FIATA World Congress 2025: Digital transformation in supply chain and trade compliance

The topic of "Restructuring global trade: Challenges and new adaptation strategies" was covered by experts and government representatives from numerous nations at the FIATA World Congress 2025. This discussion panel was held in light of the world's geopolitical crises, shifting tariff policies, and growing complexity in international trade.

Given this, logistics and export companies must swiftly adjust to ever-tougher trade compliance regulations, particularly with regard to ESG standards and rules of origin.

The API system is the "backbone" of worldwide communication, from customs to shipping lines and airlines, according to Mr. Martin Lee, Regional Business Manager for Africa, Asia, the Middle East, the Indian Subcontinent, and Australia - New Zealand at WiseTech Global.

According to Mr. Lee, the logistics sector must implement a real-time API connectivity system that connects clients, carriers, and the government in order to stay up to date with quickly evolving rules. But according to Mr. Lee, the concentration of high-quality data produces a "single source of information," enabling automation and quicker decision-making, which lowers the risk of human mistake, expedites customs clearance, and lowers delay expenses.

To prevent inconsistencies, fines, or extra inspections, it is still difficult to synchronize data quality across several parties.

However, Mr. Lee underlined that, given AI's growing replacement of manual tasks, it is imperative to prepare the next generation to retain problem-solving abilities. Although there are still restrictions because of actual transit time, the system should be updated as soon as the government releases new rules to aid in decision-making prior to the items' arrival.

Global supply networks require a long-term orientation to provide resilience in the face of geopolitical unpredictability, according to the speakers' strategic analysis. In addition to technology, national policy, multi-sector cooperation, and sustained investment in data, people, and connectivity are all important components of supply chain risk mitigation.

Rapid adaptation, proactive measures, and tight coordination between parties are essential in a volatile world to guarantee continuous international trade flows.