The podiatry team at Sengkang General Hospital in Singapore is pioneering an innovative approach to diabetic foot care. Currently, the team is producing custom 3D-printed orthotic insoles in-house. These insoles are made of thermoplastic polyurethane.TPUThe new insoles, made through 3D printing, show preliminary results indicating that compared to traditional insoles (with a 23% reduction in peak pressure and a 40% improvement in pressure distribution), the new insoles can reduce peak pressure by up to 28.5% and achieve a pressure distribution improvement rate of 52.7%. Singapore does not produce standard pressure-reducing EVA foam insoles locally and needs to source them from overseas. Patients must wait two months from placing an order to receiving the product, and if adjustments are needed, it takes even longer. However, 3D printing technology can provide patients with precisely customized insoles in just one week. The team pointed out that there are currently over 400,000 diabetes patients in Singapore, and if the current trend continues, the number of patients could exceed one million by 2050. As many as one-quarter of diabetes patients may develop foot ulcers, and over 80% of lower limb amputation surgeries are caused by these ulcers. Customized pressure-reducing insoles are crucial for preventing new ulcers and promoting wound healing, especially for patients with diabetic neuropathy.   First, the doctor creates a foam mold of the patient's foot and performs a digital scan. Based on the scanning data, insoles with different densities and precise shape adjustments are designed for different areas of the foot. The digital workflow allows for quick modifications to the design plan at any time. The podiatry treatment team at Sengkang General Hospital collaborated with the orthopedic and plastic surgery teams at the hospital and the 3D printing center at Singapore General Hospital to develop this product. Through detailed biomechanical examinations and pressure distribution analysis, a comprehensive assessment is conducted to create a precise digital model tailored to each patient's foot structure and pressure points. Orthopedic doctor Dickson Chau stated, "The advances in 3D printing technology have opened up new possibilities for patient care. After extensive testing of different materials and printing parameters, as well as valuable exchanges of experience with the 3D printing center at Singapore General Hospital, we have established a production process that ensures stable and reliable quality of insoles. This self-production capability allows us to quickly optimize products based on patient feedback, which is crucial for achieving the best therapeutic effects."

The podiatry team at Sengkang General Hospital in Singapore is pioneering an innovative approach to diabetic foot care. Currently, the team is producing custom 3D-printed orthotic insoles in-house. These insoles are made of thermoplastic polyurethane.TPUThe new insoles, made through 3D printing, show preliminary results indicating that compared to traditional insoles (with a 23% reduction in peak pressure and a 40% improvement in pressure distribution), the new insoles can reduce peak pressure by up to 28.5% and achieve a pressure distribution improvement rate of 52.7%. Singapore does not produce standard pressure-reducing EVA foam insoles locally and needs to source them from overseas. Patients must wait two months from placing an order to receiving the product, and if adjustments are needed, it takes even longer. However, 3D printing technology can provide patients with precisely customized insoles in just one week. The team pointed out that there are currently over 400,000 diabetes patients in Singapore, and if the current trend continues, the number of patients could exceed one million by 2050. As many as one-quarter of diabetes patients may develop foot ulcers, and over 80% of lower limb amputation surgeries are caused by these ulcers. Customized pressure-reducing insoles are crucial for preventing new ulcers and promoting wound healing, especially for patients with diabetic neuropathy.   First, the doctor creates a foam mold of the patient's foot and performs a digital scan. Based on the scanning data, insoles with different densities and precise shape adjustments are designed for different areas of the foot. The digital workflow allows for quick modifications to the design plan at any time. The podiatry treatment team at Sengkang General Hospital collaborated with the orthopedic and plastic surgery teams at the hospital and the 3D printing center at Singapore General Hospital to develop this product. Through detailed biomechanical examinations and pressure distribution analysis, a comprehensive assessment is conducted to create a precise digital model tailored to each patient's foot structure and pressure points. Orthopedic doctor Dickson Chau stated, "The advances in 3D printing technology have opened up new possibilities for patient care. After extensive testing of different materials and printing parameters, as well as valuable exchanges of experience with the 3D printing center at Singapore General Hospital, we have established a production process that ensures stable and reliable quality of insoles. This self-production capability allows us to quickly optimize products based on patient feedback, which is crucial for achieving the best therapeutic effects."

International News Digest:   Raw Material News - Ocean Conservancy Report Claims Most States Lagging in Plastic Pollution Efforts Automotive News - Renault Appoints Interim CEO and Lowers 2025 Profit Forecast Electronics News - Researchers Develop Breakthrough Heat - Conductive Plastic to Help Prevent Overheating in Advanced Electronic Devices Medical News - Medical Disposables Manufacturer Reshores Operations to North Carolina Macro News - AMD Announces Resumption of AI Chip Exports to China Price Information - RMB/USD Central Parity Rate Reported at 7.1526, Down 28 Pips   Details of International News:   Ocean Conservancy Report Claims Most States Lagging in Plastic Pollution Efforts The Washington-based Ocean Conservancy has released a new report, "United States of Plastics," that analyzes state-level efforts to combat plastic pollution on a five-star scale. According to the report, on average, U.S. states scored 1.5 stars, or “needs improvement,” with 44 out of 50 states and Washington D.C. scoring below three stars.“Overall, the results are disappointing,” Ocean Conservancy Director of Plastics Policy Anja Brandon says. “Four in five Americans consider plastic pollution to be the most pressing issue facing our ocean, yet only six states ranked as ‘good’ or above in our study. We hope that the 'United States of Plastics' report inspires policy change and gives a benchmark for states to measure their progress in combating plastic pollution in the years to come.” Anya, Plastic Policy Director of the Ocean ConservancyBrandon stated, "Overall, the results are disappointing. Four out of five Americans believe plastic pollution is the most urgent issue facing the oceans; however, in our study, only six states were rated 'good' or above. We hope the 'State of Plastic in America' report can drive policy change and provide a benchmark for states to measure their progress in addressing plastic pollution in the coming years." Stratasys Unveils 'True' Silicone 3D-printing Material The new P3 Silicone 25A is a high-performance material developed in a strategic collaboration with Shin-Etsu and designed exclusively for the Stratasys Origin DLP platform. It can be used to produce a range of products, including suction cups.   Medical Disposables Manufacturer Reshores Operations to North Carolina A manufacturer of medical disposables headquartered in Hauppauge, NY, with manufacturing operations in China, GMAX Industries Inc. has chosen to locate its base of manufacturing operations in Winston-Salem, NC, according to a news report from Greater Winston Salem Inc. The decision is described as a strategic initiative to relocate manufacturing in the United States. Researchers Develop Breakthrough Heat - Conductive Plastic to Help Prevent Overheating in Advanced Electronic Devices Anyone who has left a phone in a hot car knows that electronic devices shut down when they overheat. According to foreign media reports, researchers at Northeastern University have developed a new type of lightweight plastic - ceramic composite material that can conduct heat and more effectively cool advanced electronic devices. "Heat management is a huge challenge for devices such as power electronics and radar antennas," said Professor Randall Erb, head of Northeastern University's Directed Assembly of Particles and Suspensions (DAPS) Laboratory and lead researcher on the project. "When electronic devices overheat, you either have to slow them down or shut them off. That might be okay for a phone, but not for critical systems like radar." In collaboration with the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, researchers at Northeastern University have developed a material that combines ceramics, polymers, and additives to form a 3D - printable plastic composite. It has a unique nanoscale ordered internal structure that allows heat to pass through easily. Renault Appoints Interim CEO and Lowers 2025 Profit Forecast Following the unexpected departure of the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of French automaker Renault, the company has lowered its 2025 profit forecast and appointed its current Chief Financial Officer, Duncan Minto, as interim CEO. Duncan Minto will replace Luca de Meo, who is set to become CEO of Kering. On July 15, Renault stated that it is actively searching for a long - term CEO. According to people familiar with the matter, potential candidates include Denis Le Vot, head of the Dacia brand; Francois Provost, Renault's purchasing director; and former Stellantis executive Maxime Picat.   Overseas Macro Market Information:   【U.S. Treasury Secretary Explains Export of H20 Chips to China: China Has Developed Chips with Equivalent Performance, So We Can Sell Them】 According to Reference News, on July 15 local time, U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent said in an interview with Bloomberg Television when talking about Nvidia's approval to export H20 chips that China has developed chips with performance equivalent to H20 chips, so there is no problem with Nvidia selling H20 chips. 【U.S. Proposes South Korea to Refer to Japan's Example: Establish a Sovereign Fund to Lend to South Korean Enterprises for U.S. Factory Construction】 According to South Korea's Chosun Ilbo, South Korean government officials familiar with relevant trade negotiations revealed that the U.S. has asked South Korea to take the lead in setting up a multi - billion - dollar investment fund aimed at boosting U.S. manufacturing. The fund, tentatively named the "Manufacturing Cooperation Promotion Fund", will provide financing support for South Korean enterprises to build factories, expand plants, or invest in local partners in the U.S. This request, confirmed on July 15, marks a significant shift from the U.S.'s previous focus on easing trade barriers in the agricultural and digital data sectors. 【AMD Announces Resumption of AI Chip Exports to China】 According to Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao website on July 16, U.S. chip company Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) said that it plans to resume exports of its MI308 chips to China after the U.S. announced it would approve the sales. Previously, the U.S. made a similar decision regarding a Nvidia chip. 【Trump Says Pharmaceutical Tariffs May Be Introduced Before August 1, Downplaying the Possibility of Reaching More Trade Agreements】 U.S. President Donald Trump said he could impose tariffs on pharmaceuticals as early as the end of this month and may soon impose tariffs on semiconductors, suggesting that these import taxes could be implemented along with the broad "reciprocal" tariffs set to take effect on August 1.   Price information:   【RMB/USD Central Parity Rate】 The RMB/USD central parity rate was reported at 7.1526, down 28 pips; the central parity rate of the previous trading day was 7.1498, the official closing price of the previous trading day was 7.1734, and the night session closing price of the previous day was 7.1810. 【Upstream Raw Material USD Market Prices】 Ethylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia at 820 USD/ton; CFR Southeast Asia at 830 USD/ton. Propylene Northeast Asia: FOB South Korea average at 740 USD/ton; CFR China average at 775 USD/ton. North Asia frozen cargo CIF price: Propane at 521 - 523 USD/ton; Butane at 491 - 493 USD/ton. South China frozen cargo CIF price for early August: Propane at 558 - 568 USD/ton; Butane at 529 - 537 USD/ton. Taiwan region frozen cargo CIF price: Propane at 536 - 538 USD/ton; Butane at 491 - 493 USD/ton. 【LLDPE USD Market Prices】 Film: 875 - 910 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Injection Molding: 950 USD/ton (CFR Dongguan). 【HDPE USD Market Prices】 Film: 920 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Blow Molding: 855 - 860 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu). 【LDPE USD Market Prices】 Film: 1070 - 1110 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Coating: 1350 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu). 【PP USD Market Prices】 Homopolymer: 935 - 965 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Copolymer: 965 - 995 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Film Grade: 1000 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Transparent Grade: 1085 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Pipe Grade: 1160 USD/ton (CFR Shanghai).

