Trade Facilitation Research Articles

KPPBC TMP Juanda Policy in Achieving Revenue Target as a Impact of De Minimis Value

Background: The implementation of the de minimis value rule, which sets a threshold for import duty exemptions on small shipments, significantly influences national trade dynamics and fiscal policies. Despite global integration and economic transactions escalating, effective customs regulations remain pivotal for controlling import activities and enhancing revenue. Knowledge Gap: Prior research has primarily focused on the implications of the de minimis rule on import volumes and compliance, leaving a gap regarding its impact on revenue targets and administrative practices at the customs office level. Aims: This study aims to explore the strategies employed by KPPBC TMP Juanda in achieving revenue targets influenced by the de minimis value policy. Methods: Utilizing qualitative research methods, including interviews, observation, and documentation, this research engages directly with three customs officials at KPPBC TMP Juanda, analyzing data with NVivo12Plus. Results: The findings indicate that while the de minimis value does not control the surge in import activities, it assists in increasing revenue and meeting fiscal targets. Novelty: This study provides new insights into how customs policies adapted at the local office level can contribute to national fiscal strategies under global trade pressures. Implications: The outcomes underscore the necessity for continuous policy evaluation to balance trade facilitation with fiscal responsibility, suggesting enhancements in customs operations to optimize revenue without stifling economic growth. Highlights: Customs Strategy: De minimis value adjustments reflect local customs alignment with fiscal goals. Revenue Impact: The rule boosts revenue without curbing import volumes. Policy Review: Highlights the need for continual policy optimization to balance trade and revenue. Keywords: Policy, Revenue Target, De Minimis Value

Impacts of trade facilitation on greenhouse gas emissions in the Belt and Road Initiative countries

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) trade facilitation could generate both economic and environmental impacts. Nevertheless, the resulting impacts on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions remain unclear. Here we apply a global computable general equilibrium model to simulate the economic changes induced by BRI trade facilitation and thereby assess the GHG emissions burdens within China and the main economic corridors. We show that trade facilitation results in economic improvement at the expense of emissions for most BRI countries. Yet economic growth in these countries has outstripped emissions growth. Especially for countries within the New Eurasian Land Bridge (ELB), most of them even have achieved decoupling of economic growth from emissions under trade facilitation, which is mainly benefited from the decrease of non-CO2 GHG emissions. We stress that non-CO2 GHGs mitigation in more developing regions is essential to achieve an economic-environmental win-win state, in the context of future global trade liberalization.

The Effectiveness of Enhanced Value Reference Information System (e-VRIS) as New Database for Value and Classification of Imported Goods

The Enhanced Value Reference Information System (e-VRIS) is a new database for value and classification of imported goods in order to address corruption done through undervaluation and misclassification. With this aim, and with its considerable period of use and implementation, it is now imperative to determine how effective is this new system in combatting these types of corruption. Thus, the objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness e-VRIS in terms of the following: 1) Risk Valuation; 2) Enhanced Declared Value; and, 3) Classification. Data from 40 Customs Examiners from the Manila International Container Port (MICP) were elicited using a self-made survey questionnaire. To analyze the data, weighted mean was used as statistical tool. Findings indicated overall agreement among the respondents regarding e-VRIS's effectiveness in identifying revenue and compliance risks, with positive feedback on its monitoring mechanism. Similarly, respondents generally acknowledged e-VRIS's contribution to accurate tariff classification, despite differing opinions on determining country of origin. In conclusion, e-VRIS demonstrated effectiveness as a modern customs administration tool, essential for trade facilitation and corruption prevention. Its alignment with international standards and consistent performance underscored its significance in promoting transparency and efficiency in customs procedures in the Philippine customs industry.

Reducing Wait Times at Customs to Boost Trade: How Implementing the Trade Facilitation Agreement Can Expand Trade among AfCFTA Countries?

Abstract All WTO members participate in the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), a rules-based bottom-up approach built on monitorable provisions (e.g., the publication of information, advance rulings, appeal or review of decisions, transparency and border agency cooperation) aimed at reducing time in customs. The paper draws on the OECD indicators of the state of implementation of provisions in the TFA summarised in a TFI (Trade Facilitation Index) to estimate the reduction in waiting time at customs for a large sample of 160 countries. Implementing the TFA could be a significant complement to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)'s objectives. The paper's estimates suggest that a realistic implementation of TFA measures could reduce time in customs for imports by 3.7 days and by 1.9 days for exports. Using extraneous estimates from customs-level transactions, this translates to a reduction tariff Ad-Valorem Equivalent (AVE) in the range 3.5%–7% for imports and 8% extra growth for exports. The large differences in interests across AfCFTA participants—landlocked-coastal, resource-rich and resource-poor, large-small—suggest large gains from reducing tariffs on intra-African trade. However, tariff reductions face the zero-sum hurdle of negotiations involving rent transfers across and within countries. By avoiding rent-transfer issues, this paper suggests that taking seriously the TFA provisions would be a powerful complement to the AfCFTA's tariff-reduction agenda.

