Bernstein Analyzes US Economy Trade Spending Inflation Trends

Bernstein Analyzes US Economy Trade Spending Inflation Trends

Council of Economic Advisers Chair Bernstein, speaking at the Port of Los Angeles, analyzed the US economy from a freight perspective. He emphasized the importance of trade, highlighted consumption as the cornerstone of economic growth, praised the strong job market, and acknowledged that inflation remains a challenge. He stressed the government's commitment to lowering inflation while maintaining employment, boosting purchasing power, and achieving balanced economic growth. The administration is focused on navigating the current economic landscape to ensure stability and prosperity for American citizens.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
WCO Aids Gabon in Curbing Illegal Wildlife Trade

WCO Aids Gabon in Curbing Illegal Wildlife Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a CITES-Framework Action Plan training in Gabon, aimed at enhancing the capacity of African customs officers to combat illegal wildlife trade. Hosted by the Gabonese Customs Administration, the training involved representatives from multiple countries, focusing on discussing challenges and sharing experiences. The U.S. Department of State funded the training. The WCO-INAMA project is dedicated to protecting Africa's biodiversity through training and cooperation. This initiative underscores the importance of international collaboration in tackling wildlife crime and strengthening customs enforcement efforts.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Mongolia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WTO Trade Initiative

Mongolia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WTO Trade Initiative

With the support of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs and the World Customs Organization, the Mongolian Customs General Administration successfully held a risk management workshop. The workshop aimed to enhance risk identification, assessment, and response capabilities. Through practical exercises, experience sharing, and learning from Australian border management practices, Mongolian Customs is expected to significantly improve customs clearance efficiency, reduce trade costs, create more favorable conditions for economic development, and maintain national border security. The ultimate goal is to strengthen risk management practices and facilitate trade.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Launches Leadership Program for Mauritius Revenue Authority

WCO Launches Leadership Program for Mauritius Revenue Authority

The WCO conducted a leadership workshop for the Mauritius Revenue Authority, aiming to enhance the skills of its managers and foster a dynamic leadership culture. The workshop emphasized self-awareness, team building, and change management. Participants explored effective leadership strategies and techniques to improve organizational performance. The training sought to equip managers with the tools necessary to navigate challenges, inspire their teams, and drive positive change within the customs administration. Ultimately, the goal was to cultivate a more effective and responsive customs service in Mauritius.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Gambia Revenue Authority Boosts HR Strategy with WCO Aid

Gambia Revenue Authority Boosts HR Strategy with WCO Aid

With Sida's funding, the WCO, through the WACAM project, is assisting the Gambia Revenue Authority in enhancing its human resource management capabilities and optimizing recruitment processes. This initiative aims to strengthen the GRA's operational efficiency by improving its ability to attract, retain, and develop qualified personnel. The project focuses on modernizing HR practices and aligning them with international standards to support the GRA's mandate in revenue collection and border security. Ultimately, this contributes to Gambia's economic development by fostering a more effective and transparent customs administration.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
US Infrastructure Bill Delayed Amid Political Stalemate

US Infrastructure Bill Delayed Amid Political Stalemate

The US surface transportation authorization bill faces another extension. Experts argue that short-term extensions fail to address the core issues. The new administration needs to promptly resolve the Highway Trust Fund's funding shortfall and break the bipartisan gridlock on transportation infrastructure construction. A long-term solution is crucial for sustained economic growth and improved mobility. Failure to act decisively will further exacerbate existing infrastructure problems and hinder future development. The political will to overcome partisan divides is essential to secure a robust and reliable transportation network.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Uzbekistan Maldives Boost Customs Audits in Joint Workshop

Uzbekistan Maldives Boost Customs Audits in Joint Workshop

Under the World Customs Organization framework, Uzbekistan and Maldives Customs successfully held an online seminar focusing on the exchange of Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) experiences. The Maldives shared their practices in organizational structure, legal framework, operating procedures, and IT systems, aiming to enhance Uzbekistan's capabilities in PCA. This exchange also strengthened customs cooperation between the two countries, fostering trade facilitation and improving customs administration efficiency. The seminar provided a platform for knowledge sharing and best practice adoption in the area of post-clearance audit.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
USPS Overhaul Under Trump Spurs Ecommerce Concerns

USPS Overhaul Under Trump Spurs Ecommerce Concerns

Potential USPS reforms under the Trump administration could increase logistics costs and complicate customs clearance for cross-border e-commerce, intensifying market competition. Sellers need to closely monitor policy changes, optimize logistics strategies, improve operational efficiency, and embrace digitalization to navigate these challenges. The reforms may particularly impact businesses reliant on USPS for affordable international shipping, forcing them to explore alternative carriers and potentially increase prices for consumers. Adapting to the changing landscape is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the global e-commerce market.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
China Mandates Thirdparty Verification for 16 Product Categories Under CCC Overhaul

China Mandates Thirdparty Verification for 16 Product Categories Under CCC Overhaul

The State Administration for Market Regulation announced that 16 categories of CCC-certified products will transition from self-declaration to mandatory third-party certification. This aims to strengthen product quality supervision, raise market access standards, protect consumer rights, and promote healthy industry development. Businesses should closely monitor the official catalog, stay informed about the new regulations, and prepare for the certification process. This change emphasizes stricter quality control and independent verification for these product categories, ensuring greater consumer confidence and a more reliable market environment.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Mali Customs Adopts Competencybased HR Modernization

Mali Customs Adopts Competencybased HR Modernization

With WCO support, Mali Customs initiated a competency-based human resource modernization reform. This aims to build a high-quality, professional workforce through a modern training system, career development system, and integrity policies. The goal is to enhance overall customs performance, strengthen organizational competitiveness, and promote Mali's sustainable economic development. This paper analyzes the reform's background, objectives, key achievements, challenges, and opportunities. It also proposes recommendations for an action plan to further the reform's success and ensure its long-term impact on the Malian customs administration.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More