Latest news with #Apero
ABC News
15 hours ago
- Business
- ABC News
Australian companies in US–China tariffs limbo accuse Austrade of abandoning small business
It has been a busy and frustrating week in the shipping warehouse at Apéro. The Brisbane-based maternity label is packaging up its last parcels to the United States after making the call to halt orders to this lucrative market. "It's tough to make a decision," co-founder Laz Smith says. Apéro has made this decision in response to US President Donald Trump's sweeping changes to taxes on imported goods into the States. It's not the only online fashion retailer in this position. Data given to ABC News shows shipping from Australia to the US is dropping, as business "uncertainty" about Trump's tariffs continues. Apéro's woes began on "liberation day" in April, when Trump announced global tariffs, with help from a gigantic placard. Tariffs are a tax on goods as they enter a nation's borders. Officially, Australia is getting a "baseline" rate of just 10 per cent. Yet Australian companies like Apéro, which manufacture in China, are actually getting the far higher tariffs being lobbed on the Asian superpower. China's tariffs have wildly fluctuated since April, with a semi-truce between the two superpowers in May now settling them at just over 40 per cent. "It's basically a quasi-global trade war," Smith says. "And we just don't know what the playing field is, and the players can change their mind at any time." US and China are reportedly bargaining for a firm deal, but deadlines on this keep being delayed. The next is in November. "What's tricky is they are now negotiating over pretty substantial trade disagreements," Oxford Economics head of global trade, Harry Murphy Cruise, says. "I really feel for (Australian businesses caught up in this) simply because they don't have any certainty whatsoever. "They don't know what's going to happen in November. They may not know what's going to happen next week. Although, they do. Next week, another Trump curveball is coming their way. Until now, packages worth less than US$800 ($1,200) were exempt from import taxes when they arrived in the US. But on August 30, this "de minimis" tax exemption, once used by Temu and Shein, is being closed off for all countries, including Australia. Felicity Dean, who is a trade expert at The University of Queensland, believes this could result in fees of US$80 on Australian orders into the US. Others have been interpreting the new looming rules more optimistically, as just applying Australia's "baseline" 10 per cent tariff to orders. Apéro's Smith says it has been struggling to get firm guidance ahead of August 30, including from Australia Post. "I think they're still struggling to catch up to what's going on," he says. Australia Post didn't answer specific questions from ABC News. "Australia Post is investigating paying duties and taxes through an approved third-party platform provider on behalf of our merchants," it wrote on Monday. ABC News also understands Australia Post is halting "transit" shipping as it deals with this evolving situation. As retailers like Apéro grapple with uncertainty, data given to ABC News by a tech company that facilitates online orders is showing the real-world impact. "There's been a 36 per cent drop in volume since April in terms of outbound shipments from Australia to the US," Shippit's chief executive, Rob Hango-Zada, says. "All the tariff changes, and more specifically the de minimis change, has actually meant that retailers have had to pull back from the US market. Some Australian retailers in Shippit's network have been relocating their shipping logistics to American shores, Hango-Zada says. This means importing goods in bulk into the US, which means the products receive tariffs on their lower wholesale value. "We've had a couple of fashion retailers in particular that have completely pivoted their operations," Hango-Zada says. Nashie is one apparel brand that is already doing this local distribution model in the US. Its founder, Tom Wilson, says it has helped insulate them somewhat. Yet it also means Nashie has to directly pay its own tariff bills. Its garments are made in China, and Nashie is being impacted by the 40.6 per cent tariff on that nation. Its last tariff bill this month was six figures. "I was very salty sitting in the Commonwealth Bank paying that as an international transaction," Wilson says. Nashie has been raising prices for American shoppers to deal with this whirlwind, but doesn't want to have to keep doing this. Wilson wants far more support for Australia's fashion industry. Apero's Smith agrees and is calling on Australia's trade department to do more as the uncertainty drags on. "We've never heard from AusTrade, and it's quite crazy," he says. "I think there's a lot of labels and brands that do a lot trade in the US, and we haven't heard a single thing from how to navigate this. It's all on our own backs." ABC News has repeatedly asked for an interview with Australia's trade minister, Don Farrell. He declined for this story, citing timing issues.