International News Digest: Raw Materials - Dow Launches INNATE™ TF 220 Resin to Enable Recyclable BOPE Film Innovation Circular Economy - Toyobo and DMC Biotechnologies to use biotech to make plastic raw materials Automotive - Elton Manufacturing buys U.S.-based Decatur Plastic Products Additives - Songwon To Highlight Stabilizer Technologies and Performance Additives at K2025 Macro - Trump: "Major Announcement" on Russia Coming Next Monday Price - USD/CNY Central Parity at 7.1475, Up 35 Pips   the Details of International News: 1.Dow Launches INNATE™ TF 220 Resin to Enable Recyclable BOPE Film Innovation Dow Inc. announced a major technological breakthrough with INNATE™ TF 220 resin, offering a high-performance, recyclable-design biaxially oriented polyethylene (BOPE) film solution for flexible packaging. From material design to end-of-life recycling, Dow is collaborating with partners across the packaging value chain to develop scalable sustainable solutions, translating environmental vision into commercial practice. 2. Toyobo and DMC Biotechnologies to use biotech to make plastic raw materials Toyobo recently signed a joint research and development contract related to biomanufacturing with DMC Biotechnologies, a U.S. biotech venture company based in Colorado. The two companies aim to develop and commercialize sustainable key chemical compounds to be used as raw materials for general-purpose plastics by applying synthetic biology technologies to microorganisms. 3. Elton Manufacturing buys U.S.-based Decatur Plastic Products The acquisition is Mississauga, Ont.-based Elton's first major expansion into the American market.In a move that marks its first major expansion into the U.S., Elton Manufacturing, a Mississauga, Ont.-based supplier of weatherstripping and windows for garage and entry doors, has acquired weatherstripping and door window supplier Decatur Plastic Products Inc. (DPP), of North Vernon, Ind. 4. Avient Launches Oxygen Scavenger to Enhance PET Packaging Recyclability Avient has launched an oxygen-scavenging additive designed specifically to enhance the recyclability of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging while extending product shelf life. ColorMatrix Amosorb Oxyloop-1 is the first grade in Avient's new Oxyloop portfolio of oxygen scavengers. 5.TEAM Technologies Announces Acquisition of Duke Empirical TEAM Technologies, a provider of end-to-end outsourcing manufacturing services for critical medical devices, announced the acquisition of Duke Empirical. Duke Empirical is a designer, developer, and manufacturer of innovative medical devices, specializing in high-end catheters and minimally invasive delivery systems. The acquisition further expands TEAM’s capabilities in the minimally invasive medical, cardiology, and interventional therapy markets. 6. EU Adopts New Auto Circular Economy Rules to Drive Lifecycle Green Transition The European Parliament’s Committee on the Environment (ENVI) and Committee on the Internal Market (IMCO) recently voted to adopt new regulations aimed at comprehensively transforming Europe’s automotive industry toward a circular economy. Covering the entire lifecycle of vehicles from design, production to end-of-life treatment, the regulations include several specific requirements. Under the draft, automakers must design new models with easily detachable components, ensuring authorized treatment facilities (ATFs) can reuse, remanufacture, refurbish, or recycle parts (where technically feasible). Additionally, software restrictions that hinder the replacement or removal of individual components are prohibited. 7.Songwon To Highlight Stabilizer Technologies and Performance Additives at K2025 Songwon Industrial highlights its commitment to the industry and customers at K 2025. As the chemical industry grows more regulated and competitive, customers face pressure to improve performance, focus on sustainability, adapt quickly to changing requirements and maintain continuity. 8.Braskem to expand PE plant capacity in Duque de Caxias Braskem launches Transforma Rio project to expand the polyethylene (PE) p Braskem to expand PE plant capacity in Duque de Caxias.Braskem launches Transforma Rio project to expand the polyethylene (PE) plant in Duque de Caxias. The project was announced at the official ceremony hosted by Petrobras in Rio de Janeiro.   Overseas Macro Updates: Houthi Rebels Continue to Ban Israeli-Related Vessels Reports indicate that Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi stated on July 10 that the group will continue to ban Israeli-related ships from passing through the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Sea as long as Israel continues its aggression and blockade of Gaza. No one is allowed to transport Israeli-related goods through these waters. Within a week, Yemeni Houthi rebels sank two cargo ships in the Red Sea. The UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Yemen emphasized the need to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, protect civilian infrastructure, and prevent Yemen from being drawn into a larger regional conflict. Trump: "Major Announcement" on Russia Coming Next Monday U.S. President Trump revealed on July 10 local time that he will make a "major announcement" on Russia next Monday (July 14 local time). In a phone interview with U.S. media, Trump stated that the current Russian airstrikes on Ukraine have intensified, adding that he is "disappointed" with Russian President Putin and describing Putin as "polite in words but without substance." Second Round of China-Switzerland FTA Upgrade Negotiations Held in Switzerland From July 7 to 10, the second round of negotiations on upgrading the China-Switzerland Free Trade Agreement was held in Geneva, Switzerland. The two sides held in-depth discussions on issues including trade in goods, trade in services, investment, rules of origin, trade facilitation, competition, environment and trade, and economic and technological cooperation, achieving positive progress.   Price information:   USD/CNY Central Parity 7.1475, up 35 pips; previous trading day’s central parity 7.1510, previous trading day’s official closing price 7.1776, overnight closing price 7.1780.  Raw Materials USD Market Prices Ethylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia $820/tonne; CFR Southeast Asia $830/tonne. Propylene Northeast Asia: FOB Korea average price $740/tonne; CFR China average price $775/tonne. North Asia frozen cargo CIF price: propane $538-540/tonne; butane $508-510/tonne. South China frozen cargo for first half of August CIF price: propane $567-574/tonne; butane $537-544/tonne. Taiwan region frozen cargo CIF price: propane $538-540/tonne; butane $508-510/tonne. LLDPE USD Market Prices Film: $875-910/tonne (CFR Huangpu); Injection molding: $950/tonne (CFR Dongguan). HDPE USD Market Prices Film: $920/tonne (CFR Huangpu); Hollow: $855-860/tonne (CFR Huangpu). LDPE USD Market Prices Film: $1,070-1,110/tonne (CFR Huangpu); Coating: $1,350/tonne (CFR Huangpu). PP USD Market Prices Homopolymer: $935-980/tonne (CFR Huangpu); Copolymer: $965-995/tonne (CFR Huangpu); Film material: $1,000/tonne (CFR Huangpu); Transparent: $1,085/tonne (CFR Huangpu); Pipe material: $1,160/tonne (CFR Shanghai).

【International News Digest】 Raw Materials - The new plastic is completely soluble in seawater — no micro-particles Automotive - Syensqo Unveils Bright Orange Flame-Retardant PPA for EV Safety Applications Corporate - Sulzer inaugurates biopolymer engineering and scale-up center Macro - Trump Team Considers Meeting with Iran This Week Price - USD/CNY Central Parity Rate at 7.1746, Up 43 Pips International News Details The new plastic is completely soluble in seawater — no micro-particles Japanese scientists from the The Center for Research on New Materials (RIKEN) was established a new type of plastic, is a recyclable material that dissolves in seawater, leaving no residue behind. The plastic, called alkyl SP2 has high strength, can be molded at temperatures above 120°C, and can be transformed into anything from hard shells to soft films. At the same time, unlike most biodegradable plastics, this material does not leave behind any microplastic particles. It can completely dissolve in seawater within 2-3 hours. Syensqo Unveils Bright Orange Flame-Retardant PPA for EV Safety Applications Belgian materials giant Syensqo has launched Amodel PPA HFFR-4133 Orange (OR), a flame-retardant polyphthalamide designed for electric vehicle (EV) safety applications.This advanced material features a stable, vibrant orange hue that retains brightness even after prolonged high-temperature exposure, addressing growing industry demands for safety and visibility in critical EV components like connectors and busbars. Sika launches PU adhesive for primerless auto glass replacement Sika launches Sikaflex® P2G Premium, a high-performance solution designed to complement their primerless auto glass replacement (AGR) product line. Sikaflex® P2G Premium offers a 3-hour minimum drive-away time (MDAT), optimized performance at elevated temperatures, short cut-off string, plus excellent decking and glass-slip properties. Sulzer Inaugurates Biopolymer Engineering and Scale-Up Center Sulzer Ltd. (Winterthur, Switzerland) opened its fourth location in Switzerland. The Innovation Technology Hub (InTecH) in Winterthur Töss will further enhance Sulzer’s research and development capabilities in advanced biopolymer engineering and recycling. With 3,150 m2 of laboratory and research space, this strategic investment is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainable innovation. Syensqo and Fairmat enter collaboration for carbon-fiber recycling SyensqoS.A. (Brussels, Belgium) and Fairmat S.A.S., a French company that turns carbon fiber into scalable, high-performance recycled materials, have entered into a collaboration agreement. Under this agreement, Fairmat will recycle Syensqo’s U.K. carbon fiber prepreg waste, transforming it into valuable resources for the production of new products in the sports, energy, mobility, and electronics markets.  OMAN：Government support fuels growth of plastics processing sector Two years ago, Oman and its state-owned petrochemicals group OQ launched the Labayn incentive programme – a scheme designed to encourage plastics processing companies to set up operations in the Gulf state. The initiative appears to be bearing fruit. So far, 18 companies from Europe, the Middle East, India, China, and Southeast Asia have committed to investing, said Abdul Rahman Al-Tamtami, OQ’s vice-president of global marketing, speaking at a press conference in Rotterdam in the Netherlands.   Overseas Macro Market Updates   BOJ Maintains Rates, Plans Slower Bond Tapering Next Year: The Bank of Japan kept its benchmark interest rate at 0.5% and will slow bond purchase tapering to ¥200 billion per quarter from next fiscal year (current pace: ¥400 billion/month), in line with market expectations. Trump Team Considers This Week’s Iran Talks: Axios reported the White House is weighing talks with Iran this week on the nuclear deal and Israel ceasefire. A U.S. official confirmed discussions on the proposal, with the U.S. reportedly using potential supply of bunker-busting bombs to Israel as a bargaining chip. Lagarde Urges Action to Boost Euro’s Global Role: ECB President Christine Lagarde called for decisive steps to strengthen the euro’s role in the international monetary system, emphasizing Europe must solidify geopolitical credibility, economic resilience, and institutional frameworks.   Price Information   【USD/CNY Central Parity Rate】The central parity rate of the Chinese yuan against the U.S. dollar was set at 7.1746, up 43 pips from the previous trading day. The previous day's central parity rate was 7.1789, the official closing price was 7.1802, and the overnight closing price was 7.1818. 【Raw Materials - USD Market Prices】 Ethylene (Asia): CFR Northeast Asia: $800/ton, up $10/ton CFR Southeast Asia: $850/ton Propylene (Northeast Asia): FOB Korea average: $710/ton, down $10/ton CFR China average: $760/ton North Asia LPG (CIF): Propane: $581-583/ton Butane: $551-553/ton South China LPG (July arrival, CIF): Propane: $593-603/ton Butane: $540-550/ton Taiwan LPG (CIF): Propane: $581-583/ton Butane: $551-553/ton 【LLDPE - USD Market Prices (CFR)】 Film grade: $915/ton (Huangpu) Injection molding grade: $960/ton (Dongguan) 【HDPE - USD Market Prices (CFR)】 Film grade: $910-915/ton (Huangpu), up $10/ton Hollow grade: $860/ton (Huangpu), down $5/ton 【LDPE - USD Market Prices (CFR)】 Film grade: $1,035/ton (Xiamen) 【PP - USD Market Prices (CFR)】 Homopolymer: $885-935/ton (Huangpu) Copolymer: $955-1,040/ton (Huangpu) Film grade: $1,025-1,090/ton (Huangpu) Transparent grade: $1,065/ton (Huangpu), down $20/ton Pipe grade: $1,160/ton (Shanghai)

