January 5, 2026 | Page 64

Government 2026 Annual Review & Outlook
Executive Commentary
“ The everchanging digital environment will continue to challenge customs administrations’ ability to adapt.”
Ian Saunders Schulze
World Customs Organization
Ian Saunders
Secretary General www. wcoomd. org
Digitalization is the next frontier for customs standardization in terms of trade in goods. Increasing sophistication of global supply chains requires the development and deployment of digital approaches to trade management. Because our 187 Members process 98 % of world trade, the World Customs Organization( WCO) is keenly aware of its responsibility to develop standardized and harmonized approaches.
The WCO’ s digitalization efforts are multifaceted. They include establishing a common understanding of what border agencies need to complete trade transactions, advocating for investment in the infrastructure needed to implement and enhance digital processes( including trade Single Windows) and
promoting collaboration among decision makers in the supply chain. In sum, we bring together customs, the private sector and partner government agencies to create an environment where digitalization can enable increased efficiency and appropriate security.
An example of why these elements are key to legitimate trade is the advent of e-commerce. The things that make e-commerce successful— the increase in marketplace offerings, diversity of supply chain actors and fast delivery— also make it more vulnerable to exploitation. To guide Members in their response to the challenges associated with e-commerce, we developed the WCO E-Commerce Package, which includes the Framework of Standards on Cross-border E-commerce as well as documents supporting its implementation. The Package is reviewed on a routine basis to ensure that it continues to meet Members’ needs.
The ever-changing digital environment will continue to challenge customs administrations’ ability to adapt. Updating current standards and developing new ones as international trade evolves is, therefore, a necessity. We must learn from our Members and stakeholders— only by growing together can we meet whatever challenges the future trading environment will bring.
“ Back in 2017, I referred to the gamesmanship as tarifficide. Here we go again.”
William Conroy
“ A wave of new regional policies around the world is adding complexity to trade.”
Joe Kramek
well as their software providers and import clients, the bandwidth to facilitate compliance with those mandatory guidelines out the gate.
Time and clarity, along with the ability to partner with CBP and PGAs on technical follow-up, ensures customs brokers fully understand and comply with the spirit and letter of the nation’ s trade policies.
Tyler Search
William Conroy
Executive Director www. tylersearch. com
The current administration is employing a similar playbook it used in President Trump’ s first term. He is reshuffling the deck with our trade partners and aggressively negotiating and renegotiating bilateral trade agreements and policy. Back in 2017, I referred to the gamesmanship as tarifficide. Here we go again.
Today, his efforts are front-page news and lead in media stories. Then, as now, leveraging the power of reciprocal tariffs has worldwide consequences, not just national implications.
The Customs Modernization Act of 1993, which created the trilateral trade bloc formerly known as NAFTA— now USMCA—, generated the impetus for many companies to create a dedicated inhouse team to sort out trade relationships and government scrutiny. It also was useful to take advantage of existing free trade agreements. Today, we have 14 FTAs with 20 countries that will most likely change soon.
Inhouse senior trade professionals who have been navigating companies’ trade options and exposure have raised their value exponentially and are now indispensable C-suite advisors. They must assess and preempt the regulatory agencies that will shift their enforcement focus depending on the business scandal du jour. Trade professionals must keep their trade policy and actions under the radar to avoid violations and public
scrutiny. Trade teams must have expertise with classifications, free trade agreements, transfer pricing, foreign trade zones, country of origin and drawback.
It’ s an incredibly exciting time for the trade community. Our corporate trade strategies must be especially agile enough to pivot when our President calls an audible.
World Shipping Council
Joe Kramek
President & CEO www. worldshipping. org
Global trade has grown again this year. Ships are carrying more goods than last year, routes are expanding and new markets are emerging. Yet behind the overall growth, regional trends are diverging, including in the United States where containerized trade has slowed.
A wave of new regional policies around the world is adding
62 Journal of Commerce | January 5, 2026 www. joc. com