Exporters Guide to Managing FOB Trade Costs and Risks

This article provides an in-depth analysis of key aspects of FOB trade, including cost allocation, risks associated with nominated freight forwarders, and prevention of delivery without original bills of lading. The aim is to help exporters gain a comprehensive understanding of FOB terms, effectively control costs and risks, and ultimately improve trade profits. It explores practical strategies for mitigating potential issues and ensuring smooth transactions under FOB Incoterms.

Ethiopia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WCO Audit Program

A WCO assessment report highlights challenges faced by Ethiopia's Post Clearance Audit (PCA). Recommendations include strengthening legal frameworks, improving risk management practices, and enhancing IT infrastructure. These improvements aim to increase the efficiency of customs control and facilitate trade. Addressing these areas is crucial for Ethiopia to optimize its customs operations and contribute to regional and global trade competitiveness. Successful implementation will require sustained commitment and strategic resource allocation.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge

Eswatini Boosts Customs Audits Via WCO Mercator Program

A WCO Mercator Programme diagnostic of Eswatini Customs' PCA aimed to enhance risk management and trade compliance. The assessment recommended improvements to balance control and facilitation, ultimately promoting economic development. The findings highlighted areas for optimization in PCA processes, focusing on data analysis and risk profiling to improve efficiency and effectiveness. This will contribute to a more streamlined and secure trade environment, fostering economic growth and regional integration for Eswatini.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge

Global Trade Logistics Key Costs and Fees Explained

This article provides a detailed analysis of common freight and surcharges in foreign trade logistics, along with their corresponding English expressions. It covers various costs involved in air freight, sea freight, and port operations, assisting foreign trade practitioners in efficient communication and cost control. The content aims to help users understand and accurately express logistics expenses in English, enabling them to negotiate better rates and manage their international shipping budgets effectively.

Flexport Launches Digital Platform to Streamline Global Trade

Flexport 2.0 platform empowers the digital transformation of global trade by optimizing workflows, supporting customized management, and fostering seamless collaboration. The new platform offers intuitive dashboards, advanced filtering, and customizable fields, helping users manage goods more efficiently, improve supply chain efficiency, and collaborate more closely with suppliers. Ultimately, it helps businesses achieve greater success in global trade by providing enhanced visibility, control, and communication across their supply chains.

WCO Enhances Nigeria Ghana Customs to Boost Trade

With WCO support, Nigeria and Ghana jointly organized a training of trainers program on valuation, aiming to enhance customs valuation capabilities and promote trade facilitation in both countries. Following the termination of contracts with private inspection companies and the return of valuation responsibilities to customs, this training covered technical valuation, valuation control, and trainer skills. The goal is to strengthen the national valuation trainer pool in both countries, injecting new momentum into trade development in West Africa. This initiative is expected to improve valuation accuracy and efficiency, ultimately contributing to smoother trade flows.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge

Key Differences Between Original and Express Bills of Lading in Global Shipping

This article, from a data analyst's perspective, deeply analyzes the core differences, risk control, and applicable scenarios of original Bill of Lading (B/L) and Telex Release B/L in international ocean shipping. By comparing aspects such as cargo collection documents, circulation efficiency, and property rights attributes, it provides data-driven B/L selection strategies for foreign trade enterprises. This helps optimize decision-making and reduce trade risks. The analysis offers insights into choosing the most appropriate B/L type based on specific trade characteristics and risk tolerance levels.

Multimodal Transport Smart Customs Enhance Crossborder Trade Efficiency

The State Council executive meeting has deployed new policies to facilitate cross-border trade, emphasizing a dual-engine approach of multimodal transport and smart customs to optimize the business environment. The new policies aim to reduce logistics costs, improve customs clearance efficiency, and help enterprises expand into international markets. Furthermore, it will strengthen risk prevention and control, building an efficient, intelligent, and secure cross-border trade system. This initiative is expected to significantly boost trade and foster a more competitive and streamlined environment for businesses engaged in international commerce.

01/26/2026 Logistics

Guide to Taking Control of Life Beyond New Years Resolutions

This article analyzes the psychological mechanism behind the "New Year's Illusion," emphasizing the crucial role of action in driving change. Instead of relying on a specific moment in the future, it advocates for seizing the present, breaking down ambitious goals into actionable steps, and taking immediate action. True change stems from mastering the present and persisting in action. By abandoning empty talk and embracing action, we can break free from cycles of stagnation and regain control over our lives.

White House Advisor Proposes Dual Strategy for Growth Inflation Control

Jared Bernstein, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, interprets the current US economic situation from a 'freight perspective,' emphasizing a dual-engine strategy of 'stable growth and controlled inflation.' He focuses on trade structure, consumer spending, and supply chain resilience. While cautiously optimistic about the future of the US economy, he believes that the government, businesses, and the public must work together to achieve long-term economic prosperity. The administration is focused on mitigating inflation while maintaining a strong job market.