ASEAN AEO Certification Boosts Smes in Global Trade

ASEAN AEO Certification Boosts Smes in Global Trade

A joint report by the World Customs Organization, World Trade Organization, and International Chamber of Commerce highlights the importance of optimizing AEO programs to lower barriers for SMEs, provide differentiated services, enhance promotion, and strengthen international cooperation. This aims to empower SMEs, achieve more inclusive global trade growth, and shares practical experiences from both businesses and customs administrations. The report emphasizes streamlining processes and offering tailored support to facilitate SME participation in global trade through the AEO framework.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Niche Freight Forwarders Thrive in Specialized Markets

Niche Freight Forwarders Thrive in Specialized Markets

According to Brandon Fried, Executive Director of the Airforwarders Association, the freight forwarding industry's entry barriers aren't insurmountable. Focusing on niche markets, providing value-added services, and building strong customer relationships are key for small freight forwarders to thrive. While Damco's expansion indicates industry consolidation, a small and specialized strategy still offers opportunities for growth. These strategies allow smaller companies to compete effectively against larger competitors by offering specialized expertise and personalized service within specific market segments.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Ireland Overhauls Biopharma Tariffs to Spur RD and Trade

Ireland Overhauls Biopharma Tariffs to Spur RD and Trade

Ireland has released a biopharmaceutical tariff adjustment plan aimed at reducing R&D and compliance costs, and strengthening its global competitiveness. The new policy focuses on tax reductions for R&D equipment, adaptation to new EU regulations, incentives for high-value drug exports, and restrictions on low-value-added product exports. This move aims to address challenges such as the impact of new EU regulations and increased global competition. It is expected to promote the quality and efficiency of Ireland's biopharmaceutical industry, optimize the global trade landscape, and inject new impetus into Sino-Irish and EU-Irish pharmaceutical trade.

01/15/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Container Shipping Slump Alters Global Ecommerce Logistics

Container Shipping Slump Alters Global Ecommerce Logistics

Global container freight rates continue to fall, impacting shipping industry profits and reshaping cross-border e-commerce logistics. Land transportation is gaining prominence, with Amazon Air expanding its regional presence, leading to freight rate differentiation. The China-Europe Railway Express supports the Belt and Road Initiative. Amazon is optimizing inventory placement in preparation for peak season. Air freight is accelerating China-Europe trade, and the shift from road to rail promotes low-carbon logistics. Chinese companies are accelerating the deployment of European warehousing to address tariff challenges. These trends highlight the evolving landscape of global trade and logistics.

01/23/2026 Logistics
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Ghanas Customs Reforms Boost Women in West African Trade

Ghanas Customs Reforms Boost Women in West African Trade

The World Customs Organization partnered with the Ghana Revenue Authority on a Gender Equality and Diversity project, empowering female traders in Ghana. The project included stakeholder meetings with SMEs and small traders, aiming to simplify trade procedures, provide information support, and promote gender equality. The outcomes of these meetings will be used to improve customs services and create a more equitable trading environment for women traders. This initiative seeks to address barriers faced by women in trade and foster inclusive economic growth.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Africa Customs Modernizes with EUWCO Trade System Update

Africa Customs Modernizes with EUWCO Trade System Update

The EU-WCO Harmonized System (HS) Africa Programme aims to enhance customs management in Africa by standardizing commodity classification, facilitating regional trade, and supporting the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The inaugural meeting of the Steering Committee marks the substantial advancement of the project. All parties will collaborate to build a new landscape for African trade. The program seeks to streamline customs procedures, reduce trade barriers, and promote economic growth across the continent through harmonized standards and improved efficiency.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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New Framework Aims to Boost Gender Equality in Global Trade

New Framework Aims to Boost Gender Equality in Global Trade

During the 2019 WTO Global Review of Aid for Trade, the WCO co-organized a side event focusing on gender mainstreaming in trade facilitation. The meeting highlighted the importance of gender equality, revealing barriers to women's participation in trade. Experiences from the EU and Uganda were shared, and the WCO presented its tools and initiatives to promote gender equality and diversity in customs. This event laid the groundwork for future efforts to promote gender equality within Aid for Trade initiatives.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Advances Gender Equality in Global Trade Initiatives

WCO Advances Gender Equality in Global Trade Initiatives

On International Women's Day, the World Customs Organization (WCO) highlighted the crucial role of women in global trade and actively promotes gender equality. Through conferences, the development of assessment tools, and the implementation of leadership development programs, the WCO is dedicated to elevating the position of women in customs, breaking down gender barriers, and jointly building a more prosperous and equitable global trade landscape. The WCO's efforts aim to empower women and ensure their equal participation in shaping the future of international trade.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Ebay Sellers Gain Edge with Global Marketplace Strategies

Ebay Sellers Gain Edge with Global Marketplace Strategies

This article delves into the advantages and disadvantages of eBay's promotion models. It highlights its strengths, including professional customer service, low entry barriers, diverse pricing options, and fair ranking algorithms. It also addresses challenges such as complex backend operations, limited payment options, and a buyer-centric approach. Finally, it proposes eBay operational strategies to leverage strengths and mitigate weaknesses, aiming to help sellers understand the platform's characteristics, develop appropriate operational strategies, and achieve success in the cross-border e-commerce arena.

01/06/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Guide to Selling on Ebay in Europe for Beginners

Guide to Selling on Ebay in Europe for Beginners

This article analyzes the eBay European market for new sellers, highlighting that it's not a single entity but comprises multiple independent sites. It examines the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of each site, including traffic, sales volume, and competition levels. The article provides product selection advice, emphasizing starting small and gradually expanding. It suggests leveraging translation tools to overcome language barriers and ultimately achieve success in the eBay European market. This approach allows new sellers to navigate the complexities and build a sustainable business.

01/06/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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