Baltimore Bridge Collapse Tests Supply Chain Resilience

Baltimore Bridge Collapse Tests Supply Chain Resilience

Following the Baltimore bridge collapse, supply chain elements demonstrated resilience. Ports, railways, freight forwarders, and trucking companies collaborated to alleviate congestion and rerouting pressures. The Port of Virginia increased throughput, railways added train services, freight forwarders enhanced visibility, and ample trucking capacity was available. Experts believe the supply chain possesses flexibility, limiting the overall impact, although congestion remains a concern. The incident highlights the importance of diversified logistics networks and the ability of different modes of transport to adapt to unforeseen disruptions.

11/03/2025 Logistics
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Customs Engineering Cuts Import Costs Through Design Optimization

Customs Engineering Cuts Import Costs Through Design Optimization

Tariff engineering is a compliant cost optimization strategy that reduces import duties by modifying product design or functionality to meet commodity classification standards with lower tax rates. Businesses need a deep understanding of customs regulations and tariff policies, and should communicate with customs experts to ensure adjusted products clear customs smoothly and enjoy lower tariff treatment. This often involves careful consideration of product features and how they are perceived under Harmonized System codes to strategically minimize duty expenses within legal boundaries.

11/03/2025 Customs Knowledge
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European Ecommerce to Hit 565B by 2029 Amid Growth Surge

European Ecommerce to Hit 565B by 2029 Amid Growth Surge

A Forrester report forecasts significant growth in e-commerce retail sales across five major European countries over the next five years. Reaching €565 billion by 2029, online sales will account for nearly 21% of total retail sales. Key drivers include economic recovery, omnichannel strategies, and cross-border e-commerce. While the UK currently leads in online retail market size, Germany and France present substantial growth opportunities. Experts recommend retailers invest in digital platforms and embrace omnichannel approaches to capitalize on this expansion.

11/03/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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WCO Backs Palestinian Customs Modernization Efforts

WCO Backs Palestinian Customs Modernization Efforts

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Palestine Customs in modernizing its Human Resource Management (HRM) through a workshop held in Tunis. This support focuses on building a competency-based HRM system, including developing a job directory, competency framework, competency dictionary, and job descriptions. WCO experts will provide remote support to ensure the successful implementation of these reforms. The initiative aims to improve the efficiency and international competitiveness of Palestine Customs by strengthening its workforce and aligning HR practices with international standards.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Flexu Launches Expertled Global Trade and Logistics Training

Flexu Launches Expertled Global Trade and Logistics Training

FlexU, Flexport's online learning platform, offers global trade and logistics supply chain courses curated by industry experts. Topics include dangerous goods, air freight, bills of lading, cargo insurance, commodity classification, customs, demand planning, freight forwarding, and global trade elements. It aims to help practitioners and learners enhance their professional skills, master industry knowledge, and optimize supply chain management. The platform provides valuable resources for individuals seeking to advance their understanding and expertise in the dynamic field of global trade and logistics.

01/05/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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US Firms Adapt to 2025 Tariffs with New Compliance Strategies

US Firms Adapt to 2025 Tariffs with New Compliance Strategies

US tariff policies are undergoing unprecedented changes. This seminar invites Flexport experts to deeply analyze the latest tariff trends, interpret the impact of policy changes on business, and provide practical response strategies to help companies succeed in the new era of customs affairs. We will cover key aspects of US tariffs, customs clearance best practices, and effective duty drawback strategies to minimize costs and maximize efficiency in your international trade operations. Learn how to navigate the evolving landscape and optimize your supply chain.

06/05/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCOJICA Project Enhances East African Customs Capacity

WCOJICA Project Enhances East African Customs Capacity

WCO-JICA cooperation is helping East African customs authorities cultivate customs audit experts, enhancing regional customs audit capabilities, and promoting trade development. The initiative focuses on strengthening the skills and knowledge of customs officers in conducting effective audits, thereby improving compliance and revenue collection. This collaboration aims to facilitate smoother trade flows within the East African region by ensuring fair and transparent customs procedures and combating illicit trade activities through improved audit practices. Ultimately, this contributes to economic growth and regional integration.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Hong Kong Customs Enhances Asiapacific Antismuggling Collaboration

Hong Kong Customs Enhances Asiapacific Antismuggling Collaboration

The Regional Office for Capacity Building Asia Pacific (ROCB A/P), with strong support from regional members like Hong Kong Customs, is dedicated to providing high-quality capacity building support to customs administrations in the Asia-Pacific region. The renewed dispatch of technical experts by Hong Kong Customs demonstrates its long-term commitment to regional capacity building. ROCB A/P will continue to play a vital role in facilitating regional trade development, ensuring trade security, and enhancing customs management capabilities.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Boosts Customs Training Programs Globally

WCO Boosts Customs Training Programs Globally

The 9th Global Meeting of Heads of WCO Regional Capacity Building Offices, Regional Training Centers, and Vice-Chair Offices highlighted the critical role of regional institutions in capacity building. The meeting reaffirmed commitments to the WCO’s annual Capacity Building Needs Assessment, donor engagement, and the maintenance of regional experts. Discussions also focused on the development of new tools, such as the WCO Training Diagnostics tool, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, enhancing the capacity of member customs administrations, and addressing global trade challenges.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Conference Aims to Boost Americascaribbean Trade

WCO Conference Aims to Boost Americascaribbean Trade

The 2012 WCO Americas and Caribbean Region Donors' Conference was held in Washington, D.C., bringing together experts to strengthen regional trade cooperation. The conference reviewed projects, discussed the professional development of customs officials, and deepened the strategic partnership between the WCO and institutions like the IDB and IMF. This collaboration aimed to inject new impetus into regional trade facilitation and economic prosperity. The discussions focused on enhancing customs procedures and fostering a more collaborative environment for trade within the Americas and Caribbean region.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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