Trade War Uncertainty Tests SMB Supply Chain Resilience

Trade War Uncertainty Tests SMB Supply Chain Resilience

Research indicates that 45% of SMEs are concerned about inflation, and supply chain optimization faces challenges amidst trade friction. Companies should enhance transparency and resilience, leverage technology, and focus on critical elements like trucking, rail, and maritime transport. Proactive risk management and policy responses are also crucial for navigating uncertainty and fostering growth. SMEs need to adapt their supply chains to mitigate the impact of trade wars and inflationary pressures, ensuring business continuity and competitiveness in a volatile global market.

01/08/2026 Logistics
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Mississippi River Drought Threatens US Supply Chains

Mississippi River Drought Threatens US Supply Chains

Drought conditions have lowered the Mississippi River to its lowest level in a decade, causing waterway closures, hundreds of stranded vessels, and hindered agricultural product transport, leading to soaring freight costs. Concurrently, US imports are projected to fall to a near two-year low, reflecting weakened demand and ongoing supply chain challenges. The combination of extreme weather events and slowing global demand is exacerbating economic uncertainty. The low water levels are severely impacting the ability to move goods along this vital waterway.

12/29/2025 Logistics
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WCO JICA Boost Customs Audits in East Africa

WCO JICA Boost Customs Audits in East Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) jointly launched the "East African Post Clearance Audit Instructor Training Program" (MTP). This initiative aims to cultivate a high-quality regional instructor pool, enhance the Post Clearance Audit (PCA) capabilities of East African customs administrations, and facilitate trade. Through systematic training, curriculum development, and expert guidance, the program seeks to improve PCA skills, promote trade facilitation, strengthen regional cooperation, and achieve sustainable development in the region.

Postal Services Boost Delivery Speed Through Global Customs Partnerships

Postal Services Boost Delivery Speed Through Global Customs Partnerships

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Universal Postal Union (UPU) are collaborating to address challenges posed by cross-border e-commerce. This partnership involves strengthening cooperation agreements, holding global conferences, and optimizing customs clearance processes. The aim is to improve customs-postal cooperation, providing global consumers with a more convenient and efficient cross-border shopping experience. Efforts are also focused on building a safer and smarter postal environment, ensuring secure and streamlined international postal services.

US Faces Climate Policy Risks After Potential Paris Exit

US Faces Climate Policy Risks After Potential Paris Exit

The potential US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement has sparked global concern. This agreement aims to control global temperature rise and requires international cooperation. Within the US, there is debate over the withdrawal, with dissenting voices from the business sector. A withdrawal could impact global climate governance, but addressing climate change still necessitates global collaboration. The agreement's future effectiveness hinges on continued commitment from other nations, regardless of US involvement. International cooperation remains crucial for achieving climate goals.

Peru Bolivia Enhance Customs Ties to Streamline Trade

Peru Bolivia Enhance Customs Ties to Streamline Trade

Customs cooperation between Peru and Bolivia focuses on exchanging experiences in risk management and customs laboratories. The collaboration aims to enhance trade facilitation and promote regional economic development. This includes sharing best practices and exploring collaborative strategies to improve efficiency and security in cross-border trade. The initiative seeks to streamline customs procedures, reduce trade barriers, and foster a more competitive and integrated regional market. Ultimately, this cooperation contributes to economic growth and strengthens ties between the two nations.

WCO Enhances Tanzania Revenue Authoritys Capacity Via Partnership

WCO Enhances Tanzania Revenue Authoritys Capacity Via Partnership

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) are deepening their cooperation through a project funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad). This initiative aims to enhance the TRA's capabilities in key areas such as commodity classification and valuation. The collaboration involves joint needs assessments, the introduction of project management methodologies, and coordination with other cooperative projects. The overall goal is to facilitate trade, improve customs management in Tanzania, and contribute to the country's economic development.

WCO Outlines Plan for Postpandemic Supply Chain Resilience

WCO Outlines Plan for Postpandemic Supply Chain Resilience

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO) held an online meeting with customs representatives in Geneva to discuss how customs can contribute to global supply chain recovery in the post-pandemic era. The meeting highlighted the cooperation between the WCO and the WTO, clarified the work priorities for 2021 regarding pandemic response and technology empowerment, and emphasized the importance of building resilient supply chains. The global customs community looks forward to strengthening communication and cooperation to jointly address challenges.

WCO Program Boosts Customs Leadership and Global Trade Growth

WCO Program Boosts Customs Leadership and Global Trade Growth

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Professional Development Programme aims to cultivate customs talent and promote international cooperation. The 2011/2012 project review highlights its objectives, participants, achievements, and impact, emphasizing the importance of knowledge sharing, capacity building, and trade facilitation. The article also looks forward to the future development direction of the program, calling for jointly building a new chapter in global customs cooperation. It underscores the program's role in fostering a collaborative environment and enhancing the effectiveness of customs administrations worldwide.

Customs and ICAO Strengthen Global Aviation Security

Customs and ICAO Strengthen Global Aviation Security

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO) emphasized at the ICAO World Aviation Forum that aviation cargo security can be effectively enhanced by building global standards, strengthening capacity building, deepening public-private partnerships, addressing Sustainable Development Goals, and strengthening international cooperation. The WCO and ICAO will strengthen cooperation to build a global aviation security network, extending to the anti-doping field, and jointly maintain global security. This collaboration aims to create a safer and more secure air cargo environment worldwide.