WCO Upgrades Gender Equality Tool for Customs Agencies

WCO Upgrades Gender Equality Tool for Customs Agencies

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released an updated Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT) to assist member customs and tax administrations in assessing the integration of gender equality and diversity within their internal policies, practices, and external relations. The 2023 update focuses on security, action, and user experience. It includes a new security and safety chapter, strengthens action-oriented templates, and optimizes user experience design. This aims to promote gender equality within the customs domain and improve organizational performance through a more inclusive and equitable environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US and China Strike Tentative Deal on Tiktoks Future

US and China Strike Tentative Deal on Tiktoks Future

The Ministry of Commerce announced a preliminary framework agreement between China and the US regarding TikTok's US operations. This involves establishing a new joint venture responsible for data security and content management, while ByteDance retains control over commercial operations. China urges the US to provide a fair business environment and promote the stable development of China-US economic and trade relations. This move aims to address US concerns about data security while allowing TikTok to continue operating in the US market under a restructured framework.

01/15/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Iran Japan Sign Customs Pact to Boost Trade

Iran Japan Sign Customs Pact to Boost Trade

Iran and Japan signed an agreement on mutual assistance and cooperation in customs matters. This aims to strengthen cooperation between the two countries' customs administrations in areas such as information exchange, document assistance, and technical cooperation. The goal is to improve customs clearance efficiency, reduce trade costs, optimize the business environment, and promote bilateral trade and economic relations. The agreement, modeled after the World Customs Organization's Model Agreement, establishes a solid legal foundation for Iran-Japan customs cooperation, signaling a new era in bilateral trade.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Amazon Workers Reject Unionization in Alabama Amid Labor Disputes

Amazon Workers Reject Unionization in Alabama Amid Labor Disputes

The failed unionization attempt at Amazon in Alabama highlights the complexities of labor-management relations. This analysis explores the reasons behind the vote, including Amazon's anti-union tactics, employee concerns about working conditions, and the challenges facing the union movement. It emphasizes the need for unions to innovate their organizational models, expand their services, strengthen data analysis, and deepen social cooperation to adapt to the new era and safeguard workers' rights. The case underscores the evolving landscape of labor organizing in the face of powerful corporate resistance.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Geopolitics and Oil Prices Reshape Global Supply Chains

Geopolitics and Oil Prices Reshape Global Supply Chains

In an interview, global trade economist Dr. Walter Kemmsies analyzes the impact of factors like the Russia-Ukraine conflict, US-China relations, and fluctuating oil prices on the global supply chain. He offers strategic advice for businesses to address challenges and build more resilient supply chain systems. Dr. Kemmsies emphasizes the importance of digital transformation and diversified supply chains to navigate the current volatile global landscape and mitigate potential disruptions. He provides actionable insights for companies seeking to strengthen their supply chain security and adaptability.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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UAW Strike Disrupts Auto Supply Chains Nationwide

UAW Strike Disrupts Auto Supply Chains Nationwide

The escalating United Auto Workers (UAW) strike against the Big Three automakers in the US poses a significant 'bullwhip effect' risk to the supply chain. The strike could trigger order cancellations, inventory buildup, fluctuating transportation costs, and even impact consumer car-buying behavior. This article assesses the strike's impact from a data analysis perspective and explores the balance between labor relations and building supply chain resilience. The potential disruptions highlight the vulnerability of the automotive industry and the need for proactive risk management strategies.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Yellow Corps Bankruptcy Signals Crisis in Trucking Industry

Yellow Corps Bankruptcy Signals Crisis in Trucking Industry

The bankruptcy of Yellow Corporation, a major US Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) carrier, marks the end of a century-old company. This analysis examines the reasons behind Yellow's collapse, including labor union disputes, customer attrition, and mismanagement. It also explores the implications for the broader LTL industry. Yellow's failure serves as a warning that companies must continuously innovate and adapt to change to survive in a highly competitive market. The case highlights the importance of strong management and positive labor relations for long-term success.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Saudi Arabia Qatar Address Geopolitical Tensions

Saudi Arabia Qatar Address Geopolitical Tensions

The distance between Saudi Arabia and Qatar is not just a geographical figure, but also embodies a complex political history. The two countries experienced strained relations due to a blockade, later mended through mediation. This article interprets the distance between the two nations from land, sea, and air perspectives, reviews historical grievances, and looks forward to the future direction of their relationship. It explores the geopolitical implications of their proximity and past conflicts, offering insights into the evolving dynamics between these two key players in the region.

01/26/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Mexico Weighs Tariffs on Asian Imports Straining Trade Ties

Mexico Weighs Tariffs on Asian Imports Straining Trade Ties

The Mexican Congress passed a bill proposing tariffs up to 50% on Asian countries without free trade agreements with Mexico, primarily impacting the automotive and textile industries. This move is seen as an attempt to align with US trade policies and avoid becoming an "export hub" for Asian nations. China and Mexican businesses strongly oppose the measure, fearing it will trigger trade friction and reshape the global supply chain. The proposed tariffs raise concerns about potential disruptions and the future of international trade relations.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
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AI Hardware Advances From Industrial Robots to Emotional Companions

AI Hardware Advances From Industrial Robots to Emotional Companions

This issue of the AI Application List focuses on the rise of AI hardware, covering both industrial efficiency improvement and emotional companionship. Industrial robots are evolving into "intelligent employees," achieving autonomous operation and efficient scheduling. Emotional companionship robots, through emotional interaction and offline memory, are building new human-machine relationships. AI hardware is transforming from a "tool" to an "intelligent agent," redefining productivity and production relations. This shift highlights the increasing sophistication and integration of AI into physical devices, impacting both work and personal lives.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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