Straits Times
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Famed Singapore-run sandwich deli Nonette from Paris launches CBD pop-up until October
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox SINGAPORE - It has made waves in Paris for its unconventional and playful take on banh mi and Asian-style doughnuts. Now, famed Singapore-founded sandwich deli Nonette is back in town for a three-month pop-up from July 2 to Oct 4 at Rasa Space - a nightlife venue for music, arts and culture - at Republic Plaza in Raffles Place. Established in 2021, the banh mi store in the French city's hip 11th arrondissement has grown a cult following and fed celebrities including France-based Singaporean actress Sharon Au and the cast of hit Netflix series Emily In Paris (2020 to present). At Nonette's pop-up here, the rotating menu features two signature Banh Mi Parisien ($12 each). Banh Mi Jambon Beurre is made with three charcuterie - char siu, Vietnamese mortadella and jambon (ham) - pate and French butter, while Vietnamese Fried Chicken Banh Mi has South-east Asian-spiced fried chicken and sriracha mayonnaise. The ingredients, which include crunchy pickles and fresh herbs, are sandwiched between golden-brown toasted baguette. The charcuterie, pate, pickles and sriracha mayonnaise are all made in-house. Nonette's Banh Mi Jambon Beurre and Vietnamese Fried Chicken Banh Mi (left). PHOTO: NONETTE Pair the banh mi with a scrumptious selection of Asian-influenced French desserts ($4 each). Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore 3 out of 4 in Singapore cannot identify deepfake content: Cyber Security Agency survey Singapore New $7.5m fund to encourage social service agencies to track impact of their programmes Singapore GrabCab, Singapore's newest taxi operator, hits the roads with over 40 cabs to be rolled out in July Life Star Awards 2025: Xiang Yun and Chen Hanwei are the most decorated actors in show's 30-year history World Paramount settles with Trump over '60 Minutes' Harris interview for $20 million Asia Dalai Lama says he will have successor after his death Business Cathay Cineplexes gets demand for $3.4 million in arrears from Jem landlord Singapore Man charged over allegedly receiving scam proceeds of more than $1.5m in his firm's bank accounts These include a kaya doughnut, chilli oil chantilly doughnut, black sesame eclair and tau suan eclair - complete with crisp youtiao chips. And, in a nod to the upcoming SG60 celebrations, Nonette has created a Singapore Sling Baba ($5), a tropical twist on the French classic baba au rhum cake inspired by the nation's iconic cocktail. Complete the meal with Petillant Naturel natural sparkling wines, priced from $16 a glass. For the most convenient option, the Apero Box ($19++, 5 to 8pm from Wednesdays to Fridays, 8 to 11pm on Saturdays) includes a choice of banh mi, doughnut and two eclairs. Nonette's kaya doughnuts (left) and chilli oil chantilly doughnuts. PHOTO: NONETTE Apero, short for aperitif, refers to a pre-dinner social gathering to unwind with drinks and light snacks. 'We want to bring the whole Parisian Apero vibe and our experiences overseas here. We're going for good, casual energy that is messy, fun and social,' says Ms Pearlyn Lee, 42, the founder of Nonette and its sister Singaporean restaurant The Hood, which was established in Paris in 2016. This homecoming marks her next step towards setting up Nonette permanently in Singapore. In September 2024, she told The Straits Times of her intention to open here in 2026 - and this longer pop-up is her testbed on how the concept will fare in a Central Business District (CBD) location. Back in November 2022, her successful three-day pop-up at Tiong Bahru Bakery's Fort Canning outlet sold out its first hundred banh mi within the hour. In Paris, she is looking to expand Nonette with three to four more outlets in the next two years - as she continues to champion South-east Asian flavours and budding chefs there. Formerly from the oil and gas industry, Ms Lee's long-term dream is to set up in the home of banh mi, Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City. Her choice of location at Rasa Space sees her partner with another like-minded Singaporean - its co-founder Mr Kavan Spruyt, 44, who was based in Berlin, Germany for eight years and previously behind the now-defunct bar The Vault and nightspot Club Kyo.
