Tajikistan Adopts Harmonized System Codes to Boost Trade

Tajikistan Adopts Harmonized System Codes to Boost Trade

Tajikistan hosted its first national workshop on the WCO Harmonized System (HS) to enhance customs commodity classification capabilities and align with international standards. The workshop covered the HS Convention, best practices in tariff classification, and the use of WCO tools. The IFC expressed appreciation for the cooperation between the WCO and Tajik Customs. This workshop marks a significant step for Tajikistan in the field of tariff classification, creating a fairer trading environment for businesses.

Tonga Customs Workshop Boosts Trade Efficiency

Tonga Customs Workshop Boosts Trade Efficiency

In January 2025, the WCO and Tonga Customs jointly held a workshop on tariff rulings in Nuku'alofa, aiming to enhance Tonga Customs' tariff classification capabilities and promote trade facilitation. Sponsored by the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund, the workshop covered WCO guidelines, Tonga Customs practices, action plan development, and expert experience sharing. Through capacity building, institutional improvement, technical support, and international cooperation, Tonga Customs will be better positioned to serve national economic development.

US Industries Warn Tariffs Threaten Trucking Retail and Ports

US Industries Warn Tariffs Threaten Trucking Retail and Ports

Leaders in the US trucking, retail, and port industries are warning that current tariff policies could negatively impact the US economy, import volumes, and supply chain operations. This could lead to slower economic growth, decreased import trade, and increased risks of supply chain disruptions. Businesses need to proactively respond, and the government should carefully assess the impact of tariff policies to mitigate potential damage. Prudent evaluation and strategic adaptation are crucial in navigating these challenges.

Chile Advances Trade with Customs System Workshop

Chile Advances Trade with Customs System Workshop

Chile successfully hosted a national seminar in Valparaiso on the Harmonized System and Customs Tariff Management. The seminar aimed to enhance the professional skills of customs officials in commodity classification and tariff management, ensuring consistent application of the HS 2017 version and improving current working methods. With the assistance of the WCO, Chile Customs will continue to improve its capabilities, making greater contributions to promoting Chile's economic development and facilitating international trade.

US Steel Tariffs Rise As Yearend Logistics Strain Trade

US Steel Tariffs Rise As Yearend Logistics Strain Trade

The combination of adjusted tariff policies in the North American market and year-end logistics bottlenecks presents challenges for businesses. This report analyzes the impact of rising US shipping rates, stricter customs inspections, and new tariff policies in Canada and Mexico. Addressing year-end logistics characteristics, it offers recommendations including shipping strategies, compliant declarations, cost assessment, and advance planning. These suggestions aim to help businesses navigate the complexities and mitigate potential disruptions during this period.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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US FTZ Warehouses Ease Trade Turbulence for Businesses

US FTZ Warehouses Ease Trade Turbulence for Businesses

Amidst increasing global trade uncertainties, US FTZ (Free Trade Zone) warehouses offer companies advantages like tariff deferral, duty-free exports, indefinite storage, and tariff rate selection. Especially with heightened US-China trade tensions, FTZ warehouses provide greater operational flexibility and strategies to mitigate trade risks and enhance supply chain resilience. They serve as a critical Plan B for businesses navigating these challenges, offering a 'domestic area outside customs' environment to optimize operations and minimize the impact of trade disputes.

01/04/2026 Warehousing
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Recovery Of Export Container Freight Rates And The Opportunities And Challenges Of New Tariff Policies

Recovery Of Export Container Freight Rates And The Opportunities And Challenges Of New Tariff Policies

Recent data shows that the comprehensive export container freight rates have risen for six consecutive weeks, reaching the highest level since September 2022. At the same time, the U.S. has implemented new tariffs on certain goods from China, with increases ranging from 25% to 100%, presenting both opportunities and challenges for the export market. Companies need to respond flexibly and optimize their strategies.

05/23/2024 Logistics
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Goldman Sachs Warns Tariffs on Canada Mexico May Fuel US Inflation

Goldman Sachs Warns Tariffs on Canada Mexico May Fuel US Inflation

Goldman Sachs forecasts that US core CPI could rise by 0.6% if the US imposes tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico. The report suggests the duration of these tariff policies is uncertain but unlikely to become a long-term feature. Existing inflationary pressures in the US persist, and the new tariff policies may exacerbate inflation. The impact depends on the scope and longevity of the tariffs, but Goldman Sachs believes the effect will be noticeable in the short term.

11/03/2025 Logistics
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Georgia Boosts Customs Efficiency With HS Reforms Global Partnerships

Georgia Boosts Customs Efficiency With HS Reforms Global Partnerships

Georgia Customs enhanced commodity classification skills and promoted customs modernization by hosting a Harmonized System (HS) workshop. The workshop, jointly organized by the WCO and the Georgian Revenue Service, covered the HS Convention, tariff classification practices, and advance ruling systems. It aimed to establish a tariff classification system compliant with international standards and facilitate trade. The experience of Georgia provides a valuable reference for other developing countries seeking to improve their customs procedures and ensure accurate commodity classification according to the HS.