International News Digest: Raw Material News-Eastman loses $375M DOE grant for Texas plastics recycling facility； Auto News-Asahi Kasei launches new series of Sunfort™ dry film photoresist； Packaging News- KHS Partnership with Husky to launch lightweight PET bottle ； Macro News-Institution: The growth rate of the global smartphone market has declined for three consecutive quarters.； Price information-The central parity rate of the RMB against the US dollar was reported at 7.1869, up 21 points.   The following is an international news update: 1. Eastman loses $375M DOE grant for Texas plastics recycling facility； After a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) nreview, specialty materials company Eastman has lost a $375 million grant it had been awarded in March 2024 to help cover the costs of building its second molecular recycling facility for plastics in the country—a $1.2 billion project—in Longview, Texas, where the company has maintained an operational presence for decades. 2. KHS Partnership with Husky to launch lightweight PET bottle German packaging machinery specialist KHS , in close collaboration with Canadian injection moulding machine manufacturer Husky , has unveiled an ultra-lightweight PET bottle for still beverages.Currently knows as Factor 101, the bottle weighs just 5.89 g while holding 591 ml – a 30% material reduction compared to standard lightweight bottles on the US market, the company said. 3. Sulzer to supply proprietary equipment to Emirates Biotech for PLA facility in UAE Sulzer to supply proprietary equipment to Emirates Biotech for PLA facility in UAESulzer has recently signed a supply contract with Emirates Biotech to provide the proprietary equipment that will serve as the technological core of the world-scale Polylactic Acid (PLA) production facility being built by Emirates Biotech in the United Arab Emirates. This follows a licensing agreement signed in December 2024, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two companies. 4. Asahi Kasei Launches New Sunfort™ Dry Film Photoresist Series According to foreign media reports, Asahi Kasei Corporation (Asahi Kasei has developed the Sunfort™ dry film photoresist TA series, aimed at meeting the growing demand in the advanced semiconductor packaging field for applications such as artificial intelligence (AI) servers. This product is positioned as a strategic product within Asahi Kasei's materials division, aiming to enhance its influence in the rapidly growing next-generation chip packaging market. The dry film utilizes traditional step exposure systems and laser direct imaging (LDI) systems, providing ultra-high resolution that helps transfer circuit patterns onto substrates during the packaging process, thereby improving the performance and precision of back-end processes.  5. BASF launches €6B sale of coatings business BASF SE has launched the previously announced sale of its coatings business, with the potential deal valued at about €6 billion, according to a Bloomberg report May 30. In recent weeks, the company has sent information on the business to potential bidders, the report said. 6. EUROPEN launches interactive guidebook to help businesses navigate EU PPWR EUROPEN has released a new interactive guidebook designed to help businesses navigate the evolving requirements of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).   The following is overseas macro market information: Overseas macro market information: 【Minutes of the Federal Reserve 's May Monetary Policy Meeting.】 tend to act cautiously and predictably in terms of policy easing. He believes that it is not the time to shift policy to an expansionary stance. The policy is in a favorable position and can respond decisively when necessary. Lowering the cash rate is an appropriate response to global risks. The reason for the interest rate cut of 25 basis points is higher than that of 50 basis points. He believes that policy is ' somewhat restrictive ' at the current interest rate level. 【Goldman Sachs : Aluminium prices may fall to $ 2,100 a tonne due to accelerating Indonesian supply.】 Goldman Sachs said it expects aluminium prices to fall to a low of $ 2,100 a tonne by early 2026, a level that would suspend overinvestment in Indonesian smelting capacity. Three 500,000 tonnes smelters in Indonesia will be operational by mid-2026, earlier than expected, according to Goldman Sachs. The increase in production will lead to a million tons of excess supply in 2026, the largest excess since 2020. 【Bank of Japan Governor 's dovish remarks push the yen lower in early trading.】The yen weakened against most other G10 and Asian currencies in early trading due to dovish signs of earlier remarks by Bank of Japan Governor Takeda and Masahiro. Ueda said that uncertainty, including the prospect of trade policy, is still high, and this uncertainty may continue even if the tariffs are determined. The Bank of Japan will not pre-set interest rate policy, nor will it promote interest rate hikes in order to make room for future interest rate cuts. The US dollar rose 0.3 % against the Japanese yen in early trading, the euro rose 0.1 % against the Japanese yen, and the New York dollar rose 0.2 % against the Japanese yen. 【Institution: The growth rate of the global smartphone market has declined for three consecutive quarters.】 The latest research from Canalys shows that in the first quarter of 2025, the global smartphone market achieved only 0.2% growth, with shipments reaching 296.9 million units. As the phased peak of device replacements comes to an end and manufacturers seek healthier inventory levels, the growth rate of the global smartphone market has declined for three consecutive quarters. Samsung ranked first, with shipments reaching 60.5 million units; Apple ranked second, with shipments of 55 million units, capturing a 19% market share; Xiaomi remained in third place, with shipments of 41.8 million units and a market share of 14%. Vivo and OPPO ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, with shipments of 22.9 million units and 22.7 million units. 【Trump says Iran will not be allowed to conduct any uranium enrichment activities.】According to U.S. media reports on June 2, U.S. Middle East envoy Wittekov proposed a new plan regarding the Iran nuclear issue on May 31, which would allow Iran to conduct limited low-concentration uranium enrichment activities for a certain period of time. However, U.S. President Trump later denied this statement, stating that no uranium enrichment activities would be allowed for Iran. 【Japan 's 10-year bond auction is in hot demand, and Thursday 's 30-year auction is the next test.】 In this JPY 2.6 trillion 10-year bond auction, the bidding multiple jumped from 2.54 last month to 3.66, far exceeding the average level of the past year. Investors pay close attention to Thursday 's 30-year auction, which will determine whether the market is ready to meet the pain of normalization after the Bank of Japan withdraws from the ultra-loose policy. 【OECD once again lowered its global economic growth forecast, which is expected to be 2.9 % this year and next. 】 OECD lowered its global economic growth forecast for 2025 from 3.1 % to 2.9 %. The forecast for global economic growth in 2026 is lowered from 3 % to 2.9 %. The U.S. economic growth forecast for 2025 was lowered from 2.2 % to 1.6 %. Japan 's economy is expected to grow by 0.7 % in 2025 and 0.4 % in 2026. The UK 's economy is expected to grow by 1.3 % in 2025 and 1 % in 2026. Germany 's economy is expected to grow by 0.4 % in 2025 and 1.2 % in 2026. OECD said that easing trade tensions is the focus of global policy. Protectionism exacerbates inflationary pressure. The OECD stated that easing trade tensions is a global policy priority. Protectionism has exacerbated inflationary pressures. Price Information: 【Central parity rate of RMB vs USD】 The RMB's central parity rate against the US dollar is set at7.1869, up by 21 points; the previous trading day's midpoint was 7.1848, the previous trading day's official closing price was 7.1991, and the overnight session closed at 7.1972. 【Upstream raw material USD market prices】 Ethylene Asia:CFR Northeast Asia $780/ton; CFR Southeast Asia $850/ton. Propylene Northeast Asia:The average FOB price in South Korea is 745 USD/ton, down 5 USD/ton; the average CFR price in China is 775 USD/ton, down 10 USD/ton. North Asia frozen cargo CIF, Propane550-552 USD/ton; Butane 520-522 USD/ton. South China frozen goods CIF prices in early July: Propane at $602-612/ton; Butane at $537-547/ton. Taiwan region frozen cargo landed price, propane550-552 USD/ton; butane 520-522 USD/ton. 【LLDPE USD market price】 Film:$875/ton (CFR Huangpu), down $5/ton. Injection molding:USD 970/ton (CFR Dongguan) 【HDPE USD market price】 Thin film:$900-920/ton (CFR Huangpu), down $5/ton. Hollow:865-870 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); 【LDPE USD market price】 Film: (Note: The word "" translates directly to "film" in English, but without additional context, it's not clear if this is referring to a specific type of film or if there should be more to the sentence. Therefore, only "Film" is provided as a direct translation.) 1025-1035 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu), down by 5 USD/ton; 【PP USD market price】 Uniform aggregation:$890-950/ton (CFR Huangpu), down $15/ton. Copolymerization:955-1060 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Membrane material:1025-1090 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Transparent: USD 1085/ton (CFR Huangpu), down USD 10/ton. Pipes:1160 USD/ton (CFR Shanghai).  

