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New zealand building code major reform! new opportunities for building material exports
Starting from July 2025, New Zealand will officially implement the "Building Product Specifications Pathway," significantly simplifying the approval process for overseas building materials to enter the New Zealand market. This means that from July 2025, over 12,000 types of building materials (such as glued wood, gypsum board, veneer panels, wall panels, exterior wall systems, doors and windows, insulation materials, etc.) will be more widely accepted for use by New Zealand's Building Consent Authority (BCA). This policy breakthrough, referred to by New Zealand's Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) as the "largest reform in 30 years," has opened up an unprecedented compliance path for Chinese building material manufacturers. Shanghai Hongjun, as a professional service organization deeply engaged in global compliance for building products, provides you with an in-depth interpretation of the core benefits of the new policy. This policy is based on the "Amendment to the Overseas Construction Products, Standards, and Certification System" passed at the end of 2024, and opens the following three major compliance pathways: Overseas Standard Recognition - Ministerial Announcement SystemThe Minister of Construction has the authority to announce the recognition of groups of construction product standards issued by overseas standard organizations (such as ISO, ASTM), significantly simplifying the standard citation process. Direct recognition of overseas certificationThe certification results issued by overseas certification systems recognized by MBIE must be accepted by New Zealand building approval agencies. This means that products such as steel, doors and windows, insulation materials, etc., certified through mainstream international standards like ISO, ASTM, and EN can be exempted from repeated testing and quickly approved for entry into the New Zealand market. Building Material Product Specification Path (BPS)MBIE released the first draft of the "Building Material Product Specifications" in July 2025. Enterprises' products only need to meet the specified standards to be considered "Deemed to Comply" with New Zealand building regulations. The product range is broad, and it is highly integrated with international standards. The first version of the BPS draft has clearly included the following building materials products:
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MICROPLASTICS:Joint technical paper to help companies with new REACH labelling requirement
A group of European plastics trade bodies have published guidance for businesses in the run-up to a new labelling regime, due to come into effect in October this year, spelling out how to reveal the level of microplastics in certain products. The EU wants to see a 30% reduction in the amount of microplastics released into the environment by 2030 (Photo: Smarterpix/endewer1.mail.ru) The groups – European Plastics Converters (EuPC), Plastics Europe, the Association of European Manufacturers of Expanded Polystyrene (Eumeps), and European Masterbatchers and Compounders (EuMBC), a sub-group of EuPC – have published a joint technical paper revealing what they say is “clear and harmonised guidance on labelling requirements” under the REACH Restriction on synthetic polymer microparticles – microplastics – and the looming Pellet Loss Prevention Regulation.The organisations said the document is designed to support polymer producers, compounders, masterbatchers, and converters as they prepare for new labelling obligations, which are to come into effect on 17 October 2025.The guidance includes practical recommendations on standardised statements and illustrations – pictograms – along with advice on the placement of information on safety data sheets, labels, and packaging. It will also provide advice on Instruction for Use & Disposal, and generic polymer identification and disclosure thresholds.Back in October 2023, the European Commission proposed a regulation to tackle microplastics pollution resulting from losses of plastic pellets, which it said created the third largest source of unintentional releases of microplastics into the environment across the EU. As part of its zero-pollution plan, the EU wants to see a 30% reduction in the amount of microplastics released into the environment by 2030.
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Turning Point in Iran Nuclear Talks! European Chemical Industry Suffers Another Heavy Blow, 3D Bioprinting Breaks Through in Nerve Repair
International News Guide - Raw Materials - Awaiting Rare Earth "Arrival"? US Approves Ethane Ships but Bans Unloading! - Policy - Bombshell! Trump Says US Has Signed Agreement with China, Provides No Details - Medical - 3D Systems Advances Bioprinting for "First-of-its-Kind" Nerve Repair - Macro - To Push Iran Back to Nuclear Talks, US Considers Easing Sanctions and Facilitating $30B Investment - Price - USD/CNY Central Parity at 7.1627, Down 7 Pips International News Details 1. Bombshell! Trump Says US Has Signed Agreement with China, Provides No Details US President Trump said Thursday the US had signed an agreement with China a day earlier but gave no specifics. "Everyone wants a deal, wants to be part of it, right? I know (US Trade Representative) Jamieson Greer, (Commerce Secretary) Howard Lettnick, and (Treasury Secretary) Scott Bessent are working overtime to reach agreements with other countries," Trump said. "Remember months ago the media asked if we'd really found interested parties? Now we signed with China yesterday, didn't we?" He added: "We're starting to open the Chinese market—things that were impossible before are happening now." Trump made the remarks at a White House event to push lawmakers to pass a government spending bill by July 4. 2. Dr. Coffee enhanced food safety in commercial coffee machines with INEOS Styrolution's Zylar® MBS Dr. Coffee, a leading manufacturer of commercial coffee machines in China, has collaborated with INEOS Styrolution to utilize Zylar® MBS for key food contact components in its new line of premium coffee machines, launched worldwide. This partnership highlights the value of Zylar® MBS, which provides brand owners with a commitment to food safety and superior performance. 3. Awaiting Rare Earth "Arrival"? US Approves Ethane Ships but Bans Unloading! Reuters reported the US Department of Commerce Wednesday issued permits to Enterprise Products (EPD.N) and Energy Transfer (ET.N) allowing ethane loading onto ships bound for China, but banning unloading at Chinese ports without extra authorization. Notably, on June 19, China's Ministry of Commerce said it was accelerating reviews of rare earth export license applications, having approved a certain number of compliant applications and continuing to strengthen approvals. On the 26th, domestic firm Satellite Chemical reposted *Ethane Embargo Tensions Ease* via its official WeChat, stating the only restriction was the final "step" of unloading— a vague state typical of policy relaxation signals. 4. UBE Launches Bio-Circular Caprolactam and Recycled PA Composites UBE Corporation announced that its bio-circular caprolactam produced by UBE Corporation Europe S.A.U. and recycled polyamide composites DINALON® A2X25-MI H-4109 (PA66) and B2E25 G20DI-4115 (PA6) by UBE Composites Europe S.L.U. have obtained U-BE-INFINITY® eco-product brand certification. UBE grants this brand to R&D achievements and products with outstanding environmental contributions to enhance their value, committing to solving global environmental issues through U-BE-INFINITY® branded products. 5. Malaysia will stop accepting U.S. plastic waste, creating a dilemma for California Malaysia will ban plastic waste imports from the U.S. starting Tuesday because of America’s failure to abide by the Basel Convention treaty on international waste transfers, in a move that could have significant consequences for California. 6. Sabic to permanently close steam cracker at Wilton, UK Sabic will permanently close its 865,000 metric tons per year Olefins 6 steam cracker at Wilton, UK, the company said in a statement June 25. The unit has an annual nameplate production capacity of 865,000 metric tons of ethylene, 415,000 metric tons of propylene and 100,000 metric tons of butadiene, according to data from Platts, part of S&P Global Commodity Insights. 7. 3D Systems advances bioprinting tech for ‘first-of-its-kind’ nerve repair 3D Systems announced that its 3D bioprinting technologies have enabled FDA approval for the regenerative repair of peripheral nerve damage. For the last several years, 3D Systems has partnered with TISSIUM, a French MedTech company that is a pioneer in the development of biomorphic programmable polymers for tissue reconstruction, to develop a bespoke 3D printing solution for the repair of damaged peripheral nerves. 8. Circ Partners with Selenis to Scale Recycled PET from Cotton-Polyester Blends Under a new strategic agreement, Portuguese firm Selenis will toll process and polymerize thousands of tons of Circ polyester annually at industrial scale. The news follows French President Macron's May announcement of a €450 million investment in a new French plant using US-based Circ's cotton-polyester blend recycling technology. The new cross-industry collaboration enables Circ to leverage Selenis' mature polymerization infrastructure and expertise to convert recycled monomers from used textiles into high-quality Circ recycled PET for sportswear, basics, and fashion. The final result integrates scalable circular solutions into current supply chains. Overseas Macro Updates Japanese Finance Minister: Government Cannot Implement Bond Repurchases Currently Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato: The government cannot implement bond repurchases now; will continue considering the possibility. Will monitor developments on the US "retaliatory tax" proposal. Tokyo Inflation Slows for First Time in Four Months as Energy Costs Ease Before Elections Tokyo inflation slowed for the first time in four months due to moderating energy price gains and the Tokyo municipal government's partial water fee waiver for households ahead of national elections. Thai Finance Minister Announces Trade Talks in US Next Week Thai Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira told reporters Friday he will depart for trade talks in the US next week, confirming the dates but not details. Thailand faces a critical window—if it fails to reach a tariff reduction agreement before the July suspension period ends, its exports will be hit with 36% US tariffs, severely impacting the export-reliant economy. During the current suspension, most countries enjoy a 10% baseline rate. Goldman Sachs: Options Market Shows Low Likelihood of Hormuz Oil Disruption Goldman Sachs reported the options market gives a 60% probability Brent crude will stay at $60-70/barrel in three months, with 28% chance of exceeding $70. Report: US Considers Easing Sanctions on Iran to Push Nuclear Talks, Facilitate $30B Investment CNN cited four sources Thursday that the Trump administration is considering measures to bring Iran back to the negotiating table, including easing sanctions, helping Iran secure up to $30 billion in "civil nuclear program" investment, and unfreezing billions in restricted funds. A Trump administration official said proposals have been put forward but are in the preliminary stage and evolving, with the US demand for "zero uranium enrichment" remaining unchanged. Trump Says "Very Big" Trade Deal with India Possible Soon US President Trump said a "very big" trade deal with India could be signed soon, opening the Indian market to US businesses. Negotiators are meeting in Washington to break recent deadlocks on key issues. "We're reaching some great agreements. One more is coming, maybe with India—very big—to open India," Trump said at a White House event Thursday. Price Information [USD/CNY Central Parity ] 7.1627, down 7 pips (prev: 7.1620; official close: 7.1684; overnight: 7.1671) [Raw Materials (USD/ton) ] - Ethylene Asia: CFR NE Asia 850, CFR SE Asia 860 - Propylene NE Asia: FOB Korea avg 750, CFR China avg 800 - North Asia LPG CIF: Propane 534-536, Butane 504-506 - South China LPG July arrival: Propane 583-593, Butane 540-550 - Taiwan LPG CIF: Propane 534-536, Butane 504-506 [ LLDPE US Dollar Market Price ] Film : USD 880-930 / ton ( CFR Whampoa ) ; Injection molding : $ 940 / ton ( CFR Dongguan ) ; [ HDPE US Dollar Market Price ] Film : USD 910-930 / ton ( CFR Whampoa ) ; Hollow : USD 860-870 / ton ( CFR Whampoa ) ; [ LDPE U.S. dollar market price ] Film : USD 1105-1120 / ton ( CFR Yantian ) ; Coating : USD 1350 / ton ( CFR Whampoa ) [ PP US dollar market price ] Homogenization : $ 935-975 / ton ( CFR Huangpu ) ; Copolymerization : USD 965-995 / ton ( CFR Whampoa ) ; Film material : $ 1000 / ton ( CFR Huangpu ) ; Transparency : USD 1085 / ton ( CFR Whampoa ) ; Pipe : USD 1160 / ton ( CFR Shanghai ).
