WCO Advances Trade Pact to Boost Global Commerce

WCO Advances Trade Pact to Boost Global Commerce

The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively promotes the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) by establishing working groups, providing technical assistance, and developing guidance tools. These efforts help members improve customs management and facilitate global trade. Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya emphasized that the WCO will continue to support the TFA implementation, jointly moving towards a more efficient and transparent trade future. The WCO's commitment aims to streamline processes and reduce trade barriers for its members.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
USEU Trade Tensions Escalate Ahead of August Tariff Deadline

USEU Trade Tensions Escalate Ahead of August Tariff Deadline

The US Commerce Secretary stated that despite ongoing US-EU trade negotiations, the plan to impose tariffs on EU goods entering the US on August 1st will proceed as scheduled. This will significantly impact the automotive industry, consumers, and global supply chains. The EU may retaliate, potentially escalating trade frictions and posing new challenges to the global economy. Whether the two sides can reach an agreement before August 1st to avoid a trade war is a key concern.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Scholarship Program Aims to Develop Nextgen Customs Leaders

WCO Scholarship Program Aims to Develop Nextgen Customs Leaders

The first phase of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Scholarship Programme's 83rd edition has successfully concluded. Participants' research will contribute to customs modernization. The WCO Secretary General encouraged the scholars to share their practical experiences and praised them as "the future of customs." This program aims to cultivate customs elites with a global perspective and innovative spirit, contributing to the development of global trade. It focuses on building capacity and fostering collaboration within the international customs community.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Global Leaders Urge Cooperation to Address Crises

Global Leaders Urge Cooperation to Address Crises

The World Customs Organization (WCO) emphasized the critical importance of international cooperation in the face of global crises at an international organization annual meeting. Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya highlighted the WCO's measures to ensure smooth cargo flow during the pandemic, emphasizing the inclusiveness and flexibility of international instruments. He called for strengthening cooperation platforms to transform challenges into opportunities. The WCO's efforts demonstrate the vital role of collaboration in navigating global disruptions and fostering resilience in international trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Qatar Customs Boosts Global Competitiveness Through Innovation

Qatar Customs Boosts Global Competitiveness Through Innovation

Qatar Customs has successfully advanced reforms and significantly improved logistics performance through technological upgrades, talent development, and strong leadership. Its experience demonstrates that clear goals, technological innovation, business cooperation, and leadership are key to customs modernization. The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization praised Qatar's achievements and encouraged them to share their experiences. Qatar's commitment to efficiency and modernization serves as a model for other nations seeking to enhance their customs operations and contribute to global trade facilitation.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Chief Stresses Customs Key Role in Global Supply Chain Resilience

WCO Chief Stresses Customs Key Role in Global Supply Chain Resilience

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization emphasized at the Asian Development Bank Institute Annual Conference that global supply chains face multiple challenges including digitalization, data standardization, disruptive technologies, e-commerce development, environmental issues, and border conflicts. Customs plays a crucial role in enhancing supply chain resilience by strengthening risk management, simplifying customs clearance, fostering international cooperation, applying technology, and building personnel capacity. Enhanced cooperation among border agencies is essential to jointly maintain trade security and facilitation.

01/22/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
WCO Enhances Mexicos Trade Via Economic Operator Program

WCO Enhances Mexicos Trade Via Economic Operator Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Deputy Secretary General visited Mexico to attend the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Forum, discussing the role of the AEO program in global trade facilitation and competitiveness enhancement. Both sides engaged in in-depth exchanges on the WCO's strategic plan, the Kyoto Convention, and Mexico's customs modernization initiatives. They also conducted site visits to border ports and data centers. This visit aims to strengthen cooperation and support Mexico in improving its trade competitiveness.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Prioritizes Trade Recovery Innovation Amid Global Challenges

WCO Prioritizes Trade Recovery Innovation Amid Global Challenges

World Customs Organization (WCO) Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya held an online meeting with representatives from Geneva Customs to discuss how customs administrations can promote trade facilitation, build sustainable supply chains, and contribute to global trade prosperity in the context of global economic recovery. The discussion focused on leveraging technological innovation, fostering international cooperation, and effectively implementing the Trade Facilitation Agreement. These efforts aim to streamline customs procedures, reduce trade costs, and ultimately support the growth of international commerce.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Customs Key to Asiapacific Trade Resilience During Pandemic

Customs Key to Asiapacific Trade Resilience During Pandemic

The Asian Development Bank and UNESCAP jointly held a webinar focusing on the critical role of customs in safeguarding trade and connectivity during the pandemic. The WCO Secretary General emphasized the need for customs to ensure supply chain transparency and shared WCO's response measures and recommendations for regional cooperation. These included coordinating border management, digitizing procedures, and building capacity. The meeting highlighted the importance of customs in facilitating trade and building resilient supply chains during global crises.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
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.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More