Scoop
03-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Auckland Hospitality Scene Stands Strong: Lewisham Awards Demonstrate Resilience Of Auckland's Hospitality Scene
Press Release – Lewisham Awards Resilience and innovations was on show as Auckland Hospitalitys best came together on Sunday night for the annual Lewisham Awards. Finalists, judges and guests packed out the Viaduct Events Centre for an evening of recognition and celebration with … 1 June 2025 Best new establishment: First Mates Last Laugh. Double win for Panacea. Karangahape Road establishments' take out three categories. Nicola Richards of Monsoon Poon honored. Resilience and innovations was on show as Auckland Hospitality's best came together on Sunday night for the annual Lewisham Awards. Finalists, judges and guests packed out the Viaduct Events Centre for an evening of recognition and celebration with a time travellers theme. The makers of the city's best cocktail, cafe lattes and mince pies, assembled to acknowledge the achievements of the past year. 'Hospitality has continued to be challenging,' observers Dan Sullivan, Chairperson of the Awards Committee. 'That hasn't stopped innovation, dedication and ultimately success in this creative commercial industry'. Karangahape Road establishments featured heavily with a double win for Apero for best Chef and Wine, best central establishment for pasta restaurant Pici, as well as the emerging talent award for the cult following of Pie Rolla. Further off the beaten track were wins from Westhaven Marina located First Mates, Last Laughs for best new establishment, founded by Judith Tabron of Soul Bar fame, as well as Avondale based Tokos Tacos for best West Auckland establishment. Nicola Richards, owner of Monsoon Poon was honoured with the Hospitality Hero award, the popular Southeast Asian restaurant closed it's doors after almost 20 years of trading in early May. 'As an industry we're seeing hospitality owners demonstrate an understanding and application of community and connection. Not only are they creating memorable experiences, they're delivering them in such a way that guests want to come back to share it with others.' says Sullivan. LEWISHAM AWARD WINNERS 2025 Best Bartender – Theo Thjandra @ Truth or Dare/Goblin Best Beer Brewer – Hallertau Best Cafe – Duo Best Chef – Leslie @ Apero Best Cocktail Experience – Panacea Best Central Auckland Establishment – Pici Front of House – Sophie Ehan @ Gilt Hospo Hero – Nicola Richards @ Monsoon Poon Best Innovation – Everybody Eats East/Waiheke – Casita Miro Best North – Fantail & Turtle Best South – Mania Seafood Boil Best West – Tokos Tacos Best New Establishment – First Mates, Last Laughs Best Producer – Kumeu River Wines Best Sustainability – Panacea
Scoop
03-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Auckland Hospitality Scene Stands Strong: Lewisham Awards Demonstrate Resilience Of Auckland's Hospitality Scene
Press Release – Lewisham Awards 1 June 2025 Best new establishment: First Mates Last Laugh. Double win for Panacea. Karangahape Road establishments' take out three categories. Nicola Richards of Monsoon Poon honored. Resilience and innovations was on show as Auckland Hospitality's best came together on Sunday night for the annual Lewisham Awards. Finalists, judges and guests packed out the Viaduct Events Centre for an evening of recognition and celebration with a time travellers theme. The makers of the city's best cocktail, cafe lattes and mince pies, assembled to acknowledge the achievements of the past year. 'Hospitality has continued to be challenging,' observers Dan Sullivan, Chairperson of the Awards Committee. 