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The EU has canceled the China-EU High-Level Economic and Trade Dialogue! NEOS Phenol announces plans to close site in Germany, and Hasbro cuts 3% of total workforce amid higher tariff cos
International News Digest Raw Materials News - Adnoc bids $18.7 billion to acquire Australian energy giant after acquiring Covestro Packaging News - Danone Canada invests C$9 million in PET yogurt cup production, leading green revolution in dairy packaging with 30% recycled plastic Automotive News - BMW develops natural fiber composites: performance comparable to carbon fiber, carbon emissions reduced by 40% Macro News - Qatar sets the premium for June-loading Al-Shaheen crude oil contracts at the highest level in a year Price Information - RMB/USD central parity rate reported at 7.1761, down 15 pips Details of International News EU unilaterally announces cancellation of high-level economic dialogue with ChinaThe Financial Times reported on June 17, citing informed sources, that the EU has canceled important economic and trade talks with China ahead of the China-EU Leaders' Summit due to the lack of progress in multiple trade disputes. The newspaper stated that the China-EU economic and trade talks originally scheduled for July 24-25, which were to serve as the foundation for future dialogue between Beijing and Brussels, were called off. The cancellation may lower expectations for any concrete outcomes from the summit. After acquiring Covestro, Adnoc bids $18.7 billion to acquire Australian energy giant SantosShortly after completing the acquisition of German chemical giant Covestro, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) has taken action again. This time, it has set its sights on Santos, Australia's second-largest natural gas producer. Santos confirmed on June 17 that it has received an all-cash acquisition offer worth $18.7 billion (approximately A$27.4 billion) from an international consortium led by Adnoc, at A$8.89 per share, representing a 28% premium over the previous trading day's closing price. Including net debt, the transaction values Santos at A$36.4 billion, making it the largest all-cash corporate merger and acquisition (M&A) case in Australian history and the third-largest M&A deal overall. The acquisition is initiated by Adnoc through its investment arm XRG, in conjunction with Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ) and private equity giant Carlyle, aiming to expand its global natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) business footprint. INEOS Phenol announces plans to close site in Germany INEOS Phenol, the world’s largest producer of phenol and acetone, announced today its intention to permanently stop production at their site in Gladbeck, Germany. High European energy costs alongside Europe’s punitive CO2 tax policy have combined to leave Europe uncompetitive against imported Chinese production and a global oversupply. Monopoly maker Hasbro cuts 3% of total workforce amid higher tariff costs Toy seller has cut 3% of its global workforce in its latest cost-cutting effort amid higher U.S. tariffs on toys from China. The job cuts amount to about 150 employees. According to its fiscal 2024 annual filing, the company had roughly 4,985 employees globally. VAUDE's new bicycle backpack uses BASF's innovative zero-carbon footprint polyamide materialVAUDE, a leading German brand in sustainable outdoor clothing and equipment, has partnered with BASF to launch the new TRAILCONTROL ZERO 20+ bicycle backpack, setting a new industry benchmark. The backpack uses BASF's innovative Ultramid® ZeroPCF material—a polyamide 6 (PA6) product with a zero carbon footprint. Danone Canada invests C$9 million in PET yogurt cup production, leading green revolution in dairy packaging with 30% recycled PETDanone Canada, a French food and beverage giant, announced an investment of C$9 million (approximately US$6.7 million) to upgrade its production base in Boucherville, Quebec, to launch a production line for independent cup yogurt packaging made from PET resin. This move aims to fulfill its sustainable development goals, planning to incorporate 30% recycled PET material (rPET) into the packaging, and has secured distribution support from supermarkets nationwide in Canada. New guidelines published for best practices in chemical recycling / Framework spells out clarity and recommendations for companiesBrussels-based waste management group Chemical Recycling Europe (CRE) has announced the publication of a framework that it says will help a wide range of stakeholders assess the environmental performance of chemical recycling processes. BMW develops natural fiber composites: performance comparable to carbon fiber, carbon emissions reduced by 40%Technology media carscoops reported in a blog post today (June 18) that BMW has partnered with Swiss clean technology company Bcomp to develop new natural fiber composites using flax as raw material, with performance comparable to carbon fiber but 40% lower carbon emissions. Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M Division, pointed out that the material is key to lightweight innovation in racing and production vehicles and plans to include it as an optional configuration in future M series models. Overseas Macro Market Information Qatar sets the premium for June-loading Al-Shaheen crude oil contracts at the highest level in a yearQatar set the premium for June-loading Al-Shaheen crude oil contracts at $2.48 per barrel, the highest level in a year. Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) survey: Most respondents expect further policy easing in JulyA survey by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) shows that most respondents expect further monetary policy easing at the July policy review. Economists forecast a 2025 growth rate of 1.7%, lower than the 2.6% in the first-quarter survey, with 2026 growth also expected to be 1.7%. The overall CPI inflation forecast for 2025 is 0.9%, lower than 1.7% in the first quarter, and 1.5% for 2026. The core inflation rate is expected to be 0.8% in 2025, lower than the first-quarter survey's 1.5%, and 1.5% in 2026. Economists expect the economy to grow 3.0% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2025. Brent crude oil premium over Dubai crude hits a 2-year highData shows that the premium of Brent crude oil over Dubai crude oil has reached the highest level since September 2023. Japan's exports to the US fell sharply year-on-year in MayOn June 18, Japan's Ministry of Finance released the latest trade statistics. According to the results, Japan's exports to the US fell 11.1% year-on-year in May, once again resulting in a large trade deficit. The report shows that due to reduced exports of automobiles, steel, and mineral fuels to the US, exports fell 1.7% year-on-year to ¥81.4 trillion in May; benefiting from lower energy prices, imports fell 7.7% year-on-year to ¥87.7 trillion. Japan's trade deficit in May was ¥63.76 billion, far higher than ¥11.58 billion in April. By country and region, Japan's exports to the US fell 11.1% year-on-year to ¥15.1 trillion in May, with automobile and auto parts exports down 24.7% and 19%, respectively. The 25% tariff imposed by the US on automotive products has had a huge impact on Japan's exports. Price Information RMB/USD central parity rateThe central parity rate of RMB against the US dollar was reported at 7.1761, down 15 pips; the previous trading day's central parity rate was 7.1746, the previous trading day's official closing price was 7.1838, and the overnight session closed at 7.1874. Raw materials prices in USD Ethylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia at $810/ton, up $10/ton; CFR Southeast Asia at $850/ton. Propylene Northeast Asia: FOB South Korea average at $720/ton, up $10/ton; CFR China average at $760/ton. North Asia frozen cargo CIF price: Propane $577-579/ton; Butane $547-549/ton. South China frozen cargo July CIF price: Propane $598-608/ton; Butane $540-550/ton. Taiwan region frozen cargo CIF price: Propane $577-579/ton; Butane $547-549/ton. LLDPE prices in USD Film: $915/ton (CFR Huangpu); Injection molding: $960/ton (CFR Dongguan); HDPE prices in USD Film: $910-915/ton (CFR Huangpu); Hollow: $860/ton (CFR Huangpu); LDPE prices in USD Film: $1,035/ton (CFR Xiamen); PP prices in USD Homopolymer: $890-970/ton (CFR Huangpu), up $5/ton; Copolymer: $965-990/ton (CFR Huangpu); mixed trends Film grade: $1,025-1,090/ton (CFR Huangpu); Transparent: $1,065/ton (CFR Huangpu), down $20/ton; Pipe grade: $1,160/ton (CFR Shanghai).