International News Digest: Raw Material News-DOMO Chemicals offers its ISCC PLUS certified mass balanced PA6 resins Automotive News-Sumitomo Chemical's glass fiber reinforced PP materials are seeingin sales scale in Europe Packaging News-Danish recycler launches recycled PET lid for hot beverages Macro News-Turkey Initiates Anti-Dumping Investigation on Sodium Gluconate from China Price Information - The central parity rate of the RMB against the US dollar was reported at 7.1876, down by 43 points.   The following is the detailed international news: 1.DOMO Chemicals offers its ISCC PLUS certified mass balanced PA6 resins In line with DOMO Chemicals' corporate mission to develop polyamide solutions that contribute to a more sustainable world, the company has adopted the mass balance approach with the aim of providing bio-based raw materials to the customers.The entire portfolio of DOMAMID® PA6 base polymers is now available with the ISCC PLUS certification, offering increased customer choice while maintaining high quality standards.   2. Sumitomo Chemical's glass fiber reinforced PP material continues to expand its sales scale in Europe. Sumitomo Chemical showcased its "glass-based transparent display," glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene (PP) automotive-grade material "THERMOFIL HP," and glass fiber-reinforced recycled PP material "THERMOFIL CIRCLE" at the recently concluded Human & Automotive Technology Expo 2025 Yokohama in Japan. The THERMOFIL series represents specialty plastics that integrate PP with glass fibers through exclusive compounding technology. Notably, THERMOFIL HP containing 50% glass fiber content has entered global commercial distribution, demonstrating superior strength compared to engineering plastics like polyamide (PA) 66 and PA6 with 30% glass fiber reinforcement, while maintaining a lighter weight advantage. 3. Danish recycler launches recycled PET lid for hot beverages Rigid food packaging manufacturer and recycler Faerch (Holstebro, Denmark) has introduced a hot drinking lid made from recycled PET. According to the company, the new lid is made from 85% rPET and is fully recyclable back into food-grade packaging. 4.Borealis invests €100M to expand PP capacity in Germany Borealis is investing over €100 million in a new line to produce High Melt Strength polypropylene (HMS PP) at its Burghausen plant in Germany, the Austria-based polymer manufacturer announced at its pre-K online event. 5.Global first:D3O Unveils Non-Newtonian Motorcycle Helmet Technology​ Technology media Newatlas published a blog post yesterday (May 26) reporting that the world's first non-Newtonian material motorcycle helmet has been developed and is expected to be available for sale by 2027. Developed by D3O, the helmet leverages a groundbreaking material whose viscosity dynamically adapts to external forces. During normal use, it remains soft and fluid-like for comfortable wear, but instantly hardens into a rigid, protective shell upon violent impact—delivering unmatched safety without compromising comfort. 6. Healthcare TPE Advancing Innovation in Loop Recorder Monitoring Technology KRAIBURG TPE Healthcare TPE Advancing Innovation in Loop Recorder Monitoring Technology.Detecting heart rhythm irregularities early can be life-saving. Loop recorder monitoring devices improve long-term cardiac care by continuously tracking irregular heart rhythms and storing data for diagnosis. These devices must meet strict safety, biocompatibility, and durability standards. Overseas macro market information: 【Turkey Initiates Anti-Dumping Investigation on Sodium Gluconate from China】On May 25, the Turkish Ministry of Trade issued Announcement No. 2025/9, stating that, at the request of Turkish producers, an anti-dumping investigation has been initiated against sodium gluconate originating from China. The investigation period for dumping is from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, and the injury investigation period is from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2024. 【Tariffs Accelerate Sustained Surge in US Used Car Market​】 Auto service enterprisesCox Automotive's data shows that at the beginning of May, dealers' used car inventory was only enough to last 43 days. Over the past two months, the average price of the 50 best-selling used cars in the U.S. has been increasing every week, approaching $29,000. In contrast, the average price of new cars exceeds $48,000. 【The Japanese cabinet approved388 billion yen in reserve funds to counter U.S. tariff measures】On the 27th local time, the Japanese government decided in a cabinet meeting to use 388 billion yen from the reserve fund as part of an emergency response plan to address the tariff measures implemented by the U.S. government. Among this, 288 billion yen will be used to subsidize summer electricity and gas costs, and 100 billion yen will be allocated for "key support for local delivery funds," which local governments can utilize based on specific circumstances. 【Japanese Finance Minister: Will Closely Monitor Developments in the Bond Market】Japanese Finance Minister Shunichi Kato stated that interest rates are influenced by multiple factors, but the market generally believes that rising rates reflect concerns about the country's fiscal conditions. He emphasized that the government will closely monitor the bond market situation, including the ultra-long-term bond sector, and will continue to maintain close dialogue with bond investors and market participants. 【Korean Issuance20-year Treasury bond】South Korea issues 20-year government bonds with a yield of 2.715%. 【Canalys: Africa's smartphone market is expected to achieve a moderate growth of 3% by 2025.The African smartphone market got off to a good start in 2025, with regional shipments growing for the eighth consecutive quarter. The latest data from Canalys shows that in the first quarter of 2025, shipments increased by 6% year-on-year, reaching 19.4 million units. Canalys predicts that constrained by slow infrastructure development, rising sovereign debt, and macroeconomic instability, the African smartphone market is expected to see a moderate growth of 3% in 2025. 【The Japanese Ministry of Finance is considering reducing the issuance of ultra-long-term bonds and issuing more short-term bonds.】 Sources said that the Japanese Ministry of Finance will consider adjustments untilThe composition of the bond program for the fiscal year ending March 2026. It may involve reducing the issuance of ultra-long-term bonds and issuing more shorter-term bonds; the total issuance volume will remain unchanged. The Ministry of Finance will decide on the relevant changes after meeting with market participants in mid to late June. This move caused the yield on Japan's 20-year government bonds to plummet by 17.5 basis points during the trading day. 【Japan's government advisory group warns that rising bond yields will impact the fiscal situation.】  A Japanese government advisory panel has urged authorities to intensify fiscal consolidation efforts, as the Bank of Japan's sustained monetary tightening actions exacerbate the risk of rising debt repayment costs for Japan. According to a recommendation submitted on Tuesday to Katsunobu Kato, Japan's Finance Minister, the Fiscal System Council warned that the BOJ's interest rate hikes and reduction in bond purchases are causing a steady rise in government bond yields, necessitating more attention to Japan's fiscal situation. The council stated,"We must manage the fiscal situation with a high sense of urgency to prevent rising debt costs from crowding out necessary policy spending." 【Nomura Securities: If the government reduces issuanceThe ultra-long-term Japanese government bond market may further stabilize.】Nomura Securities said that the ultra-long Japanese government bond market could continue to stabilize in the future if the Japanese government decides to reduce the issuance. "Personally, I think the Ministry of Finance may start to shift to short-term borrowing from the third quarter, reducing the issuance of ultra-long bonds and increasing the issuance of short-term bonds," said Jin Moteki, a strategist at Nomura Securities. "This expectation seems to have led to a bull flattening of the Japanese government bond yield curve today." It is necessary to closely watch the results of the Japanese government bond primary dealer meeting, which is scheduled to be held on June 20. Price Information: 【 Central parity rate of RMB against USD】 The central parity rate of the yuan against the US dollar was set at7.1876, down 43 points; the previous trading day's midpoint was 7.1833, the previous trading day's official close was 7.1843, and the overnight closing was 7.1870. 【Upstream raw material USD market price】 Ethylene Asia:CFR Northeast Asia $780/ton; CFR Southeast Asia $850/ton. Propylene Northeast Asia:FOB Korea average price was $750 per ton, down $10 per ton; CFR China average price was $785 per ton, down $10 per ton. North Asia Frozen Cargo CIF Propane542-544 USD/ton; Butane 515-517 USD/ton. South China Frozen Goods CIF price in June, Propane 618-628 USD/ton; Butane 563-573 USD/ton. Taiwan region frozen cargo delivered price, propane$542-544/ton; Butane $515-517/ton. 【LLDPE USD market price Film:900 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Injection molding $990/ton (Dongguan Bonded Area spot); 【HDPE USD market price Film: The translation provided may be a partial one as the original Chinese text '' translates fully to 'Thin film' in English. Please provide the complete phrase or sentence for accurate translation.910-930 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Hollow:$865-870/ton (CFR Huangpu) 【LDPE USD market price】  Thin film:1035-1040 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); 【PP USD market price Homopolymerization:905-950 USD/ton (spot); Copolymerization:$955-1060/ton (CFR Huangpu), down $25/ton; Membrane material:$1025-1090/ton (CFR Huangpu) Transparent1095 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Tubing:$1160/ton (CFR Shanghai). Edit:Canoe  

