Please note that the offices of the International Centre for Trade Transparency & Monitoring will be closed from the 24th December 2024 and will reopen on the 2nd January 2025.
We look forward to serving you in the New Year!
As the holiday season sees a surge in e-commerce sales, retailers are reevaluating their strategies to manage returns effectively, a critical aspect of inventory management and supply chains. Despite economic uncertainties and tight budgets, U.S. consumers have shown strong support for retailers in 2023, with November retail sales up nearly 6% compared to the previous…
Amid the recent closure of two crucial railroad bridge crossings in Texas by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, shippers and freight brokerages are scrambling to find ways to minimize delivery disruptions. These border closures have raised concerns among businesses and supply chain professionals, prompting them to explore alternative options to keep their operations running smoothly.…
Business leaders from South Korea and China gathered in Seoul to renew their commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the face of changing global economic dynamics. The meeting, organized by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), marked the fourth such gathering since its inception in 2018 and brought together prominent figures from key…
In a groundbreaking shift, the European intermodal rail freight market is witnessing a significant transformation, spearheaded by the emergence of global logistics conglomerates. This evolution, detailed in a comprehensive study by SCI Verkehr, is redefining the sector’s traditional dynamics. Historically, the European rail freight industry was characterized by the dominance of state-owned entities and a…
In 2023, the low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite industry is witnessing remarkable developments, with both commercial and technological advancements taking center stage. SpaceX’s Starlink service has reported positive cash flow, demonstrating the commercial viability of space ventures involving public and private sector collaboration. On the consumer side, Apple’s latest devices incorporate satellite communication features, while…
In recent years, the manufacturing sector has grappled with strained supply chains, limited quantities, soaring prices, and disruptive delays, causing headaches for businesses and consumers alike. Amid these challenges, the potential role of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in reshaping the manufacturing supply chain is gaining prominence. Could AI and ML be the…
In the coming year, the European supply chain industry is on the cusp of transformative changes. To seize the opportunities presented by these shifts, supply chain operators must work together and embrace sustainability, ensuring a modernized and eco-conscious approach. Resilience Emerges as a Key Priority: Supply chain resilience is no longer a buzzword but a…
US pet food manufacturers are capitalizing on a vast global market, with American-made pet foods in high demand worldwide. In 2022, exports of dog and cat food from the US reached a staggering $2.48 billion, with China emerging as the second-largest export market, accounting for $264 million in 2022. However, this export boom underscores the…
The 11th annual Global Supply Chain Leaders Conference, a prestigious gathering of over 100 professionals in supply chain, logistics, manufacturing, and procurement, recently convened in Houston, Texas. The conference served as a platform for robust discussions on the challenges and opportunities that define the post-pandemic supply chain landscape. Here are some key takeaways from the…
According to the results of Xometry’s 2024 Automotive Manufacturing Industry Survey, a notable 68% of leading automotive professionals express optimism about their company’s growth prospects in the coming year. As the industry faces various challenges, including labor shortages, the need to scale up electric vehicle (EV) production, the rise of autonomous vehicles, and the complexities…