PIL (Pacific International Lines) recently announced the launch of a new weekly direct service KCS from China and South Korea to Southeast Asia, connecting the major ports of China, South Korea, the Strait of Malacca, and Vietnam. The new service links 9 major ports in China, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
The Ministry of Commerce of China and the General Administration of Customs announced that from September 15, 2024, export controls will be imposed on antimony and super - hard materials. The aim is to balance national security and the stability of the global supply chain. At the same time, it is in line with international practices and is of great significance for the short - term impact on the global industrial chain and the long - term standardized development of the industry.
Due to the rapid decline in the water level along the Rhine River, barge operators have started to levy a Low Water Surcharge (LWS). MSC took the lead in announcing that after the water level of the Rhine River dropped below 150 cm, it would pass on the LWS levied by its barge operator partners for services to and from Antwerp and Rotterdam to customers.
Global Trade Dynamics: Container shipments from Asia to the U.S. decline, European shipping routes face disruptions, and the Shanghai Shipping Exchange releases the latest Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI). After falling below 1,000 points last week, the index dropped another 45.54 points this week to 934.31, a decline of 4.64%. All four major ocean routes declined, with freight rates from the Far East to the U.S. West and East Coasts dropping by over 13%, showing significant declines.
On May 9, 2023, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a final rule notification regarding updates to the safety standards for bedside cribs. According to the new rule, CPSC will adopt the updated ASTM F2906-23 standard by the American Society for Testing and Materials as the latest mandatory safety standard for bedside cribs. The new rule is expected to take effect on August 5, 2023.
At the International Cross-Border E-Commerce Development Forum of the 40th China Langfang International Economic and Trade Fair, Lü Daliang, spokesperson of the General Administration of Customs and Director of the Department of Statistical Analysis, revealed a new milestone for Chinas cross-border e-commerce. In 2022, Chinas cross-border e-commerce import and export scale exceeded 2 trillion yuan for the first time, a 7.1% increase from 2021, injecting new momentum into Chinas foreign trade development.
The worst drought in 70 years is affecting the Panama Canal. To cope with the continuous decline in water levels, the management has had to impose stricter restrictions on vessel draft and reduce the number of ships passing through. This situation has raised concerns among industry professionals, as international logistics costs may rise as a result.
Vietnam, as a new global manufacturing hub, is experiencing an energy crisis triggered by the El Ni?o phenomenon. The surge in electricity demand due to high temperatures and reduced power supply has led to electricity shortages in the northern regions. Industrial parks and manufacturing plants housing major companies like Samsung, Foxconn, and Canon have been forced to implement measures such as reducing peak-hour electricity usage and rotating power outages.
According to the Regulations of the Peoples Republic of China on Certification and Accreditation, the Measures of the Peoples Republic of China for the Administration of Compulsory Product Certification Bodies and Laboratories, and the Announcement of the Certification and Accreditation Administration of the Peoples Republic of China on Designating Implementation Bodies for Compulsory Product Certification of Lithium - ion Batteries and Other Products (No. 5, 2023), the Certification and Accreditation Administration of the Peoples Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as the CNCA) hereby announces the decision on designating laboratories for the compulsory product certification (3C certification) of lithium - ion batteries and battery packs, mobile power supplies, etc. used in electronic and electrical products.