Plastmatch Global Digest -
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. Abdul Rahman Al-Tamtami, vice-president global marketing of OQ (Photo: PIE) These pledges represent direct investments totalling USD 160 mn (EUR 140 mn) and are expected to create over 600 jobs. Four companies, which together have invested USD 54 mn, are reportedly set to begin production during the current year. Al-Tamtami did not disclose specific company names, nor did he provide details on the size of the government’s subsidy fund. However, he noted that OQ is currently in talks with firms from Brazil, with further discussions planned with plastics processors from other countries across the Americas.By encouraging the establishment of plastics processing firms, Oman aims to address a major imbalance. Although the country, home to nearly 5 mn people, has considerable polymer production capacity – around 1.2 mn t/y of polyethylene, 1 mn t/y of PP, and 1 mn t/y of PET, according to Polyglobe database – it still imports almost all of its finished plastic products. At present, around 90% of the nation’s petrochemical output is exported, Al-Tamtami reported.OQ sees its role in attracting foreign investment as that of a facilitator and enabler. “We act as a kind of concierge,” Al-Tamtami explained. Oman is looking to capitalise on its low energy and feedstock costs, as well as its strategic geographic location – positioned between Europe and Africa on one side and Asia on the other. The country, which refers to itself as “the Switzerland of Arabia”, also considers its high levels of safety and order a key advantage. In addition, Al-Tamtami noted that OQ has expanded its polypropylene offering to include grades suitable for the production of thin-walled food packaging.
Specialized Plastic Compilation -
PLASTICS AND ENVIRONMENT:Development banks invest EUR 3 bn in Clean Oceans Initiative 2.0
As recently announced by the European Investment Bank (EIB), a coalition of public development banks has declared a renewed commitment to fighting marine plastics pollution with the launch of the Clean Oceans Initiative 2.0 (COI 2.0). The expanded programme, unveiled at the ongoing United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France (9-13 June), sets a new joint financing target of EUR 3 bn for 2026 to 2030. Development banks launch Clean Oceans Initiative 2.0, pledging EUR 3 bn by 2030 to fight marine plastics pollution (Photo: EIB) In its statement, the EIB said that the urgency of these efforts is underscored by UN projections, which warn that the amount of plastics waste entering oceans could rise from 11 mn t/y in 2021 to as much as 37 mn t/y by 2040 if no action is taken.The COI 2.0 builds on the success of the original Clean Oceans Initiative, launched in 2018 and extended in 2022, which reached its EUR 4 bn financing goal seven months ahead of its 2025 deadline, the EIB said. That funding supported a range of projects focused on reducing the discharge of plastics waste, microplastics, and other litter into the ocean. These included wastewater treatment upgrades in Sri Lanka, China, Egypt, and South Africa, solid waste management systems in Togo and Senegal, and flood control measures in Benin, Morocco, and Ecuador, the bank added.“Delivering on our initial target ahead of schedule demonstrates the power of partnership and collective action,” said EIB vice-president Ambroise Fayolle.The updated initiative broadens its scope, shifting from pollution mitigation to include upstream waste prevention and circular economy strategies. Future projects may involve developing alternatives to plastics and improving resource efficiency to reduce the volume of plastics entering aquatic ecosystems.In addition to the EIB, the initiative is backed by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW), Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and, for the first time, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which brings regional expertise in Asia – a key area for addressing ocean-bound plastics.The EIB said that projects under COI 2.0 will be evaluated using scientifically robust indicators, with an emphasis on tracking results in plastics pollution prevention. The initiative continues to prioritise investment in coastal regions, particularly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, where poor waste and water infrastructure in urban areas contributes significantly to marine litter, the institution added.The lending institution of the EU explained that oceans play a crucial role in climate regulation and biodiversity, absorbing around 30% of global CO₂ emissions. Yet marine ecosystems and the livelihoods they support are increasingly threatened by plastics pollution – most of which originates from mismanaged land-based waste.
Specialized Plastic Compilation -
Canadian scientist among latest Plastics Hall of Fame inductees
A Canadian scientist is among the latest inductees in the Plastics Hall of Fame. Chul B. Caleb Park, a distinguished professor at the University of Toronto, is a global leader in polymer foaming technologies, driving the production of eco-friendly insulation foam; and is one of a new group of 18 inductees. During his doctoral research at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Dr. Park co-invented the first-generation MuCell injection molding and extrusion technologies. “These innovations have revolutionized plastic manufacturing by reducing material use, improving product performance, and minimizing environmental impact,” Plastics Hall of Fame officials said. “His pioneering work on using supercritical CO₂ as a sustainable blowing agent significantly contributed to the elimination of ozone-depleting substances in insulation foam production.” At the University of Toronto, Park founded the Microcellular Plastics Manufacturing Laboratory, now a globally recognized centre of excellence in polymer research. He has mentored over 300 researchers, including nearly 100 PhD students, and secured more than CA$50 million in research funding. His collaborations with industry partners have led to numerous patented technologies, including open-cell recyclable foams, rotomolded foams, and graphene-based nanocomposites. Many innovations have been successfully commercialized and licensed worldwide, from footwear giants like Crocs to global electronics and materials companies. Members of the new Class of 2025 will be inducted Oct. 7 at the K 2025 trade show in Düsseldorf, Germany. In addition to Dr. Park, they are: Helmut Bacher, Helmuth Schulz, and Georg Wendelin, founders of Erema Group, a plastics recycling technology company. Erwin Bürkle, Krauss Maffei Technologies GmbH, former head of injection molding technology. Norm Fowler, Xerox Corp., strategic initiative Lean Six Sigma and member of the Society of Plastics Engineers international executive committee, 1990-2000. Yukio Iimura, former chairman and CEO of Shibaura Machine Co. Ltd., has made groundbreaking advances in injection molding technology. Bill Knight, Dow Inc., was a key player in recognizing and developing the unique material science defining Dow’s polyethylene (PE) technology, Insite technology, which has defined Dow’s PE business. Robert Langer, MIT, pioneered drug delivery and tissue engineering by growing transplantable tissue in vitro on biodegradable plastic scaffolding. Matthew Naitove, the chief editor of Plastics Technology magazine, has dedicated his professional career to reporting on new technology, trends and business opportunities for plastics processors. Irene Schwarz, Engel Group, was an extraordinary leader of the company and a defining presence in Engel’s history. Charles Sewell, founder of CKS Packaging Inc., is the leader of a manufacturer and global supplier of extrusion blow and injection molded rigid plastic containers. Bill Stavropoulos, twice CEO at Dow, transformed the company by leading a significant restructuring and acquisition of Union Carbide, shifting from a geographic organization to 15 global business units, and led technology, capacity and market advancements for Dow’s polyethylene franchise. Peter Steinbeck, Windmöller & Hölscher Group, former CEO of the 155-year-old family-owned German company that manufactures machinery to produce flexible packaging. William Young, Plastipak Packaging Inc., was chairman of the board of directors and president and CEO of a world leader in the design, manufacturing and recycling of rigid plastic containers for the food, beverage, industrial, aerosol and consumer cleaning products industries. The Plastics Hall of Fame is also inducting three historical figures from the industry’s past. “Many exceptionally qualified candidates from the early days of our industry lack a champion for their legacy during the election process,” the Hall of Fame said. These historical inductees for the Class of 2025 died more than 25 years ago. They are: Otto Röhm and Otto Haas, Röhm and Haas Co., best known for Plexiglas, the flexible, strong, and transparent polymer patented and registered as a brand in 1933. Hans H. Wanders, Rawson Moulding Co., patented what is believed to be the first semi-automatic rotary molding press and was a charter member of Society of the Plastics Industry, now known as the Plastics Industry Association, and the Plastics Pioneers Association. The Plastics Hall of Fame was founded in 1975. The new class brings Hall of Fame membership to 253 people from nine countries, including five Nobel Prize winners in chemistry, the group said.
Specialized Plastic Compilation -
$375 Million! Eastman loses $375M DOE grant, BASF launches €6B sale of coatings business
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).
Plastmatch Global Digest -
Overseas Highlights: PPG Establishes New Aerospace Coatings Plant in the US, Yizumi Turkey Company Officially Opens! Pepsi Adjusts Plastic Packaging Goals
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).
