Antigua and Barbuda Boosts Customs Oversight with WTO Aid

Antigua and Barbuda Boosts Customs Oversight with WTO Aid

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) diagnostic of Antigua and Barbuda Customs to enhance trade facilitation. Through observation and discussions, the WCO assessed the current state of PCA implementation and provided recommendations for improvement. Moving forward, the WCO will continue to collaborate, assisting Antigua and Barbuda Customs in refining risk management, data analysis, personnel training, and IT systems. This includes strengthening cooperation with the private sector to promote trade development. The goal is to improve efficiency and effectiveness in customs operations.

Flexport Enhances Global Supply Chain Efficiency for Businesses

Flexport Enhances Global Supply Chain Efficiency for Businesses

Flexport empowers businesses to build agile, efficient, and transparent global supply chains through end-to-end solutions. Its digital platform, global logistics network, expert teams, and trade financing services effectively address challenges like inventory management, logistics costs, and supply chain visibility. Flexport Air accelerates the delivery of high-demand goods, while the platform helps businesses scale and achieve sustainable growth, preparing them for a new era of global trade. Flexport provides the tools needed to navigate the complexities of modern supply chains and optimize performance.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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Southeast Asia Becomes Data Center Hub Amid AI Boom

Southeast Asia Becomes Data Center Hub Amid AI Boom

A DBS Research report indicates that the ASEAN data center industry is poised for significant growth, fueled by AI expansion and geopolitical opportunities. Capacity is projected to increase by over 10% annually until 2030. ASEAN's advantages in the AI hardware value chain, differentiated regional development patterns, and proactive trade policies position it as a new growth engine in the global AI wave. Its burgeoning digital economy is expected to hedge against trade risks, making ASEAN an attractive destination for data center investment and AI-related activities.

Guatemala Strengthens Customs Oversight for Tax Reform

Guatemala Strengthens Customs Oversight for Tax Reform

The Superintendency of Tax Administration of Guatemala, with SECO-WCO support, held a leadership and management development workshop for senior managers. The aim was to enhance the skills of customs managers, promote the modernization of the customs system, facilitate trade, increase tax revenue, and improve international competitiveness. The WCO's Leadership and Management Development Programme makes a significant contribution to the development of customs systems worldwide. The workshop emphasized strategic thinking and effective implementation of customs reforms, ultimately fostering a more efficient and transparent trade environment.

Global Customs Agencies Tackle Ocean Plastic Pollution

Global Customs Agencies Tackle Ocean Plastic Pollution

The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively participates in UN World Oceans Day, highlighting customs' crucial role in marine environment protection. Through enforcing the Basel Convention, upgrading trade tools, and implementing the Asia Pacific Plastic Waste Project, customs are committed to combating illegal plastic waste trade and protecting marine ecosystems. The WCO calls for global collaboration, urging everyone to contribute, even in small ways, to safeguard our blue planet. This includes preventing plastic waste from entering waterways and promoting responsible consumption habits to reduce overall plastic pollution.

Colombia Customs Adopts Brazils Risk Management Strategies

Colombia Customs Adopts Brazils Risk Management Strategies

Colombian Customs officials visited Brazil under the WCO framework to learn about their advanced practices in risk management and post-clearance audit, aiming to enhance their own operational capabilities. This visit fostered customs cooperation between the two countries and injected new vitality into global trade facilitation. The exchange focused on understanding Brazil's strategies for identifying and mitigating risks in international trade, as well as their methods for verifying compliance after goods have been released. The goal is to implement similar effective measures in Colombia.

Kenya Streamlines Import Customs Clearance Process

Kenya Streamlines Import Customs Clearance Process

This article, in a Q&A format, provides a detailed interpretation of key aspects of Kenya's import trade, including selecting a customs clearance agent, paying tariffs and taxes, preparing import documents, and the specific clearance process. It aims to offer a practical guide for companies and individuals interested in entering the Kenyan market, helping them seize opportunities, avoid risks, and successfully conduct trade activities. It serves as a hands-on resource for navigating the complexities of importing into Kenya and succeeding in the East African market.

Telex Release Cuts Costs Speeds Up Global Shipping

Telex Release Cuts Costs Speeds Up Global Shipping

This paper delves into the core logic, applicable scenarios, operational procedures, and risk prevention of the Surrendered Bill of Lading (Telex Release) in international shipping, emphasizing its role as a tool for reducing costs and improving customs clearance efficiency. Through a comprehensive analysis, it aims to help businesses effectively utilize this instrument to enhance international trade competitiveness. The paper also explores the future development trends of the Surrendered Bill of Lading in the context of digitalization and intelligentization, offering insights into its evolving role in global trade.

Argentina Adopts WCO Data Model with Chinas Backing

Argentina Adopts WCO Data Model with Chinas Backing

With the support of the China Customs Cooperation Fund, the WCO successfully held a Data Model Workshop in Argentina. The workshop aimed to assist Argentine Customs and related agencies in adopting the WCO Data Model, building a harmonized national data directory, and enhancing digitalization and trade facilitation capabilities. The workshop included technical analysis, practical exercises, and case studies, injecting new momentum into the digital transformation of Argentine Customs. The goal is to improve data standardization and streamline trade processes, contributing to overall economic growth.

WCO Private Sector Collaborate to Strengthen Global Supply Chains

WCO Private Sector Collaborate to Strengthen Global Supply Chains

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG) met and engaged in dialogue with the WCO Policy Commission (PC), focusing on business recovery, the WCO Data Strategy, and Green Customs. Both parties emphasized strengthening cooperation to normalize trade facilitation measures and leveraging data and technology to promote sustainable development, jointly building a more resilient global supply chain. The discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in addressing current challenges and fostering a more efficient and sustainable global trade environment.