News Headlines: Raw Materials News - $380 Million! PPG to Build New Aerospace Coatings Plant in the United States Automotive News - FF Officially Receives Factory and Operation Center in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE Packaging News-PepsiCo moves its sustainability goal posts Electronics and Electrical News-PLASTPOL Poland Exhibition ongoing! KINGFA responds to European market demands with new materials. Macroeconomic News- South Korea may hold a third round of trade negotiations with the U.S. after the election. Price InformationEthylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia $780/ton; CFR Southeast Asia $870/ton   The following are details of international news: 1、 $380 million! PPG to build new aerospace coatings factory in the USA Recently,PPG will invest $380 million to build a new aerospace coatings and sealants production facility in Shelby, North Carolina, USA. The construction project of this 62-acre plant will initially include production and warehousing units, with plans to start construction in October 2025 and expected completion in the first half of 2027. 2、FF officially receives the factory and operation center in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. On May 23, Faraday Future (FF) announced that it had officially taken over the Ras Al Khaimah factory and operations center in the UAE. This factory will be used to support the production of both FF and FX models. Previously, on May 21, 2025, during the "Made in UAE 2025" summit, the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) officially announced the cooperation project. FF’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Faraday Future Middle East FZ-LLC, signed the relevant agreement with RAKEZ on the spot. 3、Acquisition of SL Recycling site in Germany As expansion opportunities for German recycler Thees Kunststoffverarbeitung are limited at its headquarters location in the long term, the company plans to acquire an additional site in the neighbouring town of Bakum.According to Thees, the site already fulfils the requirements of a plastics recycler and offers enough space to efficiently organise and automate operations. By the end of 2025, Thees intends to install at least three recycling lines in Bakum and employ 10 to 15 people. The site is expected to focus primarily on the treatment of post-consumer waste, though the firm also recycles industrial waste. 4、Yizumi Turkey Subsidiary Opens: Leveraging the Asia-Europe Hub to Propel a New Global Landscape Local timeOn May 21, Yizumi Turkey Precision Machinery Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as: Turkey Subsidiary) held a grand opening ceremony and open day event in Istanbul's Silivri. Industry experts, representatives from agency companies, and client representatives attended the celebration. At the event, Mr. Zhang Tao, Director and Deputy General Manager of Yizumi, General Manager of the Injection Molding Machine Division, and General Manager of the International Business Division, delivered a speech. He pointed out that the establishment of the Turkey subsidiary is not only an important milestone in Yizumi's globalization journey, marking substantial progress in the company's strategic layout to deepen its presence in the Middle East and Africa markets, but also symbolizes a key step in Yizumi's commitment to localizing its strategy and building a new pattern of coordinated development between the Asian and European markets. 5、PepsiCo moves its sustainability goal posts PepsiCo. Inc. is cutting some key environmental goals related to plastic packaging and extending its timeline to achieve those new targets.The Purchase, N.Y.based beverage and snack food giant is replacing a previous goal of using 50 percent recycled content in plastic packaging by 2030 to with a new target of "40 percent or greater recycled content in our plastic packaging by 2035 or sooner," the company said. 6、Researchers to develop a process to remove pollutants from plastic production Researchers at the University of Minnesota are developing a process to remove pollutants from plastic production with selective combustion.The process involves engineering certain materials to only react to one molecule found in a mixture of hydrogen and carbon atoms, called hydrocarbons, and effectively removing toxic pollutants found in different plastics. 7、PLASTPOL in Poland is ongoing! KINGFA responds to European market demands with new materials. The 2025 PLASTPOL Poland Exhibition has grandly opened! At Pavilion 5, B21, KINGFA is fully demonstrating to the European market how our innovative materials empower industries and contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals..Focusing on the Three Core Highlights of the KINGFA Booth：1、The Charm of Biobased Materials；"Turning waste into treasure"Recycled plastic(PCR)；3、Driving performance upgrades"Hardcore" Special Engineering Plastics(SEP)。 8、Packaging company must pay £476,995 after fraud conviction A company and its director have been ordered to pay £476,995 at Birmingham Crown Court following an investigation into the fraudulent entry of waste packaging data.At Birmingham Crown Court, Shaobo Qin, a director of EDU Case Ltd, pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation and was handed a 2-year prison sentence suspended for 18 months. Overseas macro market information: 【Surging higherJapan's rice price rose by 98.4% in April, marking the highest increase since 1971. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan announced that the data shows,In April, Japan's consumer price index excluding fresh food was 110.9, up 3.5% year-on-year. Among this, the rice category surged by 98.4% compared to the same period last year. This marks the largest increase since comparable data became available in 1971 and represents the seventh consecutive month of record-breaking growth. 【The EU will cancel the tariff-free policy for Ukrainian agricultural products.】  The spokesperson for the European CommissionOn the 22nd, it was stated that the EU will not extend the wartime "autonomous trade measures" implemented since 2022, which exempted Ukrainian agricultural products from tariffs. The EU spokesperson said that the current tariff-free policy for Ukraine will expire on June 5th, and from June 6th, agricultural trade between the EU and Ukraine will be carried out under the framework of the trade agreement signed by both parties in 2017. 【The European Parliament passes bill imposing tariffs on Russian and Belarussian fertilizers and agricultural products.】  Local timeOn the 22nd, the European Parliament voted to pass a new tariff bill imposing tariffs on fertilizers and some agricultural products from Russia and Belarus. Specific measures include a basic tariff of 6.5% on fertilizers imported from Russia and Belarus, with an additional tax of 40 to 45 euros per ton to be added during the period from 2025 to 2026. Regarding agricultural products, it was decided to impose a 50% tariff on agricultural products from Russia and Belarus that have not yet been subject to additional tariffs. 【To avoid uncertainty in trade policy, American importers are rushing to build up inventory. "Bonded warehouse" stockpiling Chinese goods Facing the abuse of export control measures by the US, American importers are accelerating the construction of bonded warehouses to stockpile Chinese goods, demonstrating the high degree of integration between the Chinese and American economies. According to ReutersOn the 21st, it was reported that importers in the United States, from clothing to auto parts, are rushing to build bonded warehouses for all kinds of Chinese imported goods. According to a previous CNN report, bonded warehouses can store imported goods for up to five years. These companies plan to use bonded warehouses to avoid tariffs and the uncertainty brought about by the US government's chaotic trade policies, waiting until the situation becomes clear before taking out the goods and paying tariffs at the latest rate. 【 Korea may hold a third round of trade talks with the U.S. after the general election】  According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea may hold a third round of trade talks with the United States after the general election. 【Report: The U.S. Trade Representative will inform the EU.Their proposal is not good enough. The British Financial Times reported that, according to the information obtained by the US Trade Representative's Office, People familiar with Lille's thinking revealed that Griel is preparing to tell EU counterpartsMaroš Šefčovič, the EU's proposal for trade negotiations did not meet U.S. expectations. The U.S. was dissatisfied with the EU's offer to only mutually reduce tariffs rather than commit to independently lowering them. 【European Central Bank Governing Council member Stournaras: Expected There will be an interest rate cut in June. European Central Bank Governing Council member Stournaras said that he expects Interest rates will be cut in June and then remain stable.   Price information: 【Central parity rate of RMB against USD】 The central parity rate of the yuan against the dollar is reported.7.1919, down 16 points; the previous trading day's midpoint was 7.1903, the previous trading day's official closing price was 7.2040, and the previous night session closed at 7.2060. 【 Upstream raw material US dollar market prices】 Ethylene Asia:CFR Northeast Asia $780/ton; CFR Southeast Asia $870/ton. Propylene Northeast Asia: FOB Korea average price $760/ton; CFR China average price $795/ton. North Asia frozen cargo, propane FAS price540.5-542.5 USD/ton; Butane 514.5-516.5 USD/ton. South China Frozen Goods June CIF prices: Propane 617-627 USD/ton; Butane 567-577 USD/ton. Taiwan region frozen cargo CIF price, propane540.5-542.5 USD/ton; Butane 514.5-516.5 USD/ton. 【LLDPE USD market price】 Film:900 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Injection molding: $990/ton (Dongguan Bonded Area spot); 【HDPE USD market price】 Thin film:910-930 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu) The void: It seems there might have been a misunderstanding in the original request as "" translates directly to "middle air" or "center hollow", not "The void". If you meant something else, please provide more context.$865-880 per ton (CFR Huangpu) 【LDPE USD market price】 Film:1040-1060 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu) 【PP USD market price】 Uniform aggregation:970-985 USD/ton (spot); Copolymerization:980-1060 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Membrane material:1025-1090 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Transparent:1030-1100 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu), an increase of 15 USD/ton; Pipe materials:1,160 USD/ton (CFR Shanghai).  

April 25, 2025 The Ministry of Economy and Finance issued Order No. 1125, It has been decided to continue imposing duties on oriented polyester film with a thickness of more than 10 microns originating from China, Indonesia, and Thailand. Impose a five-year anti-dumping tax on films(See attached table), among them,The tax rate in China ranges from 2.50% to 25.04%.The Korean tariff numbers of the products involved are 3920.20.0000 and 3921.90.2000. The measures take effect from the date of the announcement. On January 7, 2013, South Korea initiated an anti-dumping investigation on oriented polypropylene films imported from China, Indonesia, and Thailand. On December 20, 2013, South Korea officially imposed anti-dumping duties on the products from these three countries. Subsequently, South Korea conducted a sunset review, and on August 23, 2019, it made an affirmative ruling and extended the duration of the duty collection. On April 26, 2024, South Korea launched a second sunset review investigation on the products from these three countries. On February 20, 2025, the South Korea Trade Commission made a final ruling on the second sunset review, recommending the continued imposition of anti-dumping duties. Appendix: Final ruling tariff table for the second sunset review of the anti-dumping case on import-oriented polypropylene film from China by South Korea

On April 15th, U.S. time, the White House website reiterated that due to China's retaliatory measures, goods exported from China to the U.S. are now facing tariffs of up to 245%. As early as April 11, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce stated that the U.S. imposition of excessively high tariffs on China has turned into a numbers game, holding no practical economic significance. If the U.S. continues with this tariff numbers game, China will not pay it any heed. Actually, the latest statement from the White House "China now faces up to a 245% tariff on imports to the United States as a result of its retaliatory actions." That is, the maximum (up to) tariff that goods going from China to the United States might face could be 245%, not all goods. The number is not a newly imposed tariff, but the result of adding the 100% tariff on some goods (such as syringes, needles) during the 2018 trade war to the additional 145% tariff in 2025. For instance, The New York Times previously illustrated that the tariffs on certain medical products could reach up to 245% due to the==== rule. Attached figure.

After being hit with a 46% tariff increase by the U.S., Vietnam is now in talks with the U.S. for a 0% tariff agreement. General Secretary Su Lin of the Vietnam Communist Party said that Vietnam is prepared to lower its tariffs to zero, and has asked the United States to do the same. Vietnamese official media reported that General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Nguyen Phu Trong, and U.S. President Donald Trump have agreed to discuss and sign a bilateral agreement to implement a zero-tariff commitment. Former President Trump posted on social media platform X: "I just had a conversation with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Nguyen Phu Trong. It was very constructive. He told me that as long as Vietnam and the U.S. can reach an agreement, Vietnam is willing to reduce tariffs on the U.S. to 0. On behalf of the United States, I thank him and look forward to a formal meeting in the near future."

Hyundai Motor plans to launch a new generation of interior designs next year, with the core concept of enhancing driving safety by optimizing the interior layout. Simon Rozby, the Vice President of Design, revealed that the new design will retain physical buttons, reduce reliance on the central control screen, and at the same time reduce the size of the infotainment display and simplify the touch screen software functions. The aim is to ensure that drivers "keep their eyes on the road and hands on the steering wheel," avoiding distractions caused by frequent screen operations. The Hyundai design team believes that it is crucial to strike a reasonable balance between screen size and functional layout. Screens should only serve as auxiliary tools, not dominate driving operations. Overly large screens or complicated submenus can force drivers to be distracted, violating the principle of "focus on driving." This design philosophy coincides with Volkswagen's recent trend of returning to analog design, emphasizing a driver-centered safety experience.

On April 3, reports indicated that Vietnam's Ministry of Finance recently proposed cutting import tariffs on a range of products including cars, liquefied natural gas (LNG), wood, and agricultural goods. The tariff on certain types of cars would be reduced from a rate ranging between 45% and 64% down to 32%. This move aims to avoid potential additional tariffs that the U.S. might impose on Vietnam. Reports indicate that Vietnamese authorities stated that the decree revising the most-favored-nation tariff adjustment is expected to be released within 3 months. The statement indicated that the revised decree was "to address the complex and unpredictable developments in the global geopolitical and economic landscape," as tariff policies "significantly" impact the economies of countries worldwide, including Vietnam. In 2024, Vietnam's trade surplus with the United States expanded to $123.5 billion, making it the third highest country with a trade surplus against the U.S., following China and Mexico. In response, the equivalent tariffs imposed by the United States on Vietnam reach as high as 46%, making it the fourth highest among countries and regions on the tariff list, only behind Cambodia, Laos, and Madagascar. Additionally, apart from the United States, Vietnam has previously announced a series of import tariff adjustments targeting other automobile-exporting countries. According to the latest policy, starting in 2025, Vietnam will reduce import tariffs on luxury cars from regions such as Europe and Japan.  