Specialized Plastic World -
Medical Device Giants Maintain Strong M&A Enthusiasm: Key Sectors to Watch
Despite the significant uncertainty brought about by the current tariff issues, the industry still hopes to see more merger and acquisition transactions in fields such as orthopedics and interventional cardiology; major merger targets are expected to gradually shift towards publicly listed companies. Recently, the ranking of the top 100 global medical device companies was released. Based on the 2024 annual revenue, Medtronic ranked first with a revenue of $33 billion; Johnson & Johnson ranked second with a revenue of $30.4 billion; Abbott and Danaher followed closely with revenues of $27.9 billion and $24 billion, respectively. Other medical device companies in the top ten include Stryker, Siemens Healthineers, BD Medical, GE Healthcare, and Philips, all with revenues around $20 billion. In recent years, mergers and acquisitions in the medical device sector have driven the trend of "the strong getting stronger" among giant companies, benefiting from the ample cash flow of large enterprises. By acquiring and integrating a significant number of innovative technologies, medical device giants have further solidified their positions in certain specific fields. In 2024, Johnson & Johnson announced two major acquisitions, purchasing cardiovascular medical device company Shockwave for $13.1 billion and atrial shunt manufacturer V-Wave for $1.7 billion. Medtronic acquired Fortimedix Surgical, an innovative medical device company in the endoscopy field. BD Medical acquired the entire line of critical care products from Edwards Lifesciences for $4.2 billion in cash. Since 2025, the enthusiasm for mergers and acquisitions among major medical device companies has not waned. In January of this year, orthopedic giant Stryker announced its acquisition of venous thromboembolism (VTE) medical device company Inari Medical for a total cash consideration of $4.9 billion; Siemens Healthineers completed the acquisition of industrial simulation and analytics software provider Altair for $10 billion; Medtronic acquired part of the intellectual property used for the development of the next-generation PEEK intervertebral fusion devices from Nanovis, a nano-surface technology supplier; Medtronic also increased its investment in Contego Medical, a provider of blood revascularization therapy solutions. Despite the current tariff issues bringing significant uncertainty to the industry, there is still anticipation for more mergers and acquisitions. As the U.S. IPO market warms up, the motivation for private companies to be acquired may decrease, and the share prices of listed companies are far from reaching their peak. It is expected that major M&A targets will gradually shift towards listed companies in the future. Regarding the popular acquisition targets in the medical device industry, analysts believe that as more large medical device companies bet on the peripheral vascular market, leading companies in this field are worth paying attention to; surgical robots remain a hot sector that requires significant investment in research and development, and private companies urgently need the resources of large companies to survive; in addition, fields such as orthopedics and interventional cardiology will continue to be "strategic tracks." Johnson & Johnson expects to continue expanding its interventional cardiology product portfolio. Tim Schmid, the global chairman of Johnson & Johnson MedTech, stated last year that the company would triple its market size through acquisitions. Johnson & Johnson CEO Joaquin Duato has invested over $30 billion in mergers and acquisitions for the company's medical technology business within less than two years of taking office. In addition to the acquisition of Shockwave, Johnson & Johnson has also acquired artificial heart manufacturer Abiomed and heart implant developer Laminar in the past two years. Du Anqing previously stated that the company will continue to maintain its momentum in mergers and acquisitions, including small acquisitions and large deals, in order to achieve long-term growth. This is related to Johnson & Johnson's strong cash flow and balance sheet. Although the company mentioned in its recent quarterly financial report that its medical technology business might face a profit loss of $400 million in the fiscal year 2026 due to tariffs, industry insiders believe that Johnson & Johnson still has considerable flexibility to consider various types of transactions. "A company's abundant cash flow is the foundation for carrying out M&A transactions," Shen Yi, Danaher's Global Vice President and Head of Strategic Investment and M&A for the Asia-Pacific region, told the First Financial Daily. He also mentioned that Danaher's cash flow has exceeded the company's profits almost every quarter over the past decade. "In over 400 M&A transactions in its past history, Danaher has made all acquisitions except for one mega deal valued at $200 billion in cash, with 85% of its cash being used for acquisitions," said Shen Yi. Medtronic CEO Geoff Martha has indicated that the company will adopt a "top-down" precision strategy, focusing on small-scale acquisitions. Martha did not disclose specific targets, but he emphasized the importance of small acquisitions and portfolio management. Boston Scientific Corporation has also been quite active in mergers and acquisitions over the past year, benefiting from its relatively strong profit margins in recent years. Analysts predict that the company's PFA pulsed field ablation product, Farapulse, will drive continued profit growth in 2025. In 2024, Farapulse's annual revenue exceeded $1 billion.
Sina Finance -
Billions Lost: How Much Longer Can Medical Device Profit Margins Withstand the Impact of Tariffs?
Recently, Abbott released its Q1 2025 earnings report, with total revenue of $10.36 billion, a year-on-year increase of 4.0%. However, behind this seemingly steady report lie hidden concerns. The company's CEO, Robert Ford, warned investors during the earnings call that the U.S. government's additional tariffs on China would result in a loss of "hundreds of millions of dollars" for the company throughout the year, with the medical device business being the hardest hit. This statement confirms Barclays Bank's previous analysis - although Abbott is relatively less affected among top medical device companies, the field of medical devices still faces dual pressures of supply chain restructuring and rising costs. 01 leads the way, translates to "leads the way" or "takes the lead" in this context. Diagnostic services lag behind Abbott delivered a report card of "steady growth + improved profitability" in the first quarter of 2025. Total revenue: $10.36 billion, an increase of 4.0% year-over-year; excluding the COVID-19 testing business, organic growth was as high as 8.3%. Core Business Performance: Medical Devices: Revenue of $4.895 billion (accounting for 47% of total revenue), a year-over-year increase of 9.9%, with organic growth of 12.6%. Notable contributions from sub-segments such as Diabetes Management (+21.6%) and Structural Heart Disease. Nutrition business: Revenue of $2.146 billion, global organic growth driven by adult nutrition products Ensure® and Glucerna® by 8.7%. Diagnostic business: Revenue was $2.054 billion, a year-over-year decrease of 7.2%. Excluding COVID-19 testing revenue (which amounted to only $84 million), the core laboratory business barely achieved a 0.5% growth. Significant regional differentiation: The U.S. market grew by 8.4%, far exceeding the 1.2% growth of international markets. Particularly in the medical device sector, the growth rate in the U.S. (such as +27.1% for diabetes care business) was significantly higher than the global average. Profitability Optimization: Gross margin increased to 52.8%, and adjusted net profit grew by 10.9% year-over-year to reach $1.919 billion. This performance was driven by effective cost management and strong sales of high-margin products, such as the FreeStyle Libre® continuous glucose monitoring system. 02 Tariff Impact: Medical devices become a "disaster zone." Although Abbott's financial report performance is impressive, the "approaching tariff threat" it faces cannot be ignored, and Ford clearly outlined the specific impact pathway of this challenge. In the Sino-US tariff game, latest developments show that the Trump administration is planning to impose a 245% tariff on China, with medical devices not being exempted. Given that Abbott's revenues are about 45% reliant on the medical device sector, this means that its supply chain and export costs in the Chinese market will face significant pressure. At the same time, import restrictions implemented by Canada and Mexico, along with tariffs on steel and aluminum policies internationally that have created regional retaliatory tariffs, have further driven up the cost of raw materials. Due to the long production cycle of medical equipment and the fact that contract prices are often locked in, companies cannot resolve impacts in the short term by raising prices or transferring costs. From a potential risk perspective, if the tariff costs are entirely borne by the company, Abbott's medical device business, which currently has a gross margin of about 60%, may face the risk of decline; emerging markets such as Asia and Latin America, which rely on low-price strategies to open up markets, may also lose competitiveness due to rising costs. 03 5 Invest $500 million to build a factory in the U.S., what's the goal? To withstand the impact of the tariff storm, Abbott has unveiled two core strategies. Firstly, the construction of a distributed production network is carried out with 90 production bases to create an "anti-risk moat". CEO Ford uses FreeStyle Libre® as an example to explain the layout logic, stating that 2 factories in the United States serve domestic demand, and 4 other bases cover the global market. If all production capacity were concentrated in Southeast Asia or Europe, the risk would be uncontrollable. The strategy reduces reliance on a single supply chain through localized production, such as specializing in glucose monitoring sensors at the Irish factory and focusing on regional demand at the Chinese facility. Simultaneously, it implements redundancy by backing up critical components across multiple regions to ensure stable supply amid sudden tariffs or geopolitical conflicts. Secondly, to promote the expansion of production in the United States, Abbott announced two key investments, investing $500 million in the expansion of factories in Illinois and Texas, adding 300 new jobs, focusing on enhancing the research and development and production capacity of blood transfusion equipment. The main goal is to reduce dependence on imports through local production and strive for policy preferences brought by the "Made in USA" label. In the short term, this plan can reduce reliance on imported components and directly avoid cost pressures brought by Sino - US tariffs; in the long term, it focuses on the research and development and production of high - value - added products such as cardiovascular devices, consolidating its technological barriers and industry leadership in the high - end medical device field. However, the production cost in the United States is significantly higher than that in Asian regions, which may weaken the price competitiveness of products. Moreover, the construction cycle of the factory is relatively long, and it will not be put into operation until the end of 2025. In the short term, tariff pressure still needs to be borne. In terms of short-term buffer measures, Abbott opted to increase inventory of key raw materials, but Ford also warned that "hoarding is not a sustainable solution," while jointly lobbying with industry group AdvaMed to seek tariff exemptions for medical devices, despite slim chances of success. 04 No one was spared. Leading companies collectively under pressure Amid the ongoing impact of the tariff storm, leading companies in the global medical equipment sector are all affected, collectively bearing immense pressure. Johnson & Johnson (JNJ.US) warned in its financial report that by 2026, its tariff losses will reach $400 million, with the medical device division being hit the hardest. The main issues Johnson & Johnson faces are twofold: first, it is difficult to adjust the supply chain, as medical equipment transportation contracts have already locked in prices, making it hard to flexibly adjust costs in response to tariff changes in the short term; second, geopolitical risks are compounded, with Sino-American tariff conflicts being the primary source of losses, while retaliatory tariffs from Mexico and Canada add further pressure. In terms of strategy, Johnson & Johnson and Abbott show clear differences: Johnson & Johnson relies more on “acquisition + restructuring” to optimize its business (for example, by acquiring Abiomed to strengthen its cardiovascular sector), but it has relatively fewer proactive measures in response to tariff impacts; Abbott, on the other hand, places greater emphasis on enhancing the flexibility of its production network, reducing risks by diversifying its capacity layout. From an industry-wide perspective, this phenomenon conveys two important signals: for companies that struggle to pass on tariff costs to downstream entities, long-term profit margins may continue to erode; meanwhile, possessing a globalized supply chain layout and flexible adjustment capabilities is increasingly becoming a critical survival skill for leading enterprises to navigate geopolitical risks. In response to tariff shocks, Abbott has built a distributed network with 90 production bases, such as the decentralized production of FreeStyle Libre across 6 locations to reduce risks. At the same time, it has invested $500 million to expand its domestic U.S. factories, attempting to hedge tariffs through local production. However, high domestic costs and long construction cycles still put pressure on it in the short term. Within the industry, Chinese companies like Mindray are capturing market share with their local supply chains, accelerating the restructuring of the global medical device supply chain. As Ford said, tariffs are driving the medical industry towards Globalization 2.0, and companies need to find a new balance between technological barriers and cost control.
