The obstruction of customs enforcement at privately operated port terminals: A study of Chinese state-owned enterprises

We are pleased to share an insightful article that explores the complexities of customs enforcement at privately operated port terminals.

As global trade increasingly relies on privately operated port terminals, tensions between profit-driven efficiency and regulatory enforcement are becoming more apparent. Do private terminal operators facilitate or obstruct customs enforcement? This study examines the mechanisms of obstruction, revealing through a case study of Chinese PTOs that state-owned operators are more likely than their privately owned counterparts to hinder customs enforcement. The article also provides valuable policy recommendations to strengthen compliance and improve the relationship between PTOs and customs authorities.