International News Digest:Raw Material News - Shell Completes Sale of Refining and Chemical Assets in SingaporeKorean KG Mobility Teams Up with Chery Automobile to Develop Mid-to-Large-Sized SUVPackaging News - 9 million tons of plastic pressure, Vietnam's 870 trillion beverage market faces green packaging transformation!Exhibition Highlights - The RePlast Eurasia Expo will be held in Turkey in May, gathering pioneering forces in the plastic recycling industry.Equipment News - Swiss Auto Injector Manufacturer Invests $220 Million to Build Factory, Entering the U.S. Auto Injection Equipment MarketMarket News - Brazilian Congress Plans to Draft Legislation to Counter Unilateral Trade ActionsMarket Price News - Ethylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia $855/ton; CFR Southeast Asia $920/ton Here is the translated content:The following is an overview of international news:Shell completes sale of Singapore refining and petrochemical assetsOn April 1, Shell announced that it had completed the sale of its Singapore Energy and Chemicals Park to a joint venture formed by Glencore and Indonesian chemical manufacturer PT Chandra Asri Pacific. Specific financial details were not disclosed. Shell announced the transaction on May 8, 2024. The Singapore Energy and Chemicals Park includes refining and chemical assets located on Pulau Bukom and Jurong Island. The assets on Pulau Bukom include a refinery with a capacity of 237,000 barrels per day, which was established in 1961, and an ethylene cracker with an annual capacity of 1.1 million tons.2. BASF Launches New High-Temperature Nylon Product!Recently, BASF has further expanded its Ultramid® Advanced T1000 series products for durable components requiring special thermal management. This product series is developed based on polyamide 6T/6I resins, and the latest additions include optimized products with high hydrolysis resistance (HR) and high purity (EQ, or electronic grade). The newly developed HR and EQ grades exhibit excellent high strength and high rigidity at elevated temperatures, while also demonstrating outstanding creep resistance and good compatibility with coolants. Their overall performance significantly surpasses that of standard polyamide grades and many other PPA products available on the market.3. In May, the RePlast Eurasia Exhibition will land in Turkey, bringing together pioneering forces in the plastic recycling industry.RePlast Eurasia, as Turkey's first and only exhibition focused on the plastic recycling industry, holds a unique position in the industry. From May 8 to 10, 2025, the exhibition will once again gather leading brands and authoritative experts from the global recycling field. The event is jointly organized by Tuyap and the PAGCEV Association, dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge technological innovations in every aspect of the plastic recycling process. During the exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to explore hundreds of products and service types, including raw materials, equipment (including advanced waste sorting equipment), recycling technologies, collaboration resources from waste collection and sorting companies, professional design agencies, and consulting services.4. The United States has made a final ruling on the anti-dumping and countervailing duties for epoxy resin, with the dumping margin for Chinese producers/exporters at 354.99%.On March 31, 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued an announcement, making the final ruling on anti-dumping duties for epoxy resins imported from China, India, South Korea, Thailand, and Taiwan, China. Due to the lack of participation in the response from Chinese enterprises, the dumping margin for producers/exporters from China was determined to be 354.99%, while for producers/exporters from India it was 12.69%-15.68%, for those from South Korea it was 5.62%-7.59%, for those from Thailand it was 5.25%, and for those from Taiwan, China it was 10.93%-26.98%.5. Korea's KG Mobility Collaborates with Chery Automobile to Develop Mid-to-Large SUVsOn April 2nd, it was reported that South Korean automaker KG Mobility announced today that it held a joint development signing ceremony for mid-to-large SUV models with Chery Automobile in Wuhu, Anhui yesterday. The two parties will strengthen technical cooperation to promote future development. This signing ceremony follows the strategic partnership and platform licensing agreement signed with Chery in October last year, marking a concrete plan for substantive collaboration. Both sides will jointly develop mid-to-large SUVs for domestic and international markets and enhance cooperation in areas such as autonomous driving and software-defined vehicle E/E architecture (electrical/electronic hardware and software, etc.).6. Plastic Parts manufacturer Pittsfield Plastics installs a 1600-ton injection molding machine to produce PE parts.Injection molder Pittsfield Plastics Engineering (PPE) has announced the installation of a new 1,600-ton Jupiter 14000 injection molding machine from Absolute Haitian Corp. for large-part molding. The press, along with associated robotics and auxiliary equipment, will allow PPE to meet the needs of its latest customer, a manufacturer of septic products and services for the residential and commercial sanitation waste industry.7. Swiss automatic injector manufacturer invests $220 million to build a factory, entering the U.S. automatic injection molding equipment market.SHL Medical, a syringe manufacturer based in Switzerland, officially opened its most advanced new manufacturing plant in North Charleston, South Carolina. SHL Medical stated that the expansion, first announced in summer 2022 with an investment of $220 million, contributed to the local economy and created hundreds of new jobs in the area.8. 9 million tons of plastic pressure, Vietnam's 870 trillion beverage market faces green packaging transformation!The Vietnam Beer-Alcohol-Beverage Association (VBA) highlights that packaging plays a pivotal role in the modern economy by safeguarding products throughout the complex supply chain from production to consumption. It serves as a vital medium for brand communication and is crucial to the efficiency of the entire production and consumption system. Particularly for an economy like Vietnam, which boasts robust exports and strong domestic demand, the healthy development of the packaging industry holds strategic significance. Data from Nguyen Thanh Giang, General Director of Tetra Pak Vietnam, indicates the packaging industry's immense growth potential: Vietnam's food and beverage sector is projected to achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3% by 2027, with the market size reaching 872.9 trillion Vietnamese dong. This powerful market momentum not only demands expanded production capacity in the packaging industry but also raises higher expectations for innovation, functionality (such as aseptic preservation), design, and sustainability. Overseas macro market information:【Brazilian Congress Proposes Bill to Counter Unilateral Trade Actions】 On April 1 local time, the Economic Affairs Committee of the Brazilian Senate unanimously passed a proposal titled the "Economic Reciprocity Bill," aimed at authorizing the Brazilian government to take countermeasures when its foreign trade interests are harmed. Since this bill adopts a fast-track mechanism, it will bypass a full Senate vote and be directly submitted to the House of Representatives for deliberation.【Tesla European Sales Plunge】 Tesla electric vehicles have seen a sharp decline in sales in several European markets due to dissatisfaction with CEO Elon Musk and a boycott of his company's products, as well as reduced appeal after being on the market for many years. According to a report by Agence France-Presse on April 1, data from the French automotive manufacturer and sales platform showed that in March, Tesla's sales in France fell by 36.8% year-on-year amidst a slight dip in the overall French electric vehicle market. Swedish data indicated that Tesla's sales in March dropped by 63.9% year-on-year, and by 55.2% in the first quarter. In Denmark, Tesla's sales in the first quarter declined by 56% year-on-year.Goldman Sachs: Downgrades forecast for 10-year Japanese government bond yield by the end of 2025 to reflect U.S. recession risks; yen is the preferred tool to hedge against U.S. recession and tariff risks. Goldman Sachs' research team stated in a report that it has lowered its forecast for the 10-year Japanese government bond yield by the end of 2025 from the previous 1.60% to 1.50% to reflect the increased risk of a U.S. economic recession. Goldman Sachs noted that the rising risk of such an outcome may affect market pricing of the Bank of Japan's continued tightening policy. Goldman Sachs stated: "The downward trend in the stock market and relatively low U.S. economic growth also tilt the risks towards a stronger yen."Goldman Sachs expects the yen to strengthen to the lower end of the 140 zone against the dollar this year, as concerns around US growth and trade tariffs will boost demand for the yen. It believes that if the risk of a US economic recession increases, the yen will be the best hedge for investors.On April 1st local time, the Mexican government issued a statement saying that President Sheinbaum held his first telephone conversation with new Canadian Prime Minister Carney on the same day, during which both sides reached a consensus on the importance of maintaining economic competitiveness in North America. The statement noted that the leaders of the two countries agreed to continue dialogue to promote the process of regional economic integration while respecting the sovereign rights of member states. The Canadian government's statement described the leaders' call as productive, stating that Canada and Mexico are committed to deepening trade relations and jointly building a stronger economy.【Japanese Rice Prices Hit 12th Straight Week of Record Highs, Average Price per Bag Exceeds 200 Yuan】Latest statistics from Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries show that the average price of a 5-kilogram bag of regular rice in Japan is 4,197 yen (approximately 204 yuan RMB), which is about twice the price of the same period last year, marking 12 consecutive weeks of record highs. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated on April 1st that if necessary, the government will release more reserve rice into the market to stabilize prices.【Canada to Avoid Tariff Retaliation That Could Affect Domestic Jobs and Drive Up Prices】 Canada will refrain from implementing tariff countermeasures that could impact domestic employment and increase prices, according to two federal trade advisors. The country will not impose retaliatory tariffs on most U.S. food products and other essential goods.Finland has announced that it will completely shut down coal-fired power plants this spring. On April 1, the Finnish government stated that as two energy companies gradually close all coal-fired power plants, Finland will fully stop using coal in energy production this year. The Finnish government indicated that in the future, energy companies will rely on electric boilers, heat pumps, energy storage, biomass energy, and waste heat recovery to produce thermal energy, while the focus of electricity generation will shift to wind, nuclear, hydro, and solar energy.【MOFCOM Extends Anti-Dumping Investigation on Imported Brandy from EU to July 5】 In accordance with the provisions of the "Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Anti-Dumping," on January 5, 2024, MOFCOM issued Announcement No. 1 of 2024, deciding to initiate an anti-dumping investigation into imported brandy originating from the EU. On December 25, 2024, MOFCOM issued Announcement No. 59 of 2024, deciding to extend the investigation period to April 5, 2025. Given the complexity of this case, in accordance with Article 26 of the "Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Anti-Dumping," MOFCOM has decided to further extend the investigation period to July 5, 2025. Price information:【The central parity rate of the renminbi against the US dollar was下调18 basis points.】Note: It seems there is a missing word in the original Chinese sentence. The correct sentence should be "【人民币兑美元中间价下调18个基点】". The translation provided is the closest accurate representation given the context, but typically it would be phrased as "The central parity rate of the renminbi against the US dollar was下调18 basis points." or more naturally, "The central parity rate of the renminbi against the US dollar was adjusted down by 18 basis points."The central parity rate of the yuan against the US dollar was set at 7.1793, down by 18 basis points. The previous trading day's central parity rate was 7.1775, the official closing rate was 7.2687, and the overnight rate closed at 7.2706.Upstream raw material USD market priceEthylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia $855/ton; CFR Southeast Asia $920/ton.Propylene Northeast Asia: FOB Korea average price 800 USD/ton; CFR China average price 820 USD/ton, down 5 USD/ton.North Asia frozen cargo CIF price, propane $627-629 per ton; butane $617-619 per ton.The onshore price for South China frozen goods in April is as follows: propane 627-629 USD/ton; butane 617-619 USD/ton.The landed price of frozen goods in the Taiwan region: propane $627-629 per ton; butane $617-619 per ton.【LLDPE U.S. Dollar Market Price】Film: $955/ton (CFR Huangpu);Injection molding: 1010 USD/ton (spot in Dongguan bonded area);【HDPE US Dollar Market Price】Film: $940-950 per ton (CFR Huangpu).Hollow: $890-965/ton (CFR Huangpu)Injection molding: $825/ton (CFR Huangpu).LDPE USD Market PriceFilm: $1120/ton (CFR Huangpu), down $15/ton;Coating: $1360 per ton (CFR Huangpu).PP USD Market PriceAverage concentration: 935-990 USD/ton (spot), down 5 USD/ton;Co-polymer: $995-$1060/ton (CFR Huangpu spot)Film material: 1030-1105 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu);Transparent: $1020-$1050 per ton (CFR Huangpu spot);Tubing: $1,160 per ton (CFR Shanghai).

The United States recently announced a 25% tariff on all imported automobiles, effective from April 3, covering imported passenger vehicles (such as sedans and SUVs) and light trucks, as well as key automotive components (including engines and transmissions). The measure may also be extended to other parts if necessary.In response, Toyota Motor and Hyundai Motor, among other automakers, have commented. Toyota Motor stated that it will continue to maintain its existing operational model, strive to reduce fixed costs, and temporarily will not increase the prices of vehicles sold in the U.S. market.Honda Motor plans to ship as many vehicles to the U.S. as possible before the tariffs take effect. It says it's now trying to figure out what price increases consumers will accept for its various models, and is still planning to review its production base and export markets.Hyundai has issued a warning to its U.S. dealers and stated that it is evaluating its pricing strategy in response to the upcoming 25% tariff on imported cars and parts in the United States. Randy Parker, the CEO of Hyundai and Genesis North America, mentioned in a notification to dealers that it cannot guarantee the current vehicle prices, and wholesale prices for vehicles after April 2 may be subject to adjustment.

