Ogawa Eyes European Market to Offset Profit Decline

Ogawa Eyes European Market to Offset Profit Decline

Ogawa's net profit plummeted by 90% in the first half of 2023, facing significant challenges. However, the strong performance of Medisana electric blankets in the European market offers potential as a new engine for revenue growth. This article analyzes Ogawa's performance difficulties and brand strategy, deeply exploring the growth potential of the electric blanket business, and the opportunities and challenges the company faces in its future development. The European market and specifically the electric blanket sector could be key to Ogawa's recovery.

01/06/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Office Supplies Demand Rises Amid Backtoschool Hybrid Work

US Office Supplies Demand Rises Amid Backtoschool Hybrid Work

The US office supplies market is experiencing a dual boost from the back-to-school season and the rise of hybrid work in the post-pandemic era. While back-to-school remains a traditional growth driver, hybrid work is creating new demands, particularly in technology. Retailers are employing innovative strategies and product mixes to attract consumers. Although brick-and-mortar retail still dominates, online channels are expected to continue growing in the long term, requiring retailers to actively develop their online presence.

01/05/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Baidus ERNIE Bot Outperforms Chatgpt in AI Creativity Test

Baidus ERNIE Bot Outperforms Chatgpt in AI Creativity Test

This paper compares the performance of Wenxin Yiyan, ChatGPT, and New Bing in metaphorical rhetoric, revealing Wenxin Yiyan's potential advantages in linguistic imagination. The article argues that Wenxin Yiyan tends to use things or behaviors to metaphorize HR, demonstrating greater literary creativity and imagination. It calls for attention and cultivation of AI creativity to promote the rise of domestic AI. The comparison highlights the unique approach of Wenxin Yiyan in employing metaphors, suggesting a different level of imaginative capacity compared to its counterparts.

01/05/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Armenia Modernizes Customs with WCO Support to Boost Trade

Armenia Modernizes Customs with WCO Support to Boost Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Armenia in developing a Mercator Implementation Plan. This plan aims to comprehensively improve customs clearance efficiency and trade facilitation in Armenia by optimizing key areas such as advance rulings, risk management, and the single window system. The initiative is expected to inject new vitality into Armenia's economic development by streamlining trade processes and reducing associated costs. The focus is on modernizing customs procedures to align with international best practices and facilitate smoother cross-border trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Jordan Customs Streamlines Trade with Wcobacked Clearance Reforms

Jordan Customs Streamlines Trade with Wcobacked Clearance Reforms

With WCO support, the Jordan Customs Department held a workshop focused on optimizing fast clearance processes and enhancing trade facilitation. By establishing new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Jordan Customs aims to standardize the expedited release of imported goods at air cargo facilities, fostering trade development. The GTFP project assists Jordan Customs in improving its fast clearance capabilities through various support activities, reducing trade costs and increasing trade efficiency. This initiative is crucial for streamlining customs procedures and promoting economic growth in Jordan.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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MENA Adopts Digital Tech for Smarter Border Control

MENA Adopts Digital Tech for Smarter Border Control

The WCO's SMART Borders workshop in Riyadh, focusing on the MENA region, highlighted the application of cutting-edge technologies like AI and blockchain in customs processes. Through WCO best practice sharing and guidance from ZATCA, participants explored how to leverage technology to enhance border management efficiency, injecting new momentum into the MENA region's digital transformation. The event fostered discussions on optimizing customs procedures and improving security through innovative digital solutions, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and secure trade environment within the region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Serbia Enhances Trade Efficiency with Customs Modernization

Serbia Enhances Trade Efficiency with Customs Modernization

Supported by the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, Serbian Customs has made significant progress in standardization, transparency, cooperation, and automation, particularly in the AEO program, online application systems, and automation projects. These achievements have not only promoted Serbia's international trade but also injected new impetus into regional economic development. Serbia's reform experience provides valuable lessons for other developing countries. The advancements highlight the positive impact of targeted support and strategic implementation in streamlining customs procedures and fostering economic growth.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Workshop Enhances IP Rights Protection in Latin America

WCO Workshop Enhances IP Rights Protection in Latin America

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held an Intellectual Property (IP) seminar in Panama, aiming to enhance the capacity of Latin American customs authorities to combat counterfeit goods. The seminar focused on strategic implementation, regional collaboration, digital transformation, and practical exercises. These efforts are designed to lay the foundation for a new landscape of secure trade. The event emphasized the importance of coordinated actions in protecting intellectual property rights and preventing the trade of illicit goods across borders within the region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Introduces Online Leadership Program for Customs Officials

WCO Introduces Online Leadership Program for Customs Officials

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched an online Customs Leadership course aimed at enhancing the leadership capabilities of senior management personnel. This initiative seeks to empower customs leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive organizational effectiveness and efficiency. By providing accessible and engaging online learning resources, the WCO aims to foster a new generation of dynamic and strategic customs leaders who can effectively navigate the challenges of the 21st century and contribute to the sustainable development of their organizations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Trade Rules to Be Updated Under HS Reform

Global Trade Rules to Be Updated Under HS Reform

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched an exploratory study for the strategic review of the Harmonized System (HS) code system. This aims to assess the system's usability, adequacy, and health, while exploring future development strategies. The review addresses new global trade challenges, enhances trade efficiency, and promotes trade facilitation and security. It lays the groundwork for a more efficient, fair, and sustainable global trade system. All parties are encouraged to actively participate and shape the future of the HS system.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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