Customs and Businesses Join Forces to Tackle Trade Bottlenecks

APEC economies are accelerating the use of artificial intelligence (AI), digital documents and data-driven customs systems to move goods across borders faster while strengthening oversight as supply chains become more complex.

Customs officials and businesses meeting in Dalian last month examined how to shift border processes from paper-based procedures to AI-enabled systems, expand paperless trade and electronic certification, and improve customs treatment of e-commerce and time-sensitive goods.

The two-day APEC Customs-Business Dialogue brought customs authorities together with businesses and international organizations to tackle growing demands on border systems, where faster trade must be balanced against food safety, revenue collection, consumer protection and security.

Sun Meijun, Minister of the General Administration of Customs of China, called for closer cooperation on smart customs, trade facilitation and connectivity in both infrastructure and rules. She also called for greater technological empowerment and inclusive participation to jointly address challenges confronting global trade and build an open and prosperous Asia-Pacific community.

“We should advance smart customs cooperation, promote technological collaboration in AI, big data and large-scale models, strengthen information sharing and risk alert, and build smart, automated, precise and efficient regulatory models,” Sun said.

The customs modernization effort comes as pressure on global supply chains has increased. The APEC Regional Trends Analysis showed the global supply chain pressure index rising in 2026 compared with average levels in 2025, amid technological change, climate-related events and emerging security challenges. 

“Customs administrations must continue evolving, not only as regulators, but as strategic partners supporting economic growth, resilience and innovation,” said Eduardo Pedrosa, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat in his opening remarks.

“Efficient supply chains are no longer simply a matter of competitiveness; they are a matter of economic security and prosperity,” Pedrosa added. “The ability of businesses to move goods predictably across borders directly affects food security, public health, industrial production and the livelihoods of millions of people throughout the region.” 

Discussions in Dalian put that shift into practical terms. Officials and businesses examined applications of AI in customs supervision, electronic bills of lading, blockchain-based trade platforms and large AI models, alongside questions of algorithmic transparency and data security.

For food trade, economies looked at advanced technologies for food safety, electronic inspection and quarantine certificates and faster customs procedures for perishable goods, seeking to reduce delays without compromising safety. 

Cross-border e-commerce presented a different challenge, including the handling of low-value shipments. Discussions examined faster clearance alongside revenue collection and consumer protection.

For smaller businesses, economies looked at greater use of Authorised Economic Operator programs and mutual recognition arrangements to turn regulatory compliance into practical benefits, including greater certainty and lower transaction costs. 

The work builds on APEC customs cooperation on paperless trade, digitalization and supply chain connectivity. The Sub-Committee on Customs Procedures is working to address customs chokepoints under the third phase of the APEC Supply Chain Connectivity Framework Action Plan, while advancing more efficient and predictable customs procedures.

Guo Xueyan, Chair of the APEC Sub-Committee on Customs Procedures, concluded that the dialogue brought together participants from diverse sectors who shared cutting-edge practices, profound insights and genuine expectations, while forging a forward-looking consensus for Asia-Pacific cooperation.

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