Medical Device Innovation Network -
Abbott and Johnson & Johnson: Global Medical Device Giants' Robust Performance and Strategies Amid Tariff Pressures
In April 2025, two of the world's leading medical device giants, Johnson & Johnson and Abbott, announced their financial reports for the first quarter. Although both companies revealed the impact of tariffs on their finances in the reports, they still maintained growth and demonstrated different coping strategies. The performance of these companies not only reflects the complexity of the global medical device industry but also shows the adaptability of multinational companies in the face of external pressures such as the China-U.S. trade war. 01 Johnson & Johnson: Steady Growth Tariff pressure resulted in a loss of 400 million dollars. Johnson & Johnson's Q1 2025 earnings report shows the company's total revenue reached $21.9 billion, a year-over-year increase of 2.4%. The performance of the medical technology division was particularly impressive, with revenue reaching $8.02 billion, a year-over-year increase of 2.5%. Among this, the cardiovascular business stood out, with sales reaching $2.1 billion, a year-over-year increase of 16.5%. However, despite the strong performance, Johnson & Johnson still faces significant tariff challenges and is expected to suffer a financial loss of $400 million in 2025 as a result. Joseph Wolk, Chief Financial Officer of Johnson & Johnson, stated that this loss was mainly due to the high tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Chinese medical device exports and China's retaliatory tariffs on American products. Johnson & Johnson is mitigating this impact through price adjustments and cost pass-throughs, but the adjustment space is limited due to existing medical device contracts. Nevertheless, Johnson & Johnson has maintained its financial outlook for 2025 and plans to reduce future tariff impacts by restructuring its operations and optimizing production bases. 02 Abbott: Global Layout and Short-term Response Strategies Similar to Johnson & Johnson, Abbott also announced impressive financial results in the first quarter of 2025. The company's overall revenue was $10.36 billion, a year-on-year increase of 4%. Medical device sales were $4.9 billion, a year-on-year increase of 9.9%. Nevertheless, Abbott's CEO, Robert Ford, clearly stated in the earnings call that he expects tariffs to have a "hundreds of millions of dollars" negative impact on the company, mainly in the U.S. and Chinese markets. Ford further pointed out that Abbott's estimated tariff costs are about $300 million, close to Johnson & Johnson's estimated $400 million. Unlike Johnson & Johnson, Abbott has adopted a more proactive regional production layout and short-term relief plans. The company announced it will invest $500 million in Illinois and Texas to expand its manufacturing and R&D base for blood and plasma screening equipment. This investment not only helps Abbott diversify risks and mitigate the impact of tariffs on production, but also demonstrates the company's balanced approach between globalization and localization. 03 Tariff Impact: Global Medical Devices Challenges and Opportunities in the Industry As Sino-US trade friction intensifies, the global medical device industry is facing unprecedented challenges. The tariffs imposed by the United States on Chinese medical devices, particularly in high-end equipment such as CT and MRI imaging devices, have led to a significant increase in procurement costs. Additionally, tariffs on key components such as CT tubes and superconducting magnets have put considerable pressure on companies with high import reliance. For Chinese medical device companies that rely on the US market, tariffs have exacerbated their market challenges. Meanwhile, domestic medical device companies see an opportunity to catch up. Companies like Mindray and United Imaging have increased their R&D investments, driving technological innovation, and have gradually replaced some of the high-end equipment market share. For international giants, maintaining competitiveness, reducing costs, will be the core tasks in the coming years amid this global trade war. 04 Coping Strategy: Dual Layout of Globalization and Localization Facing tariff pressure, Johnson & Johnson and Abbott have adopted different but complementary strategies. Johnson & Johnson focuses on mitigating the rise in costs through price adjustments, optimizing production bases, and business restructuring, maintaining competitiveness in the global market. Abbott, on the other hand, has strengthened the global supply chain's risk resistance through a distributed production network and regional layout. The company has not only increased investment in the United States but also actively promoted the expansion of global production bases to cope with long-term tariff policy changes. Moreover, both Johnson & Johnson and Abbott are actively cooperating with industry organizations to seek tariff exemptions, but they remain cautious about the likelihood of success. Both companies have stated that once tariffs are implemented, they are difficult to retract. This historical experience has prompted them to place greater emphasis on adjusting their long-term strategies. 05 Conclusion: Globalization Challenges and Opportunities for Multinational Enterprises Overall, Johnson & Johnson and Abbott achieved steady growth in their Q1 financial reports despite the impact of tariffs. Through different coping strategies, the two giants demonstrated how they adjusted their strategies in the complex environment of globalization and localization to mitigate the negative effects of tariffs. Although tariff pressure poses challenges for global medical device companies in the short term, it also creates new opportunities for localized production, technological innovation, and supply chain optimization. As the China-US trade friction continues to develop, multinational companies will have to constantly adjust their strategies to maintain a competitive edge in the global market. For domestic companies, this is a good opportunity to accelerate innovation and promote domestic alternatives.
Frontiers of High-Value Medical Consumables -
U.S. Ethylene Companies' Profit Margins May Further Shrink
Global energy and chemical industry market information service agencies recently stated that American chemical companies are facing profit contraction due to fluctuations in oil and natural gas prices, while also dealing with issues related to tariffs and economic uncertainty. Analyst Koze Olko stated that the key driving factor behind the rise in U.S. gas prices is the surge in liquefied natural gas (LNG) demand from Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Due to the strong growth in electricity demand from data centers, U.S. natural gas supply may tighten further. In contrast, oil demand is expected to decline due to accelerated supply growth from non-OPEC producers such as the U.S., Brazil, and Guyana, the rapid adoption of electric vehicles, and a slowdown in economic growth, which may lead to a drop in oil prices. It is estimated that the average price of Brent crude oil will drop by 6.7% in 2025 and by another 7.4% in 2026; the average price of WTI will also drop by 6.7% in 2025 and by another 7.9% in 2026. The cost of chemical raw materials in the United States, especially ethane, will fluctuate with the rise and fall of gas prices. It is estimated that the average price of natural gas in the United States will increase by 66.8% in 2025 and by another 3.9% in 2026. The trends of both will inevitably squeeze the profit margins of U.S. ethylene producers. However, the demand for ethylene is declining. Tariffs have increased the import costs of raw materials used to make catalysts and plastic additives, and the EU and Canada may impose retaliatory tariffs on polyethylene exported from the United States. Peter Huntsman, CEO of U.S. chemical producer Huntsman Corporation, expects that the rebound in the U.S. real estate market may be delayed due to uncertainties over tariffs and mortgage interest rates, and the demand for ethylene from the construction industry will continue to be weak, further exacerbating the instability in the ethylene market.
