US Ports Question Harbor Maintenance Tax Spending

US Ports Question Harbor Maintenance Tax Spending

This article examines the efficiency of the Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) funding utilization in the United States, particularly around President's Day. The Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2014 aimed to increase HMT-funded projects, but improvements are still needed in fund allocation and usage efficiency. The article calls for a re-evaluation of the WRRDA Act's implementation to ensure funds are effectively used to improve port facilities and promote the American economy.

01/19/2026 Port Encyclopedia
Read More
Mozambique Modernizes Tax HR with WCO Assistance

Mozambique Modernizes Tax HR with WCO Assistance

At the invitation of the Mozambique Tax Authority (MRA) and with funding from the CCF-China, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of MRA's Human Resource Management (HRM) system modernization. The aim was to address HR challenges and achieve strategic goals by optimizing the HR framework. The assessment included meetings, interviews, and workshops, culminating in recommendations for improvement submitted to the MRA. The Commissioner General of MRA expressed optimism for future collaboration. This initiative highlights the importance of HR upgrades and customs cooperation for effective capacity building within customs administrations.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Madagascar Revamps HR to Strengthen Tax Revenue

Madagascar Revamps HR to Strengthen Tax Revenue

The Madagascar Revenue Authority (MRA), with support from the World Customs Organization (WCO), launched an HR modernization project. This initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency, optimize tax collection, and improve employee engagement by building a competency-based HR management system. The MRA will focus on developing a highly skilled and professional tax workforce through competency models, digital empowerment, and cultural transformation. This transformation will enable the MRA to contribute more significantly to Madagascar's economic development.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Russian Ecommerce Tax Reform Challenges Chinese Sellers

Russian Ecommerce Tax Reform Challenges Chinese Sellers

Russia's cross-border e-commerce tax reform will be gradually implemented from 2027, abolishing tax exemptions for low-value parcels, which will impact Chinese sellers. The new regulations will force business model iterations and promote the market towards standardization and branding. Chinese sellers need to strengthen brand building, localization operations, and compliance capabilities to gain a competitive advantage in the post-tax-exemption era. This includes adapting to the new tax environment and focusing on providing value beyond just low prices to attract and retain Russian consumers.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Malawi Boosts Customs Efficiency with Japanbacked HS Code Training

Malawi Boosts Customs Efficiency with Japanbacked HS Code Training

Sponsored by Japan Customs and organized by the World Customs Organization, a national HS workshop was held in Malawi to enhance the commodity classification skills of Malawian customs officers. The aim was to improve tax revenue efficiency and promote international trade development. The workshop focused on core HS principles and practical operations, emphasizing the importance of capacity building for a sound tax system and exploring the strategic significance of improving HS coding capabilities. This initiative underscores the commitment to strengthening customs operations through targeted training and international collaboration.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More
MSC Adjusts Megaship Routes Amid Falling Freight Rates

MSC Adjusts Megaship Routes Amid Falling Freight Rates

MSC has announced a strategic redeployment of its Ultra Large Container Vessels, shifting them from the Asia-Europe trade route to the more profitable Mediterranean and West Africa routes in response to declining freight rates. This move not only highlights MSC's adaptability but may also prompt other shipping companies to reconsider their independent operational models.

08/04/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More