'That hasn't stopped innovation, dedication and ultimately success in this creative commercial industry'. Karangahape Road establishments featured heavily with a double win for Apero for best Chef and Wine, best central establishment for pasta restaurant Pici, as well as the emerging talent award for the cult following of Pie Rolla. Further off the beaten track were wins from Westhaven Marina located First Mates, Last Laughs for best new establishment, founded by Judith Tabron of Soul Bar fame, as well as Avondale based Tokos Tacos for best West Auckland establishment. Nicola Richards, owner of Monsoon Poon was honoured with the Hospitality Hero award, the popular Southeast Asian restaurant closed it's doors after almost 20 years of trading in early May. 'As an industry we're seeing hospitality owners demonstrate an understanding and application of community and connection. Not only are they creating memorable experiences, they're delivering them in such a way that guests want to come back to share it with others.' says Sullivan. LEWISHAM AWARD WINNERS 2025 Best Bartender – Theo Thjandra @ Truth or Dare/Goblin Best Beer Brewer – Hallertau Best Cafe – Duo Best Chef – Leslie @ Apero Best Cocktail Experience – Panacea Best Central Auckland Establishment – Pici Front of House – Sophie Ehan @ Gilt Hospo Hero – Nicola Richards @ Monsoon Poon Best Innovation – Everybody Eats East/Waiheke – Casita Miro Best North – Fantail & Turtle Best South – Mania Seafood Boil Best West – Tokos Tacos Best New Establishment – First Mates, Last Laughs Best Producer – Kumeu River Wines Best Sales Experience – Gina Nicholls @ Tickety Boo Best Sustainability – Panacea Best Wine – Apero Content Sourced from Original url
Scoop
02-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Auckland Hospitality Scene Stands Strong: Lewisham Awards Demonstrate Resilience Of Auckland's Hospitality Scene
1 June 2025 Best new establishment: First Mates Last Laugh. Double win for Panacea. Karangahape Road establishments' take out three categories. Nicola Richards of Monsoon Poon honored. Resilience and innovations was on show as Auckland Hospitality's best came together on Sunday night for the annual Lewisham Awards. Finalists, judges and guests packed out the Viaduct Events Centre for an evening of recognition and celebration with a time travellers theme. The makers of the city's best cocktail, cafe lattes and mince pies, assembled to acknowledge the achievements of the past year. 'Hospitality has continued to be challenging,' observers Dan Sullivan, Chairperson of the Awards Committee. 'That hasn't stopped innovation, dedication and ultimately success in this creative commercial industry'. Karangahape Road establishments featured heavily with a double win for Apero for best Chef and Wine, best central establishment for pasta restaurant Pici, as well as the emerging talent award for the cult following of Pie Rolla. Further off the beaten track were wins from Westhaven Marina located First Mates, Last Laughs for best new establishment, founded by Judith Tabron of Soul Bar fame, as well as Avondale based Tokos Tacos for best West Auckland establishment. Nicola Richards, owner of Monsoon Poon was honoured with the Hospitality Hero award, the popular Southeast Asian restaurant closed it's doors after almost 20 years of trading in early May. 'As an industry we're seeing hospitality owners demonstrate an understanding and application of community and connection. Not only are they creating memorable experiences, they're delivering them in such a way that guests want to come back to share it with others.' says Sullivan. LEWISHAM AWARD WINNERS 2025 Best Emerging Talent - Lewis Mazza-Carson @ Pie Rolla's Best Bartender - Theo Thjandra @ Truth or Dare/Goblin Best Beer Brewer - Hallertau Best Cafe - Duo Best Chef - Leslie @ Apero Best Cocktail Experience - Panacea Best Central Auckland Establishment - Pici Front of House - Sophie Ehan @ Gilt Hospo Hero - Nicola Richards @ Monsoon Poon Best Innovation - Everybody Eats East/Waiheke - Casita Miro Best North - Fantail & Turtle Best South - Mania Seafood Boil Best West - Tokos Tacos Best New Establishment - First Mates, Last Laughs Best Producer - Kumeu River Wines Best Sales Experience - Gina Nicholls @ Tickety Boo Best Sustainability - Panacea