Trends and current food safety regulations and policies for functional foods and beverages containing botanicals.

Globally, the demand for functional foods and beverages has significantly increased due to socioeconomic changes, particularly in health consciousness to enhance their functionality. Functional ingredients derived from botanicals are widely used because of their phytochemical properties with health benefits. This study aims to (1) review the capabilities and challenges of botanical addition in functional foods, (2) review current policies and regulations for functional foods containing botanicals in the European Union (EU), Canada, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Thailand, and (3) provide recommendations on effective food safety control measures for better consumer trust and trade facilitation. This critical review was analyzed from online publications and available guidelines, regulations, and control measures published by food industries and governments in the EU and the four selected countries. The result confirmed that potentialities of botanicals arise from numerous bioactive compounds with varieties of sources. However, the usage may potentially raise health risks through hazardous substances in different species or plant parts, contaminants from environments and uncontrolled processes. Inadequate knowledge of botanical formulation and the maximum limit for daily consumption may elevate health risks through food-drug interaction or adverse effect incidents. Current policies and regulations show that varieties of measures are implemented influencing both economic growth and consumer awareness. The novel finding is that countries that provide a comprehensive national food control system influence not only the growth of the functional food subsectors but also build trust in food safety among trade partners and consumers.

Introduction to the Special Issue: Leveraging Global Value Chains for innovation and industrialization in Africa

The global nature of innovation has led to the emergence of Global Innovation Networks (GINs) and Global Value Chains (GVCs), facilitating knowledge exchange and economic activities across borders. GVCs offer platforms for accessing external knowledge and fostering innovation. They have evolved through three eras of innovation models: the Linear and Closed Model (LCM), the Interactive and Closed Model (ICM), and the Interactive and Open Model (IOM). The IOM emphasizes open innovation principles, intersecting with GINs and GVCs. Lessons from East Asian and Latin American countries highlight strategic practices for GVC integration, focusing on export-oriented industrialization, education, technology policies, infrastructure, and SME support. In Africa, GVC engagement spans agriculture, manufacturing, and services sectors, driving economic growth, job creation, and technological advancements. To advance GVC participation in Africa, a research agenda, policy directions, and action plans are proposed. The research agenda emphasizes GVC governance, value addition, sustainability, innovation, and regional integration. Policy directions focus on infrastructure development, trade facilitation, SME support, human capital development, and promoting sustainable and inclusive growth. African businesses are encouraged to conduct value chain mapping, form strategic partnerships, embrace technology, ensure quality assurance, invest in capacity building, and diversify markets to leverage the potential of GVCs for economic transformation and global competitiveness.

디지털 무역의 원활화를 위한 전자 송장과 PEPPOL 도입에 관한 연구

디지털 무역의 원활화를 위한 전자 송장과 PEPPOL 도입에 관한 연구

Assessing the Impact of Trade Facilitation on Trade Costs in Cross-border Trading Companies: A Case of MeritChemicals Ltd.

Assessing the Impact of Trade Facilitation on Trade Costs in Cross-border Trading Companies: A Case of MeritChemicals Ltd.

Internet linkage and international trade: From the perspective of risk alleviation

AbstractExtensive research has studied the effect of the Internet on trade, yet little is known about its role in trade facilitation through risk alleviation. This research investigates how Internet linkage facilitates exports, particularly through the novel channel of risk alleviation. Theoretically, this paper introduces a gravity model augmented with export risk to establish the stimulating effect of Internet linkage on exports. Empirically, this paper uses inter‐domain hyperlinks as a proxy for Internet linkage in 2009, uncovering a statistically significant positive impact of Internet linkage on exports. Notably, there is a 27.8% increase in exports in reaction to a doubling of the Internet linkage intensity. By employing various techniques, we meticulously address potential endogeneity issues and substantiate the risk‐alleviation mechanism at both the country and product levels. Particularly, we find that exports to riskier countries and of riskier products benefit more from the Internet linkage. This study sheds new light on the novel channel through which the Internet promotes exports, enriching the existing literature in this field.

