with WCO Support to Boost Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports Comoros in acceding to the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC), which aims to streamline customs procedures and promote trade facilitation. Through national workshops and expert support, the WCO assists Comoros in assessing gaps, developing action plans, and communicating with high-level government officials. This ensures Comoros meets the conditions for joining the RKC by June 2019, embracing a new era of global economy. The initiative helps Comoros modernize its customs practices and integrate more effectively into the international trading system.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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China Eases Overseas Listings Via Red Chip Structures

China Eases Overseas Listings Via Red Chip Structures

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the entire process of ODI (Overseas Direct Investment) filing under the Red Chip structure, emphasizing its crucial role in capital outflow, listing compliance, and profit repatriation. It meticulously breaks down the filing process into four stages: preliminary preparation, NDRC (National Development and Reform Commission) filing, MOFCOM (Ministry of Commerce) filing, and SAFE (State Administration of Foreign Exchange) registration. A core material checklist for 2025 is also provided to help companies successfully complete ODI filing and achieve overseas listing.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Argentina Adopts WCO Data Model with Chinas Backing

Argentina Adopts WCO Data Model with Chinas Backing

With the support of the China Customs Cooperation Fund, the WCO successfully held a Data Model Workshop in Argentina. The workshop aimed to assist Argentine Customs and related agencies in adopting the WCO Data Model, building a harmonized national data directory, and enhancing digitalization and trade facilitation capabilities. The workshop included technical analysis, practical exercises, and case studies, injecting new momentum into the digital transformation of Argentine Customs. The goal is to improve data standardization and streamline trade processes, contributing to overall economic growth.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Supports Guineabissau Customs Modernization Efforts

WCO Supports Guineabissau Customs Modernization Efforts

Under the West Africa Customs Administration Modernization (WACAM) project, funded by the Swedish government, the World Customs Organization (WCO) supported Guinea-Bissau Customs in resource mobilization. Through training, Guinea-Bissau Customs enhanced its project planning capabilities, completing draft project proposals and a donor mapping exercise. The next step involves the WACAM project assisting the country in hosting a national donor roundtable conference to promote customs modernization. This initiative aims to secure funding and partnerships crucial for advancing customs reforms and efficiency in Guinea-Bissau.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Trucking Safety Ratings Face Scrutiny Over Data Disparities

Trucking Safety Ratings Face Scrutiny Over Data Disparities

The American Trucking Associations questions the current safety rating system, citing unfair ratings due to geographic enforcement variations and data quality issues. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association also criticizes the system's failure to effectively reduce accidents. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance advocates for simplifying the rating to a single “Unsatisfactory” standard. The National Association of Small Trucking Companies deems the existing system “terrible” and suggests improvements. These organizations highlight significant concerns regarding the fairness, accuracy, and effectiveness of the current safety rating system for commercial vehicles.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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