China Petrochemical News -
U.S. Equivalent Tariffs Target China: Impact on EVA and Photovoltaic Industries Remains to Be Seen
Introduction: The deepening game of tariffs between China and the US, how does the "tariff war" affect the import volume of EVA from the United States and the photovoltaic industry closely related to EVA? On April 2, local time, U.S. President Trump signed two executive orders at the White House regarding the so-called "reciprocal tariffs," announcing a 10% "minimum baseline tariff" on trade partners. Additionally, Trump will impose personalized higher "reciprocal tariffs" on countries with the largest trade deficits with the U.S., with a 34% reciprocal tariff specifically on China. On April 4, China announced a 34% tariff on all goods imported from the U.S. The tariff policy game between China and the U.S. continues to deepen. What impact will the "tariff war" have on the import volume of EVA from the U.S. and the photovoltaic industry closely related to EVA? 1. The import pattern of EVA changes under the pressure of tariffs. Data source: General Administration of Customs In 2024, the total import volume of EVA was 915,900 tons, down 34.21% year-on-year, hitting a five-year low. China has multiple trade partners for EVA imports, with the United States ranking fifth, accounting for 5.97% of imports. After the imposition of additional tariffs, the cost of importing EVA from the United States has increased significantly, and trade barriers have been significantly upgraded. Under the dual pressures of cost and policy, it is expected that the import volume of EVA from the United States will decrease. This change brings opportunities for China's EVA production enterprises, and the market share of domestic EVA products will further increase. II. "Reciprocal Tariffs" Put Pressure on Photovoltaic Industry From the table above, it can be seen that the United States has imposed "reciprocal tariffs" of 32%, 36%, 46%, and 49% on products from trade partners such as Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. This policy continues the United States' long-standing resistance to Chinese photovoltaics and includes the main photovoltaic manufacturing countries in Southeast Asia under high tariffs. According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the total import volume of photovoltaic components in the United States in 2024 is 48.7GW, with Southeast Asia's share dropping to 65%, and China's direct export share rebounding to 12% (about 5.8GW), but the scale of Chinese enterprises transferring through third countries such as Mexico and Turkey reaches 8.3GW, accounting for 17% of U.S. imports. The highest proportion of photovoltaic component imports in the United States is still in Southeast Asia, however, 80% of Southeast Asia's photovoltaic capacity is invested and constructed by Chinese enterprises. EVA, as an important upstream raw material for photovoltaic components, the impact of tariffs on photovoltaic components will indirectly affect EVA products. U.S. "reciprocal tariffs" have taken effect, causing a surge in the cost of imported photovoltaic modules. This has suppressed domestic photovoltaic installation demand in the U.S., leading to a decline in imports from Southeast Asia. At the same time, the capacity of Chinese companies in Southeast Asia has been impacted, and the volume of photovoltaic products transshipped through third countries to the U.S. may be affected. The challenges faced by China's photovoltaic industry in the U.S. market have intensified. Despite the uncertainty in the Sino-US tariff game, the trend of global energy transition towards clean and low-carbon remains unchanged. As long as China's EVA and photovoltaic industries adhere to innovation-driven and open cooperation, they can turn challenges into opportunities in the global energy transformation, achieve high-quality and sustainable development, and contribute Chinese strength to the global clean energy cause.
JLC -
"The Toy Supply Chain 'Breakout Game', the giants of the toy industry spark a 'cost revolution'!"
While the Trump administration was wielding the tariff baton, American toy giants were not only diversifying their production bases but also quietly launching a "cost revolution"! The "American Girl" dolls from Mattel's American Girl brand are on display at the American Girl Place in Manhattan, New York. The Trump administration escalated the trade war: imposing a 10% base tariff on almost all countries and adding heavy taxes on dozens of countries including China and Vietnam. As the two pillars of U.S. toy imports, Chinese products face a 54% overall tax rate (with an additional 34%), while Vietnamese toys are hit with a 46% tariff. According to the U.S. Toy Association, 77% of imported toys in the U.S. come from China, with Vietnam following Mexico in third place. Industry experts warn that tax rates far exceeding expectations will lead to a surge in toy prices, with the initial impact likely coinciding with the back-to-school season this fall. "The entire industry is in chaos," said Greg Ahearn, president of the Toy Association. "This will have a huge negative impact on both consumers and the industry." The Dilemma of Enterprises in Supply Chain Earthquakes Toy giants Hasbro and Mattel had predicted in 2025 that the impact of a 20% tariff on China would be included in their plans to shift production to Vietnam, Indonesia, and India. However, the new tariff policy has resulted in rates of 46%, 32%, and 26% for these three countries, respectively. Eric Handler, an analyst at Roth Capital, pointed out: "The transfer of production has lost financial feasibility, and consumers will soon see price increases." "Hey Buddy Hey Pal" company's "Magic Egg Decorator" relies on the Asian supply chain. However, in reality, China announced on Friday that it will impose a 34% retaliatory tariff on the US, exacerbating trade tensions. The capital market "votes with its feet" in advance. The tariff shockwave has swept through Wall Street: Mattel's stock plummeted 16.5% on Thursday, Hasbro dropped 12%, and Funko plunged 18%. Analysts predict that toy giants releasing quarterly reports this month may lower their profit guidance. This tariff storm is reshaping the global toy industry landscape. After Mattel and Hasbro transferred part of their production capacity to Vietnam in two years, production in China has significantly decreased, while new factories in Vietnam hesitate due to tariffs. US toy giant's strategy of diversifying manufacturing locations Mattel has also been diversifying its manufacturing operations away from China, currently sourcing products from seven countries. China accounts for about 40% of its procurement volume, down from the previous 50%. Due to the United States accounting for about half of the global toy sales, China's tariff risks are about 20% of the global cost of goods sold. UBS says this means that according to a 10% China tariff, Mattel's gross margin will be affected by 100 basis points, equivalent to about 12 cents per share. Mattel said that by 2027, the output of any country will not exceed 25% of its total output. Hasbro has been expanding its manufacturing operations to countries like Vietnam and India to reduce its dependence on China. The company's management has indicated that Indonesia may be the next stop. Hasbro, headquartered in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, currently sources products from eight countries, with China accounting for 50%, down from the previous 60%. The company aims to reduce this proportion to 40% by 2026. In comparison, the average for the entire toy industry is 80% to 85% of revenue coming from China. Mexico also imposes tariffs on certain goods, representing 2% of Hasbro's production. The company does not source any products from Canada. Reduce manufacturing costs Despite efforts by companies to reduce costs through renegotiating supplier contracts and simplifying packaging (such as Basic Fun’s release of trayless packages), Basic Fun********: "The 54% tariff could lead to a direct price increase of 50% at the consumer level, especially for toy products with single-digit profit margins. Cost passthrough is inevitable." Behind the hustle and bustle of the New York Toy Fair, buyers are frantically seeking alternatives. An unnamed Guangdong OEM factory manager revealed: "Walmart has asked us to reduce the thickness of plastic parts by 0.2 millimeters, but this can only offset 3% of the cost." Battery-free electronics, minimalist packaging toys, self-assembled daily necessities... These seemingly regressive consumer trends are actually the wisdom of businesses surviving in the global trade war. In the workshop of Abacus Brands, a Los Angeles-based educational toy company, CEO Steve Rad is showcasing a new matte packaging box: replacing the 30-cent plastic liner with a cardboard that costs only 7 cents. "Saving 3-4 cents at each spot can accumulate to offset the $10 increase in retail price," the company also plans to reduce the thickness of the paper used in the instruction manual, and expects to complete the supply chain adjustments this fall. Steve Rad, who designs science kits and other educational toys for older kids, is showcasing a newly improved matte box (left), which will replace its black molded plastic packaging with an improved cardboard material to help offset the cost of future tariffs. The plush toy giant Aurora World has tapped into the color economy. "Reducing the number of paint colors not only cuts material costs but also simplifies the labor process," admitted Gabriel Horikawa, general manager of the toy division. While these changes may not fully offset the impact of tariffs, they serve as a necessary buffer. Aurora was founded in Korea in the 1980s, and by going green, it has saved more than 3 million pounds of recycled plastic. Packaging Slimming: A Win-Win for Environmental Protection and Cost The classic toy brand Basic Fun has designed three packaging options for Tonka trucks: a traditional box with a display window, a tray without a box, and a minimalist paper price tag. The latter two options can save costs of $1.25 and $1.75 respectively, but CEO Jay Foreman admits, "This will reduce the product's appeal and is far from offsetting the tariffs on goods from China." The Art of Survival in the Fog of Policy Michael Matthias, CFO of American Eagle Outfitters, revealed that the company plans to reduce the production capacity ratio in China and Vietnam from 15%-20% each to single digits. CEO Jay Schottenstein admitted, "We faced similar challenges eight years ago, and we must remain flexible— you never know where the next round of tariffs will be aimed." Facing policy uncertainty, Peter Baum of Baum Essex in New York lamented, "This is the beginning of a global depression. An 80-year-old business run by five generations could be ruined." The company, which relocated its production capacity from China in 2019, is now facing another****in several Southeast Asian countries. In this trade war without gunpowder, enterprises are adopting meticulous "subtraction strategies" to find a niche in the tariff storm. When innovation becomes a forced choice, the evolution of consumption patterns may reshape the commercial landscape in the post-tariff era.
