West Africa Enhances Customs Risk Management During Pandemic

West Africa Enhances Customs Risk Management During Pandemic

Supported by the WCO/JICA joint project, West African Customs administrations continued to enhance their risk management and intelligence analysis capabilities during the pandemic through online training. The MTP project, involving six countries including Benin, aims to cultivate a team of experts proficient in these skills and has made significant progress. By adopting innovative training methods, the project overcame the challenges posed by the pandemic and injected new momentum into customs capacity building in West Africa. The online format allowed for continued learning and development despite travel restrictions and social distancing measures.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Key to Asiapacific Trade Resilience During Pandemic

Customs Key to Asiapacific Trade Resilience During Pandemic

The Asian Development Bank and UNESCAP jointly held a webinar focusing on the critical role of customs in safeguarding trade and connectivity during the pandemic. The WCO Secretary General emphasized the need for customs to ensure supply chain transparency and shared WCO's response measures and recommendations for regional cooperation. These included coordinating border management, digitizing procedures, and building capacity. The meeting highlighted the importance of customs in facilitating trade and building resilient supply chains during global crises.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Pandemic Risks Longterm Damage to Global Economic Growth

Pandemic Risks Longterm Damage to Global Economic Growth

An IHS Markit report indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic not only caused an economic recession but also poses a threat to long-term growth. The labor market, capital stock, and total factor productivity have all been negatively affected. Real GDP in developed economies is projected to be lower than pre-pandemic expectations by 2030. Accelerated digitalization may partially offset these adverse effects, but the overall long-term economic consequences remain significant and concerning.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Pandemic Speeds Ecommerce Shift Alters Retail and Shipping

Pandemic Speeds Ecommerce Shift Alters Retail and Shipping

A ShipStation report reveals a surge in online shopping during the pandemic, with consumers paying closer attention to shipping costs, speed, and return policies. Retailers should proactively communicate delivery information, optimize return processes, and flexibly address supply chain challenges to enhance customer experience and gain market share. Meeting heightened consumer expectations regarding transparency and convenience in e-commerce logistics is crucial for successful retail strategies in the post-pandemic landscape.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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MIT Report Pandemic Accelerates Supply Chain Sustainability Efforts

MIT Report Pandemic Accelerates Supply Chain Sustainability Efforts

An MIT report on supply chain sustainability reveals that the pandemic has accelerated corporate investment in this area. 82% of respondents stated that their company's commitment to SCS remained the same or increased. The report emphasizes the importance of transparency, accountability, and renewable energy. Combined with industry insights from KPMG, it provides guidance for businesses to build more resilient, sustainable, and responsible supply chains. This includes strategies for mitigating risks, improving efficiency, and enhancing brand reputation through sustainable practices.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Pandemic Drives Surge in Trucking Demand Shipping Rates

Pandemic Drives Surge in Trucking Demand Shipping Rates

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in emergency restocking demands from retailers, significantly driving up spot market truckload rates and freight volumes. DAT data reveals a sharp increase in demand for van and refrigerated trucks, resulting in continuously rising rates. Experts predict a hot market in the short term, but the long-term trend remains uncertain, contingent on the pandemic's impact on consumer demand and supply chains. The need for rapid replenishment to meet consumer needs is a key factor influencing the current freight market dynamics.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Indias JNPA Port Faces Congestion Crisis Disrupting Supply Chains

Indias JNPA Port Faces Congestion Crisis Disrupting Supply Chains

India's largest container port, Nhava Sheva, is experiencing significant congestion due to a surge in cargo volume, altered shipping routes, and mismatched capacity. While the port is actively expanding to address the issue, the impact of congestion on the supply chain cannot be ignored. Businesses are advised to plan ahead, explore alternative solutions, and maintain open communication to mitigate risks. The congestion highlights the need for improved infrastructure and logistics management within the Indian supply chain to ensure efficient trade flow.

11/03/2025 Port Encyclopedia
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Red Sea Crisis Spurs Ethical Challenges for Shipping Firms

Red Sea Crisis Spurs Ethical Challenges for Shipping Firms

The Red Sea crisis is exacerbating Eurasian logistics challenges, bringing rail freight via Russia back into focus. While compliant and legal, some shipping giants are suspending services due to ethical considerations, creating a conflict between profit and values. Companies like Maersk face internal rule and cultural differences. The future of Eurasian logistics requires a balance between compliance, transparency, and sustainable development, especially navigating the complexities surrounding sanctioned territories and the moral implications of utilizing specific routes.

11/03/2025 Logistics
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