freight forwarding challenges News

MENA Region Boosts Customs Risk Management Via WCO Workshop

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Regional Workshop on Risk Assessment and Targeting, sponsored by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and hosted by Qatar Customs, was held in Doha. The workshop aimed to enhance the risk management capabilities of customs administrations in the region. Focusing on risk assessment and profiling, the event facilitated the exchange of experiences through case studies and national reports. The goal was to improve customs' ability to identify and manage risks, enabling them to address the challenges posed by increasingly complex global trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge

Baiyun Summit Boosts Crossborder Ecommerce for Prime Day

YunExpress partnered with Amazon to host a Prime Day summit. Experts analyzed preparation strategies, logistics risks, and intellectual property issues, emphasizing product quality and after-sales service to help sellers succeed. The summit aimed to equip cross-border e-commerce businesses with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the challenges and maximize opportunities during Prime Day. Key topics included optimizing supply chains, mitigating potential disruptions, and protecting brand integrity. The event served as a valuable platform for sellers to learn from industry leaders and connect with potential partners.

01/05/2026 Logistics Industry Insights

WCO Advocates Sustainable Goals at UNCTAD Nairobi Summit

The WCO reaffirmed its commitment to the SDGs, promoting trade facilitation tools and actively participating in addressing e-commerce challenges. These efforts aim to foster inclusive and equitable global trade. The WCO's focus on sustainable development ensures that trade practices are environmentally sound and socially responsible. By streamlining cross-border transactions and simplifying customs procedures, the WCO facilitates efficient and cost-effective trade for businesses of all sizes, particularly benefiting SMEs. Ultimately, the WCO strives to create a more level playing field in international trade, enabling greater participation and shared prosperity.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge

WCO Implements New Trade Valuation Rules to Boost Revenue

The WCO Technical Committee on Customs Valuation has adopted two new advisory opinions concerning the valuation treatment of income tax in royalties and the valuation of buyer's own trademarks on imported goods. These new rules aim to enhance certainty and transparency in customs valuation, promote international trade facilitation, optimize customs revenue, and ensure the healthy development of global trade. They provide guidance on complex valuation issues, contributing to a more predictable and equitable international trade environment. The opinions seek to clarify existing valuation principles and address practical challenges faced by customs administrations and traders alike.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge

Ecommerce Logistics Weighs Western Maturity Vs Southeast Asia Growth

This paper provides an in-depth comparison of the characteristics and advantages/disadvantages of the European and American and Southeast Asian cross-border e-commerce logistics markets. The European and American market is mature and stable, suitable for businesses with high time sensitivity. The Southeast Asian market has huge potential, but challenges and opportunities coexist, making it suitable for companies willing to localize. Businesses should carefully choose based on their own needs and business models. This requires a thorough evaluation of factors such as infrastructure, regulatory environment, and consumer behavior in each region.

01/05/2026 Logistics

Shopee Scales Back Operations in Southeast Asia

Shopee's recent large-scale layoffs have drawn attention, reflecting its struggle to survive amid hindered global expansion and significant losses. The company is optimizing operational efficiency, scaling back peripheral businesses, and focusing on its core Southeast Asian market to achieve sustainable development. This event also serves as a warning to cross-border e-commerce platforms: blind expansion is unsustainable, and focusing on core competitiveness is crucial for long-term success. Shopee's restructuring highlights the challenges of balancing growth ambitions with financial prudence in the competitive e-commerce landscape.