Toy industry -
China hits back! Additional 34% tariff on all US imports, Ministry of Commerce and General Administration of Customs take action.
China's countermeasures are here! Today, in response to the US government's announcement of imposing "reciprocal tariffs" on Chinese goods imported to the US, China has issued countermeasures. The State Council's Tariff Commission announced that all imports originating from the United States will have an additional 34% tariff imposed on the current applicable tariff rates. In addition, the Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs have taken six coordinated actions, including adding 16 US entities to the export control management list, implementing export controls on medium and heavy rare earth items, suspending the import qualification of products from six US companies, adding 11 US companies to the unreliable entity list, initiating an investigation into the competitiveness of the import of medical CT tubes, and filing a lawsuit against the US "reciprocal tariffs" at the World Trade Organization. Impose an additional 34% tariff on all imported goods originating from the United States on top of the currently applicable tariff rates. On April 2, 2025, the US government announced that it would impose "reciprocal tariffs" on Chinese goods exported to the US. The US approach does not conform to international trade rules, seriously damages China's legitimate rights and interests, and is a typical unilateral bullying practice. In accordance with the Customs Law of the People's Republic of China, the Foreign Trade Law of the People's Republic of China, and other laws and regulations, as well as the basic principles of international law, with the approval of the State Council, the Tariff Committee of the State Council has decided to impose additional tariffs on imported goods originating from the United States starting from 12:01 a.m. on April 10, 2025. The relevant matters are as follows: 1. An additional 34% tariff will be imposed on all imported goods originating from the United States, based on the current applicable tariff rates. The current bonded and tax reduction/exemption policies remain unchanged, and the tariffs imposed this time will not be reduced or exempted. Goods that have been shipped from the place of departure before April 10, 2025, at 12:01 PM and imported between April 10, 2025, at 12:01 PM and May 13, 2025, at 11:59 PM will not be subject to the additional tariffs imposed by this announcement. Export controls on certain medium and heavy rare earth-related items Ministry of Commerce and General Administration of Customs Announcement No. 18 of 2025, announcing the decision to implement export controls on some medium and heavy rare earth-related items. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce answered questions from journalists about the implementation of export controls on medium and heavy rare earth-related items, stating that in accordance with the "Export Control Law of the People's Republic of China" and other relevant laws and regulations, on April 4, the Ministry of Commerce, together with the General Administration of Customs, issued an announcement on the implementation of export control measures for 7 categories of medium and heavy rare earth-related items such as samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium, and yttrium, which will be formally implemented from the date of publication. The Ministry of Commerce has added Scideate Company and 11 other U.S. companies to the unreliable entity list. The Ministry of Commerce today (4th) announced the inclusion of 11 American companies, including Skydio, in the unreliable entity list work mechanism. In order to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and in accordance with relevant laws such as the "Foreign Trade Law of the People's Republic of China," the "National Security Law of the People's Republic of China," and the "Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law of the People's Republic of China," the unreliable entity list work mechanism, based on Article 2, Article 8, and Article 10 of the "Regulations on Unreliable Entity List," has decided to include Skydio and other 10 entities in the unreliable entity list and implement the following measures: I. Prohibition of the aforementioned enterprises from engaging in import and export activities related to China; 2. Prohibit the aforementioned enterprises from making new investments within China. Any matters not addressed in this announcement shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Unreliable Entity List. This announcement will be implemented from the date of publication. The 11 U.S. entities listed on the Unreliable Entity List 1. Skydio Inc. BRINC Drones, Inc. Red Six Solutions Company Senix Company (SYNEXXUS, Inc.) 5. Firestorm Labs, Inc. 6. Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems, Inc. 7. Havoc Artificial Intelligence Company (HavocAI) 8. Neros Technologies 9. Domo Tactical Communications 10. Rapid Flight LLC 11. Insitu, Inc. General Administration of Customs: Suspends the export qualifications of six U.S. companies involved in the incident to China The General Administration of Customs today issued announcements No. 54 and No. 55, deciding to suspend the import qualification of sorghum from one U.S. related company, the import qualification of poultry meat and bone meal from three U.S. related companies, and the import qualification of poultry meat products from two U.S. related companies, in order to protect the health of Chinese consumers and ensure the safety of China's livestock production due to the inspection and quarantine issues of the related imported products. The Ministry of Commerce: 16 American entities are included in the export control management list. In order to safeguard national security and interests, and fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation, according to the relevant provisions of the "Export Control Law of the People's Republic of China" and the "Regulations on the Export Control of Dual-Use Items and Technologies" and other laws and regulations, the Ministry of Commerce has announced a decision to include 16 American entities in the export control management list, prohibiting the export of dual-use items to them. These entities may engage in actions that endanger China's national security and interests, and no exporter may violate the above regulations. Ministry of Commerce Spokesperson's Response to Media Inquiry on the Initiation of an Industrial Competitiveness Investigation into Imported Medical CT Tubes Commerce Ministry spokesperson answers journalists' questions on industrial competitiveness investigation into imported medical CT tubes. A reporter asked: We have noticed that the Ministry of Commerce website issued an announcement to initiate an industrial competitiveness investigation on imported medical CT tube assemblies. Could you provide some information on the relevant situation? Answer: This investigation was the first industrial competitiveness investigation initiated by the Ministry of Commerce in response to an application from the domestic industry. According to Article 36 of the "Foreign Trade Law of the People's Republic of China," the Ministry of Commerce may conduct investigations into the impact of imports on the domestic industry and its competitiveness. The preliminary evidence submitted by the applicant shows that the Chinese medical CT tube industry started relatively late and is in the development stage. The domestic industry faces difficulties in operations due to the impact of imported products, and its competitiveness is adversely affected. Based on this, the applicant requests the Ministry of Commerce to investigate the impact of imports on the domestic industry and its competitiveness. I would like to emphasize that the industrial competitiveness survey is a factual investigation. This survey is not aimed at specific countries and regions, and it does not affect normal trade. The investigating authority will fully protect the rights of all interested parties and conduct the investigation objectively and fairly according to the law.
Financial sector -
Trump imposes 54% tariffs on China? 46% on Vietnam?
On the afternoon of April 2, local time, President Trump of the United States signed two executive orders on the so-called "reciprocal tariffs" at the White House, announcing the establishment of a "minimum benchmark tariff" of 10% for all trade partners, and at the same time, higher tariffs are imposed on dozens of other countries and regions, including China, on the basis of 10%. Among them, the "reciprocal tariff" rate imposed by the United States on China is 34% - the overlapping rate will rise to 54%. The toy industry is facing yet another major challenge. According to reports from the White House website and U.S. media such as The New York Times, this is the largest-scale new tariff policy announced by Trump since taking office in January this year, wielding the tariff stick against the world, including allies, under the guise of "preventing other countries from exploiting the United States." According to the new policy announced by Trump, China's "reciprocal tariff" rate will be 34%, Vietnam's tariff will be as high as 46%, Thailand's tariff will be 36%, Indonesia's tariff will be 32%, India's tariff will be 26%, Japan's tariff will be 24%, South Korea's tariff will be 25%, and the EU countries' tariffs will rise to 20%. According to U.S. media reports, 34% of the reciprocal tariffs on China will be added to the original 20% U.S. tariffs on China, resulting in a total tariff rate of 54% on imports from China. This rate is expected to take effect on April 9. Additionally, the White House announced that starting from May 2, it will terminate the duty-free treatment for small packages (valued at $800 or less) imported from mainland China and Hong Kong, effectively removing the de minimis threshold. Trump's advisers insist that tariffs will bring vital strategic manufacturing capabilities back to the US. However, economists warn that tariffs could slow the global economy, increase the risk of recession, and add thousands of dollars to the cost of living for ordinary American families. If the new tariff policy is implemented, it will be another major challenge for the toy industry. Previously, Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks said in an interview with the media that a 10% tariff could be negotiated and absorbed internally, but a 20% tariff would be unbearable and would definitely be passed on to consumers. It is expected that the toy industry may see a wave of price increases in a few months. Overseas media also believe that the impact of the tariff increase on toy prices will start to become apparent this fall. Recently, a total of 19 toy industry associations from North America, Europe, Asia, and South America signed a joint statement calling for the exclusion of toys from tariff policy formulation and negotiations by the United States and its trading partners. The Vietnamese stock market plummeted threatened with a 46% increase in tariffs. To reduce dependence on Chinese manufacturing, several major toy manufacturers have already adjusted their supply chains in recent years, relocating some production capacity to Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia. Trump's announcement of the so-called "reciprocal tariff" executive order imposes a tariff rate as high as 46% on Vietnam, significantly higher than that on other countries. After the market opened on Thursday, the Vietnamese stock market fell across the board. Economist and former vice president of the Vietnam Institute for Economic Management, Vo Tri Thanh, stated that tariffs are a shock to the global economy and to Vietnam, and that Vietnam will experience significant negative impacts. The United States has consistently been Vietnam's largest export market. In 2024, Vietnam's exports to the U.S. reached $142 billion, accounting for 30% of Vietnam's GDP. However, for Trump, Vietnam's trade surplus with the U.S. exceeding $123 billion in 2024 represents "a tremendous trade unfairness." Sports brand Nike has about half of its shoe products and 28% of its clothing produced in Vietnam, while its competitor Adidas relies on Vietnamese factories for 39% of its shoes and 18% of its clothing. According to calculations, the average tariff rate for Vietnamese shoe products in the United States was previously 13.6%, and the clothing product rate was 18.8%. According to the latest tax rate announced by Trump, Nike and Adidas's products from Vietnamese factories will need to pay more than three times the tariff when entering the United States. At the same time, some toy manufacturers also rely on Vietnam. Several American companies, such as Hasbro and Mattel, collaborate with the Southeast Asian toy manufacturer GFT to import and sell toys produced by the company. GFT has five production factories in northern Vietnam and employs over 15,000 workers.