On April 1, 2025, global energy giant Shell officially announced that it had completed the sale of its energy and chemical park in Singapore to a joint venture formed by commodities trader Glencore and Indonesian chemical manufacturer PT Chandra Asri Pacific. This transaction marks an important step for Shell in optimizing its global asset allocation and focusing on its core business strategy, while also injecting new vitality into Singapore's chemical industry.According to Shell's statement, this transaction involves Shell's entire stake in the energy and chemical park in Singapore, including refining and chemical assets located on Bukom Island and Jurong Island. These assets are an important part of Shell's layout in the Asian region and are also one of the largest integrated energy and chemical complexes in Singapore. However, specific financial details, such as the transaction amount and terms, were not disclosed in the statement by Shell.Shell stated that this sale is part of its global strategic adjustment, aimed at optimizing asset allocation to enhance the company's operational efficiency and profitability. At the same time, Shell emphasized that it will continue to seek suitable asset allocation opportunities worldwide to achieve the company's long-term strategic goals. Regarding the sale of the Singapore Energy and Chemicals Park, Shell indicated that this decision was made after careful consideration, and the company believes that this transaction will bring a win-win outcome for both Shell and the buyer.Globally renowned commodity trader Glencore and PT Chandra Asri Pacific, as buyers in this transaction, have undoubtedly become among the greatest beneficiaries. Glencore’s acquisition will solidify its prominent position in Singapore, one of the world's premier refining and trading hubs. Meanwhile, as an Indonesian chemical manufacturer, PT Chandra Asri Pacific stands to gain from this acquisition by expanding its market share in Singapore and enhancing its overall competitiveness.For Singapore, this transaction also brings positive effects. The sale of the Shell Energy and Chemicals Park will attract more international capital and technology into Singapore's chemical industry, promoting the upgrading and development of the industry. At the same time, the establishment of new joint ventures will create more job opportunities and tax revenue for Singapore, fostering local economic prosperity.It is worth noting that while the specific financial details of this transaction have not been disclosed, market analysis suggests that it likely involves a substantial amount of money. Shell, as a global energy giant, has valuable assets in its energy and chemical park in Singapore. Meanwhile, Glencore and PT Chandra Asri Pacific, as financially strong buyers, also have the financial capability to complete this transaction.

IT House reported on April 2 that South Korean automaker KG Mobility announced today that it held a signing ceremony with Chery Automobile in Wuhu, Anhui, yesterday for the joint development of a mid-to-large SUV. The two companies will strengthen technical cooperation to drive future growth.This signing ceremony represents the concrete implementation of the substantive collaboration between the two parties, following the strategic partnership and platform licensing agreement with Chery Automobile in October last year. Together, they will develop mid-to-large SUVs for both domestic and international markets, while strengthening cooperation in areas such as autonomous driving and software-defined vehicle E/E architecture (electrical/electronic hardware and software).The medium and large SUV project is named "SE-10" and is scheduled to be completed by 2026, with its release date to be determined based on market conditions. KGM plans to not only expand its fuel vehicle lineup but also introduce eco-friendly models by leveraging strategic partnerships such as Chery Automobile's global platform.IT Home Note: KGM was formerly known as Ssangyong Motor, which was initially famous for manufacturing diesel, four-wheel drive, and off-road SUV vehicles. In 1997, Daewoo Motors acquired Ssangyong Motor, but due to financial issues within the Daewoo Group, it was sold again in 2000. SAIC acquired 49% of Ssangyong Motor in 2004, and later became its largest shareholder in 2005.However, due to mismanagement and the impact of the global economic crisis in 2008, SsangYong Motor filed for bankruptcy protection in 2009. SAIC Group had planned to acquire SsangYong Motor, but ultimately failed to do so. Subsequently, SsangYong Motor was acquired by the Indian automotive giant Mahindra Mahindra.In June 2022, the Seoul court in South Korea chose a Korean consortium led by KG Group as the final candidate to take over and merge with SsangYong Motor. The court confirmed the acquisition in August, and the company's restructuring process was completed in November. It was renamed KG Mobility in March 2023.Shuanglong once introduced models such as the Rexton, Musso, and Actyon in the Chinese market.

In an era where the global economy is increasingly focused on sustainability, Vietnam’s packaging industry is at a critical juncture for transformation and upgrading. To maintain and enhance its international competitiveness, the industry must proactively adopt green production practices and principles of sustainable development. This response not only addresses global market trends but is also a necessary choice in light of domestic environmental pressures and policy directions. The green transition of the packaging industry is a strategic adjustment driven by both market demand and environmental responsibility.The Vietnam Beer-Alcohol-Beverage Association (VBA) emphasizes that packaging plays a crucial role in the modern economy. It safeguards products throughout the complex chain from production to consumption, serves as an important medium for brand communication, and is vital to the efficiency of the entire production and consumption system. Particularly for an economy like Vietnam, which is active in exports and has strong domestic demand, the healthy development of the packaging industry holds strategic significance.The Vietnamese packaging industry is experiencing strong growth, driven mainly by an active domestic consumer market (especially in the food and beverage, fast-moving consumer goods, and e-commerce sectors), the demand for high-quality packaging from an export-oriented economy, and the enhancement of technology, management, and market requirements brought by foreign direct investment (FDI).However, high growth comes with severe challenges, particularly regarding issues related to sustainable development. Firstly, the market's demands for the functionality, aesthetics, and environmental friendliness of packaging are continuously increasing, driving the industry to innovate towards greener, smarter, lighter, and recyclable/degradable solutions.At the same time, traditional production methods are energy-intensive and produce high emissions, requiring businesses to invest in upgrades to achieve energy conservation and emission reduction, thereby lowering environmental impact. The plastic waste crisis is one of the most pressing issues. Vietnam's plastic consumption surged from about 200,000 tons in 1990 to over 9 million tons in 2022, and it is expected to double again by 2029. If not managed properly, this will lead to severe "white pollution" and waste disposal crises. Nguyen Thi Thanh, from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (now the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment), emphasized the need for urgent measures to curb plastic waste.In addition, the increase in environmental awareness has led consumers to prefer sustainable packaging. Packaging companies need to incorporate this into their products and brand values. Both domestic and international markets have increasingly stringent requirements for packaging quality, safety, and compliance, and companies need to continuously improve.Nguyen Thanh Giang, General Manager of Tetra Pak Vietnam, confirmed the huge potential of the industry: Vietnam's food and beverage industry is expected to achieve a compound annual growth rate of 10.3% by 2027, with a market size reaching 872.9 trillion Vietnamese dong. This powerful market force not only demands an expansion in production capacity from the packaging industry but also sets higher requirements for innovation, functionality (such as aseptic preservation), design, and sustainability.Facing opportunities and challenges, Vietnamese packaging companies are actively exploring sustainable development paths. Nguyen Thanh Giang believes that the industry needs to focus on three key areas to adapt to market demands. First, optimize production costs by improving energy efficiency, reducing waste, optimizing the supply chain, and automating processes while promoting green practices. Second, apply green technologies by investing in clean energy, water-saving technologies, environmentally friendly inks/adhesives, and efficient waste disposal technologies. Third, strengthen recycling efforts by establishing a comprehensive packaging waste recycling system, which requires collaborative efforts from enterprises, the industrial chain, and society as a whole.Turning to sustainable materials is at the core of industry transformation. Companies are increasing the proportion of recycled plastics (such as rPET), promoting highly recyclable paper-based packaging, and exploring bio-based/degradable plastics (such as PLA) and new materials made from agricultural waste. At the same time, the concept of "designing for recyclability" has gained widespread acceptance, encouraging packaging to adopt single materials and simplify structures to improve recycling efficiency.Embracing digitalization and automation, technology is an important driver of sustainable development. The introduction of the Internet of Things, big data, artificial intelligence, and automated production lines can significantly improve production efficiency, reduce energy consumption and waste rates, optimize supply chain management, decrease carbon emissions, and enhance product traceability. Tetra Pak is a pioneer in this regard, not only optimizing its own operations but also investing heavily in recycling technology, collaborating with various parties to reintroduce recycled materials (such as paper, plastic, and aluminum separated from composite packaging) into the market, supporting its "net zero emissions" strategy.Strengthening industry collaboration and social participation, sustainable development requires the combined efforts of the ecosystem. Since its establishment in 2019, the Packaging Recycling Organization Vietnam (PRO Vietnam), has united many leading enterprises to jointly promote responsible packaging waste management. Its Chief Operating Officer, Chu Kim Thanh, emphasized that effective recycling requires the participation of all sectors of society. Through member collaboration, the alliance funds projects that raise recycling awareness, improve collection facilities, and promote sorting and reuse, laying the foundation for the implementation of the extended producer responsibility system.Achieving a circular economy requires cooperation across the entire supply chain, from suppliers, manufacturers, and brand owners to retailers and consumers. Brand owners should choose recycled materials, retailers should set up recycling points, and consumers should participate in sorting, collectively reducing reliance on virgin resources, promoting the application of sustainable materials, and ensuring the smooth operation of the recycling system. The Vietnamese government guides and regulates the industry towards sustainable development through legislation (such as EPR regulations), setting standards, financial incentives (tax breaks, subsidies), and supporting research, development, and infrastructure.The Vietnamese packaging industry is at a transformative juncture, characterized by both dynamism and challenges. Market demand serves as a strong driving force, while environmental pressures and sustainability requirements present hurdles that must be overcome. The future of the industry hinges on effectively balancing growth with environmental protection, and cost with innovation.Embracing sustainable materials, investing in green technologies, advancing digital automation, improving recycling systems, and deepening cross-sector collaboration will be the key pathways for the industry to move toward a more resilient, responsible, and globally competitive future. Despite the formidable challenges, through the joint efforts of the government, businesses, industry organizations, research institutions, and the public, Vietnam's packaging industry is poised to seize the opportunities of green transformation. By achieving its own high-quality development, it can contribute to the overall sustainable growth of Vietnam's economy, ultimately realizing the harmonious unity of economic, social, and environmental benefits. 