The Impact of the Opening of China-Europe Railway Express On the Development of Foreign Trade in Anhui Province

Since the "Belt and Road" initiative was put forward, China-Europe freight trains, as an important international transport channel for the Eurasian continent connectivity, have enhanced the level of bilateral trade facilitation and economic and trade cooperation, and had a profound impact on the development of foreign trade. Central trains is China to Europe and the "Belt and Road" international transport trains, central trains opening is the "Belt and Road" initiative China strengthen and countries along the important measures of connectivity, is an important gripper to promote the "Belt and Road" initiative, is an important part of "unicom" facilities, the opening of changed the previous central trains rely solely on maritime transport of export, greatly improve the level of export facilitation and management efficiency, for the improvement of foreign trade development provides strong conditions. The performance of China-Europe freight trains is even more impressive under the epidemic. As a huge potential mode of transportation between Europe and Europe, its importance is gradually emerging.

Research on the Impact of the Digital Economy on International Trade Barriers and Its Countermeasures

The rapid development of the digital economy has not only changed traditional business models and trade patterns, promoting trade facilitation, but has also to some extent reduced international trade barriers, providing unprecedented opportunities for enterprises worldwide, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, to expand into international markets. In the era of the digital economy, the modes and patterns of international trade are undergoing profound changes. The high efficiency and universality of information transmission, as one of the core features of the digital economy, not only significantly reduce trade costs but also break the limitations of traditional trade models, laying a solid foundation for the extensive expansion of international trade. However, with the rapid rise of digital trade, new digital barriers are also emerging, which are impacting the international trade landscape. A comprehensive analysis of the role of the digital economy in reducing international trade barriers and the opportunities and challenges it brings is of great significance for understanding and grasping the current trends in global trade development.

The Liberating Effects of Nigeria to African Continental Free Trade Area: Synoptic Perspectives

This article examines the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with special attention to its goals, background, challenges, and effects on Nigeria. Africa has abundant natural resources and a diverse range of cultures, but it also faces challenges like poor infrastructure and ineffective governments, which limit trade throughout the continent. Recall, AfCFTA was created in 2018 with the intention of creating a competitive single African market by eliminating tariffs and other barriers. The AfCFTA aims to eliminate tariffs, standardize customs procedures, resolve disputes amicably, and cooperate in addressing technical barriers. Hence, this study delved into the synoptic perspective of the liberating impacts of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement., especially on Nigeria trade relations. The liberation needed cloches were: weak infrastructure development, slow trade facilitation, and under standardization. Hence, by economically engaging in AfCFTA, created pathway for access to more affordable goods. Although, unfulfilled trade obligations posed a cog on the implementation Wheel. However, liberation is set for infrastructure development, increased exports, better trade facilitation, and institutional development Keywords: Africa; Economic Liberation; Nigeria; Free trade

Analyzing and Simulating Evolution of Subsidy–Operation Strategies for Multi-Type China Railway Express Operation Market

The China Railway Express stands as a crucial facilitator of trade across the land routes of Eurasian countries. During its initial developmental phase, the China Railway Express heavily relied on subsidies to establish a market presence. This dependency hindered its independence and sustainability. Hence, there exists a paramount need to regulate the subsidy market and institute more rational operation strategies. This study focuses on the dynamics of the subsidies and operations in the market for the China Railway Express under different types of development models. It uses evolutionary game theory and the Activity-Based Costing (ABC) method to describe the dynamic evolution of four cases between local governments and operating-platform enterprises. Four corresponding lines were selected as instances: from Xiamen, Wuxi, Changsha, and Zhengzhou to Malaszewicze, Poland. The findings conclude that the optimal conditions for the development of the China Railway Express market exist when operating-platform enterprises possess higher assets and the local government’s supervision and punishment of the market are relatively weaker. This study offers valuable insights for guiding subsidy and operational decision-making processes for the China Railway Express.

Research on the Development and Policies of the Port of Singapore Harbor

The Port of Singapore has long been renowned for its outstanding development and effective policies. This paper delves into a comprehensive study of the key characteristics, infrastructure development, and critical policies formulated by the government for the Port of Singapore. Through both quantitative and qualitative analyses of port development, it reveals the factors contributing to its success as well as the challenges it faces. The paper explores innovative initiatives taken by the Singaporean government in port management, including trade facilitation, digital technology applications, and sustainable development. Emphasizing flexibility in response to changes in the global trade environment highlights the Port of Singapore's ability to maintain competitiveness. Finally, the paper puts forth recommendations to further enhance the competitiveness of the Port of Singapore and foster its position in the global supply chain. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the success of the Singaporean port model, providing valuable insights for the sustainable development of other ports.