China Foreign Toy Network -
25% Tariff! Just Announced: Countermeasures!
On April 3 local time, Canada's new Prime Minister Carney announced that the Canadian government will follow the U.S. approach and impose a 25% tariff on all U.S. imported cars not covered by the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement). At the same time, trade and economic tensions between Europe and the United States are escalating rapidly. On April 3rd Eastern Daylight Time, French President Emmanuel Macron publicly called on French companies to suspend investments in the US and urged the EU to adopt a tough stance in response. French government spokesperson Sophie Primas stated that France is pushing the EU to retaliate against US tech companies and is expanding countermeasures to include the service sector. In addition, the WTO issued a statement on US tariff policies, indicating that these policies are expected to have a significant impact on global trade and economic growth prospects. Preliminary analysis suggests that these policies, combined with measures implemented since the beginning of this year, could lead to a decline of about 1% in global merchandise trade volumes this year,****************compared to previous forecasts. Announce countermeasures On April 3 local time, Canada's new Prime Minister Carney announced a series of countermeasures against U.S. tariffs, while calling Trump's protectionist moves a tragedy for global trade. At a press conference held in Ottawa, Carney announced that the Canadian government will follow the U.S. practice of imposing a 25% tariff on all U.S. imported cars that are not included in the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), but auto parts will not be affected, nor will it impact cars coming from Mexico. "Considering the potential harm of tariffs to the American people, the U.S. government should ultimately change course. But I do not want to give people false hope." He added that it may take a long time for the U.S. to change its attitude. Carney also said that the previously announced tariff measures will remain unchanged. Canada has previously announced that it would impose a 25% retaliatory tariff on US goods worth about 155 billion Canadian dollars (approximately 110 billion US dollars). Carney said, "We were forced to take these measures, and the way we did it was targeted, aiming to have the greatest impact on the U.S. economy while minimizing the impact on Canada." Carney claims that over the past 80 years, the United States has played a significant role in the international economic system, promoting free trade and globalization, and helping to establish an open international economic order. However, all of this has now come to an end, which is a tragedy. Carney stated that Trump's tariff policy is an attempt to reconstruct the international trade system. All of Canada's countermeasures are aimed at protecting its domestic industrial workers. He revealed that due to U.S. tariffs, thousands of workers have already lost their jobs. Automobiles are Canada's second-largest export product, directly employing 125,000 Canadians and providing jobs for nearly 500,000 more in related industries. Although Carney stated that Canada still considers the United States an ally in defense and security, Canada will seek more reliable trading partners to reduce its dependence on the U.S. and protect its economic sovereignty. He spoke with German Chancellor Scholz that morning and claimed to agree to strengthen the diversified trade relationship between the two countries. "When we are facing the crisis caused by Trump's tariffs, reliable trade partners are more important than ever." Schuolz then said: "The EU is the world's largest single market, therefore, we have a complete opportunity to respond in a united and decisive manner, the EU has its own policies and means to deal with trade disputes." Europe's moves At the same time, Europe is also brewing countermeasures. On April 3rd, Eastern Time, French President Macron publicly called on domestic companies to suspend investments in the US and urged the EU to deal with the situation with tough measures until the US-Europe trade policy becomes clearer. A series of signs indicate that trade and economic tensions between Europe and the United States are escalating rapidly. During his meeting with French business representatives, Macron said: "Some companies that originally planned to invest in the United States should pause their projects until the U.S. tariff policy becomes clearer." He pointed out that while the United States is imposing additional tariffs on Europe, European companies continue to invest in the United States, sending a "contradictory signal." He emphasized that European countries should unite to confront the United States' tariff policy, rather than acting unilaterally. Macron stated that he would not rule out retaliatory measures against US tariffs, and France's response to US tariffs would be "larger in scale" than the previous retaliation against US steel and aluminum tariffs. He stated that if Europeans unite in response, they will be able to successfully dismantle US tariff policies. "We are fully prepared to counter US tariffs, and we are not ruling out the use of the EU's anti-coercion instrument against the US. All tools to counter US tariffs are under consideration, such as strengthening regulations on US digital service companies." Earlier on Thursday, Sophie Primas, a spokesperson for the French government, said that France is pushing for the EU to retaliate against US tech companies and is expanding countermeasures to include the services sector. On the same day, German Vice Chancellor and Minister of Economics Robert Habeck said that if Europe could unite, US President Trump would "yield to pressure" and adjust his tariff policy. The outgoing German Chancellor Scholz also said that he believes Trump's latest tariff decision is "fundamentally wrong." He stated that these measures are an attack on the global trade order, and these "ill-considered decisions" will harm the global economy. The U.S. government is on a path that "will only make everyone losers." According to the latest reports, informed sources have revealed that EU regulatory authorities are preparing to impose significant penalties on Musk's social media platform X for violations of the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA). The penalties will include fines and demands for product changes, with the fine amount potentially exceeding $1 billion. WTO Warns On April 3rd local time, the World Trade Organization (WTO) issued a statement regarding the United States' tariff policy. The WTO Secretariat stated that it is closely monitoring and analyzing the tariff policy issued by the United States, and answering questions from WTO members about the potential impact of these policies on their economies and the global trade system. The WTO expects the U.S. tariff policy to have a significant impact on global trade and economic growth prospects. The statement says that, according to the World Trade Organization's preliminary estimates, the tariff measures introduced by the United States since the beginning of this year may lead to a contraction of global merchandise trade volume by about 1% by 2025, which is nearly 4 percentage points lower than previous forecasts. The Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Okonjo-Iweala, said on the 3rd that the United States' imposition of tariffs will have a huge impact on the prospects for global trade and economic growth. Iweala expressed deep concern over the magnitude of trade contraction and the potential for a tariff war triggered by retaliatory measures, emphasizing that the vast majority of global trade still follows the Most Favored Nation treatment terms of the WTO. She called on WTO members to unite and prevent further escalation of trade tensions.
Shipping Network -
AURELIUS acquires TAT-NA, a producer of advanced composite components.
AURELIUS Private Equity Mid-Market Buyout announced the acquisition of Teijin Automotive Technologies North America ('TAT-NA'). TAT-NA is one of the leaders in advanced composite materials technology for the automotive, heavy truck, marine, and recreational vehicle sectors, under its ultimate parent company, Teijin Limited. This acquisition is the first deal advised by AURELIUS' New York investment consulting team just a few months after opening its North American market office. Producing advanced composite materials components for automobiles TAT-NA is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, with approximately 4,500 employees and annual revenues exceeding $1 billion. The company has 14 branches in the United States and Mexico, specializing in the development and production of advanced composite parts for the global automotive and transportation industries. TAT-NA's vertically integrated operational model and market-leading scale provide reliable assets and capabilities to maintain long-term supply relationships with major OEMs in North America.AURELIUS will provide new growth opportunities for the standalone TAT-NA business, whose unique, durable lightweight composite products are independent of the powertrain and thus well-suited to meet the long-term demand for Class A and structural vehicle components."Teijin Automotive Technologies North America has a long history of supplying major players in the North American automotive industry. We are particularly proud of this acquisition, as it is the first deal advised by our recently opened New York office. Our operations consulting team's experts will focus on providing a range of value creation plans across the entire production base network, while driving operational excellence through improved quality and efficiency," said Stephan Mayerhausen, Managing Director of AURELIUS Investment Advisory and head of AURELIUS's New York office."When we look to the future with the resources and support of the AURELIUS team, we are excited about the opportunities," said TAT-NA CEO Chris Twining. "The AURELIUS Operations Consulting team is committed to ensuring we remain at the forefront of the market, and I look forward to working with them to continue developing new material technologies while improving our operations, efficiency, and quality."AURELIUS is advised by Mizuho’s M&A team, Baker McKenzie (legal), EY (financial and tax), AON (insurance), and Ramboll (environmental).
Specialized Plastic Compilation -
【Overseas News】U.S. issues final ruling on epoxy resin anti-dumping and countervailing duties, Shell sells Singapore chemical assets, BASF launches new nylon product.
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).
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