International News Digest:Shipping NewsPrice hike! Shipping companies announce April rate adjustments!Raw Material NewsThe prices of PE and PP resins in the United States have declined.Mechanical News-Strong partnership! Baolvete and LNJ lead a new era of bottle-to-bottle food-grade recycled PET.Packaging NewsCalifornia, USA, plans to ban the intentional addition of these substances in food packaging. Here is the translation of the provided Chinese text to English:The above content is an international news summary:1. 2,300 Tons of Treasure Found in 4,600 Tons of Plastic Waste! Italian Town Launches Polyethylene Recycling RevolutionOn April 1, Ecopolietilene and STR jointly announced a landmark achievement in a polyethylene recycling experiment. Over the past three years (2022-2024), the two organizations successfully extracted 2,300 tons of polyethylene products from 4,600 tons of urban plastic waste. This amount is equivalent to converting half of a landfill's 'white pollution' into recyclable 'green gold.' As a specialized institution under the Eco-lighting System Alliance focusing on polyethylene management, Ecopolietilene collaborated with STR, a leading solid waste management entity in the Province of Cuneo, Piedmont region. Through the implementation of targeted sorting and recycling programs, not only did they achieve a 40% increase in polyethylene product identification rates, but they also innovatively transformed the recycled materials into industrial raw materials such as construction films and reclaimed pipes.2. Price Increase! Shipping Companies' April Price Adjustment Notifications Have Arrived!Despite the persistent low levels of freight rates in the spot market, it is noteworthy that several well-known shipping companies have recently decided to go against the trend and have announced new price increases set to take effect in April. This price hike covers multiple important routes, including those to South America, the Mediterranean, and West Africa, with the increase being quite significant. According to the notice, the freight rate for the largest containers will be raised by up to $1,000 each.3. Powerful Collaboration! Polyt and LNJ Lead the New Era of Bottle-to-Bottle Food-Grade Recycled PETRecently, BOLONG and LNJ GREENPET, a subsidiary of Bhilwara Energy Limited in India, signed a contract to provide a food-grade PET bottle recycling and cleaning system for the largest recycled PET resin project in Rajasthan, India. BOLONG will supply its next-generation ES process, delivering high-quality food-grade recycled PET through an energy-efficient, stable, and reliable production method.4、BASF launches biomass-balanced flexible polyurethane foam system for the North American furniture industry.BASF is expanding its product portfolio for the furniture industry with the introduction of biomass-balanced grades of Elastoflex® polyurethane systems. These mass-balanced products, along with several BASF plants, have received REDcert2 certification, including the recently certified facility in Livonia, Michigan, USA. Staci Wegener, Director of Polyurethanes for BASF in North America, stated, "Supporting our customers in achieving their sustainability goals is our top priority. With our new biomass-balanced products, our customers now have access to solutions that replace fossil-based raw materials with renewable alternatives, potentially significantly reducing the product carbon footprint compared to traditional polyurethane foam systems."5. Market Disrupted by Tariffs, Yet Brazil's Plastic Industry Sees Rising InvestmentsBrazil's plastics industry association Abiplast has revealed that despite potential tariff threats that could destabilize trade relations, the Brazilian plastics sector remains optimistic about investment prospects in the coming years, with an anticipated annual investment of 10.5 billion reais (approximately $1.8 billion). During the industry event "Plastivision Brazil," the association highlighted that factory expansion plans, innovations in sustainable packaging technology, the development of new recycling techniques, and the strengthening of reverse logistics will be key drivers of investment growth. However, influenced by multiple factors such as tariff threats from U.S. President Trump and fluctuations in the global market, the Latin American polyester market is entering a period of uncertainty.6. US PE and PP resin prices declineAccording to Resinsights, prices for prime polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) continue to decline, with the lower levels encouraging broader demand. However, the average transaction size remains relatively small as packaging trucks are favored over bulk railcars. Resin sales have shifted more towards the domestic market: European buyers have curtailed imports from the U.S. as they may face a 25% tariff on American resins, and if tariffs are imposed, they could also face the threat of local price increases. Latin American and Asian buyers, recognizing the potential reduction in U.S. resin substitute sales, have become more aggressive by lowering their bids. PP activity has returned to a more moderate pace, with completed transactions falling below the average level from a week ago. PP prices dropped another half-cent, marking the fourth consecutive week of declines."Plastic Film Waste 'Turns the Tables', Coveris Joins Forces with Nextek to Tackle Recycling Challenges" Austrian packaging manufacturer Coveris has partnered with UK-based environmental consultancy Nextek to "upgrade" the mechanical recycling of flexible polyethylene and polypropylene films into high-quality food-grade recycled resins and films. Nextek's COtooCLEAN technology, recently recognized by the Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW), uses carbon dioxide to purify plastic film waste, which is then reprocessed to produce new food-grade films. Overseas macro market information:"Shell completes sale of Singapore Energy and Chemicals Park"Shell has completed the sale of its Energy and Chemicals Park in Singapore to a joint venture between Glencore and Indonesian chemicals maker PT Chandra Asri Pacific, the company said in a statement."Goldman Sachs Raises U.S. Recession Probability, Warns Tariff Policies Heighten Economic Risks"On March 30 local time, Goldman Sachs Group of the United States released a report raising the probability of an economic recession in the U.S. over the next 12 months from the previous 20% to 35%. The report stated that the U.S.'s aggressive tariff policies would increase inflation and unemployment rates, hinder economic growth, and elevate the risk of a recession. Goldman Sachs noted that "a sharp deterioration in household and business confidence, as well as remarks from White House officials indicating a greater willingness to tolerate short-term economic weakness to achieve policy goals," contributed to the upward revision of the recession probability. Following the implementation of President Trump's tariff policies, the U.S. economy would face broad negative impacts, with "the risks posed by tariff policies being greater than many market participants anticipated." Goldman Sachs also predicted that the average U.S. tariff rate would rise by 15 percentage points this year, 5 percentage points higher than previously expected. Higher tariff levels could keep inflation persistently elevated. The firm projected that by the end of this year, the year-on-year increase in the U.S. core CPI would reach 3.5%, significantly higher than the previous forecast of 2.8% and the Federal Reserve's 2% target. By then, the U.S. unemployment rate is expected to climb to 4.5%."U.S. Commerce Secretary urges companies to increase investments, American chip funding at a standstill."知情 sources say that U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has hinted he may reject promised Chips Act funding, as he is pushing companies eligible for federal semiconductor subsidies to significantly expand their investment projects in the U.S. Those familiar with the matter say Lutnick wants companies receiving incentives under the Chips Act to follow the footsteps of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., which recently announced it would invest an additional $100 billion at its U.S. facilities. Lutnick’s goal is to secure hundreds of billions of dollars in semiconductor investment commitments without increasing the scale of federal grants."Vietnam Officially Reduces Import Tariffs on Cars, Agricultural Products, and More"Vietnam has announced a reduction in import tariffs on a range of products, including liquefied natural gas and automobiles, with the tariff cuts taking effect on Monday. Vietnam has lowered the tariff rate for certain types of cars from a maximum of 64% to 32%, and the tariff rate for liquefied natural gas from 5% to 2%. The tariff rate for ethanol has been reduced from 10% to 5%. The announcement stated that import tariffs on agricultural products, including fresh apples, frozen chicken, almonds, and cherries, have also been lowered.IMF Chief Says Tariff Uncertainty Could Weigh on Global Economic GrowthOn March 31, Kristalina Georgieva, the President of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), stated in an interview that the uncertainty surrounding the U.S. government's tariff policies poses risks to global economic activity and could hinder global economic growth.Shell: Australia's Natural Gas Reservation Plan May Intensify ShortagesShell warned on Tuesday that a proposed Australian plan to mandate the release of export natural gas into the domestic market could deter investment and exacerbate supply shortages. As the Australian general election on May 3 approaches, energy issues have become a central campaign topic. The conservative Liberal-National coalition has pledged to reduce electricity prices through a gas reservation mechanism and prevent potential shortages on the east coast.Price information:CNY to USD Central Parity RateThe central parity rate of the Chinese yuan against the US dollar is reported at 7.1775, up by 7 basis points; the previous trading day's central parity rate was 7.1782, the official closing price was 7.2516, and the night session closed at 7.2570."Upstream raw material USD market prices"Ethylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia $855/ton; CFR Southeast Asia $920/ton.Northeast Asia Propylene: FOB Korea average price $800/ton; CFR China average price $825/ton.North Asia frozen cargo CIF, closed for holidays.In April, the landed prices for refrigerated goods in South China were: propane at $639-$641 per ton; butane at $629-$631 per ton.The landed price of frozen goods in the Taiwan region, market closed.【LLDPE US Dollar Market Price】Film: $955/ton (CFR Huangpu), down $5/ton;Injection molding: $1010/ton (Dongguan Bonded Zone spot).【HDPE US Dollar Market Price】Film: 940-950 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Hollow: $890-$965 per ton (CFR Huangpu);Injection molding: $825/ton (CFR Huangpu), down $5/ton.【LDPE USD Market Price】Film: $1120-1130/ton (CFR Huangpu), down $20/ton.Coating: 1,360 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu). 【PP USD Market Price】Homo-polymer: $935-995/ton (spot), up $5/ton.Copolymer: $995-1060/ton (CFR Huangpu spot).Film material: 1030-1105 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu);Transparent: $1020-1050/ton (CFR Huangpu spot);The pipe material: $1160 per ton (CFR Shanghai).

**Gasgoo News** According to Reuters, on March 31, French automaker Renault Group and Japanese automaker Nissan Motor announced that they have agreed to further revise their 20-year alliance agreement, reducing their cross-shareholding ratios, aiming to help Nissan revitalize its business.Image source: Nissan Motor official websiteReports indicate that the revised terms will lower the minimum cross-shareholding requirement for both parties from the previous 15% to 10%, and Nissan will also cease its contributions to Renault.Electric VehicleThe obligation of investing in Ampere. Previously, Nissan had committed to investing 600 million euros in Ampere.Nissan's newly appointed CEO, Ivan Espinosa, stated in a declaration: "Nissan is committed to maintaining the value and benefits of the alliance's strategic partnership while implementing efficiency-enhancing corrective measures." Renault CEO Luca de Meo said in a statement: "As Nissan's long-term partner in the alliance and its largest shareholder, Renault Group is fully willing to assist Nissan in swiftly turning around its performance."Renault also announced that it will acquire majority ownership of the joint venture in India from Nissan, which means that Nissan will exit the manufacturing business in the Indian market and focus on sales and services. However, Renault will continue to produce cars for Nissan at the joint factory located in Tamil Nadu, India. Industry data shows that the factory has an annual production capacity ofCapacityExceeding 400,000, but the current utilization rate is only about one-third.Renault CFO Duncan Minto said in a conference call that Ampere will still develop and produce an electric model designed by Nissan based on the Renault Twingo, proving that the cooperation between the two sides "remains vibrant." De Meo said that Renault's acquisition of Nissan's 51% stake in their Indian joint venture aims to help the French automaker further expand its overseas markets.Despite the acquisition of a 2 billion euro impact from the stake in Nissan's joint venture business in India, Renault still maintains a target of at least 2 billion euros in free cash flow by 2025.Prediction"Minto表示，此举赋予日产更大灵活性，可以出售资产以充实现金流，”这将有助于日产重组。" Translation: "Minto stated that 'this move gives Nissan greater flexibility to sell assets to boost its cash flow,' which will help Nissan's restructuring."Both parties stated that the revision of the alliance agreement and the termination of Nissan's investment commitment to Ampere need to meet several prerequisites, and it is expected to be completed by the end of May.