An inquiry into the effect of trade facilitation on China's digital product exports to countries along the "Belt and Road"

We assess the trade facilitation level of 141 countries involved in the "Belt and Road" by constructing 4 primary indicators and 18 secondary indicators, and use the trade gravity model to explore its impact on China's digital product exports. The research results show that the overall level of trade facilitation is relatively low, and there is still plenty of room for improvement. The estimation results show that trade facilitation does improve the performance of China's digital exports, especially in terms of infrastructure construction and customs environment, while the impact of regulatory environment and finance & e-commerce on export performance is limited. The findings of this paper imply that promoting the continuous improvement in the level of trade facilitation is important for promoting China's digital product exports.

Article: WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement: Has the Trade Facilitation Agreement Improved Aspects of GATT Article VIII?

Article: WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement: Has the Trade Facilitation Agreement Improved Aspects of GATT Article VIII?

Impact of Trade Policies, Tariffs, and Sanitary and Phytosanitary Regulations on International Livestock Trade and Market Access for Livestock Producers in Brazil

Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate impact of trade policies, tariffs, and sanitary and phytosanitary regulations on international livestock trade and market access for livestock producers in Brazil. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: it's evident that trade policies, including tariffs and non-tariff measures, significantly influence bilateral trade flows in livestock products. Reductions in tariffs generally lead to increased trade, while increases in tariffs have the opposite effect, demonstrating the importance of tariff liberalization for stimulating trade and enhancing market access. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Theory of comparative advantage & new trade theory may be used to anchor future studies on impact of trade policies, tariffs, and sanitary and phytosanitary regulations on international livestock trade and market access for livestock producers in Brazil. Enhance capacity-building initiatives and technical assistance programs for developing countries to improve SPS compliance and facilitate trade in livestock products, thereby promoting inclusive trade practices. Negotiate comprehensive regional trade agreements (RTAs) that address trade facilitation measures, infrastructure development, and regulatory harmonization to maximize the benefits of market integration for the livestock sector.

The Trends in the Application of Single Window for Trade

In a context of increasing globalization and digitalization, single windows for trade have assumed a fundamental role as a tool to streamline and facilitate international business operations. This scientific article focuses on the analysis of the most recent trends in the implementation of single windows for trade, highlighting four areas of particular interest that are shaping the current landscape in this field. The first trend is related to the implementation of a national single window in a country instead of implementing various "limited" single windows. The following trend involves including various sectors of services in the national single window, from regulatory services to private services, in the logistics and transportation sphere. The third trend is related to the transformation of national systems into global trade facilitation platforms that allow uninterrupted trade. Compared to the single window, trade platforms offer multiple solutions and are capable of covering a wide range of goods, services, and international trade participants not only in a specific sector but across the entire supply chain. These trends represent an ongoing evolution in the pursuit of simplifying and enhancing international trade, adapting it to the changing demands of the globalized economy.

LEGAL ASPECTS OF IMPLEMENTING THE KYOTO CONVENTION IN UZBEKISTAN’S CUSTOMS ACTIVITY AND IMPLICATIONS FOR WTO ACCESSION

In this article, the legal significance of the revised Kyoto Convention in the modernization of the customs procedures of Uzbekistan was analyzed. The issues of compliance of customs procedures with Convention standards, trade facilitation, efficiency, preservation of freedom, and a positive solution to the WTO membership process were discussed. The current customs legislation framework of Uzbekistan was reviewed, the necessary directions for compliance were determined, and the impact of implementation and WTO membership was studied. In the process of analysis, legal texts, international agreements, and literature were relied upon.

Evaluation of Supply Chain Management Challenges of multinational companies in West Africa under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS)

This paper examined the Supply Chain Management challenges of multinational companies in West Africa under the ECOWAS trade liberalization scheme. The objective of the study includes to identify the various ECOWAS's regional integration protocols, Assess the level of implementation of ETLS among members state and evaluation of the various negative factors affecting full implementation of ETL, among others. The methodologies adopted includes Qualitative and quantitative method of data collection including literature review, expert interview, survey and case studies over a sample of 150 multinational companies (MNC). The results reveal that Complex and Non-Transparent Regulations exists among the MNC in the West African region, existence of Inadequate Infrastructure and Logistics, Non-Harmonized Trade Facilitation Measures as well as weak institutional co-ordination and enforcements. The study concludes that ETLS presents both opportunities and challenges for MNCs operating in West Africa and recommends among others the Simplification and Harmonization of Trade Regulations, investment in infrastructures and logistics as well as strengthening of institutional co-ordinations and enforcements.