Latest news with #EU-imposed
Qatar Tribune
26-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
China's household brands battle economic uncertainty, fierce foreign competition
Agencies Beijing China's consumer goods industry is facing mounting pressures due to declining domestic demand and economic uncertainties. Once a booming sector driven by rapid urbanization and increasing purchasing power, the market has now slowed as consumers cut back on discretionary spending. Major players, like China Mengniu Dairy, are witnessing sharp revenue declines, forcing them to explore international markets for growth. However, overseas expansion is proving to be a complex challenge, as price-dumping concerns and regulatory scrutiny threaten their ability to establish a strong global presence. China's post-pandemic economic slowdown has led to weaker consumer confidence, driving a 3.5 percent decline in FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) sales in the third quarter of2024. Reduced household spending, stagnant wages, and shifting consumer priorities have impacted sectors ranging from dairy to household products. While companies like Mengniu Dairy are looking outward, their exports face EU trade barriers and anti-dumping investigations, reminiscent of past restrictions on Chinese solar panel exports. Additionally, fierce competition with established foreign brands further complicates their overseas ambitions. If domestic consumption remains subdued, Chinese firms will struggle to sustain profitability both at home and abroad. China's consumer spending downturn is also tied to shifting demographic trends and weakened investor confidence. As the population ages, demand for premium and convenience-oriented products is declining, while younger consumers focus on savings due to economic uncertainty. Additionally, property market instability, a pillar of household wealth, has led to tightened budgets for discretionary spending. The government's stimulus measures, including interest rate cuts and consumption incentives, have yielded limited results, failing to restore robust demand. International brands operating in China have adjusted forecasts downward, reflecting concerns over long-term market stagnation. Meanwhile, e-commerce sales, once a key driver of FMCG growth, have plateaued due to regulatory pressures and reduced consumer engagement. As businesses struggle to navigate these challenges, reliance on overseas markets is increasing; yet global trade barriers and pricing scrutiny further complicate expansion strategies, leaving Chinese firms vulnerable to prolonged financial strain. To counter domestic losses, Chinese consumer goods firms are aggressively targeting foreign markets. However, this approach is filled with challenges as governments and trade regulators in Europe and North America scrutinise Chinese exports for price manipulation. Many nations argue that Chinese companies sell products at artificially low prices to gain market dominance, undermining local competitors. Similar accusations were made against Chinese solar panel manufacturers in the early 2010s, leading to EU-imposed tariffs that significantly restricted exports. A similar pattern is emerging in food and household goods, with European regulators investigating Chinese dairy and packaged food exports for unfair pricing practices. Additionally, Chinese brands face tough competition from well-established local players who benefit from consumer trust and strict safety standards. Many consumers in the US and EU prefer domestic brands due to concerns over product quality and national economic stability. Despite aggressive pricing strategies, Chinese firms struggle to capture significant market share amid regulatory barriers and consumer skepticism. Governments across the globe are imposing stricter regulations on Chinese imports, aiming to counter concerns over unfair competition and state-backed subsidies. Both the EU and US have already enforced trade restrictions on Chinese goods, and similar measures could soon extend to food and household products, making market access more challenging for Chinese firms. A precedent was set by the EU's anti-dumping actions against Chinese solar panels, which resulted in a 30 percent export decline within two years. If comparable tariffs target consumer goods, China's overseas revenue could see significant losses. The US is also assessing duties on Chinese dairy imports, citing risks of market distortion and unfair pricing strategies. The broader economic downturn in China has significantly affected stock performance, with consumer staples experiencing one of the weakest sales periods in recent years. The MSCI China consumer staples gauge is facing its worst sales underperformance in two years, reflecting investor concerns over declining consumer demand. Major retailers, including Li Ning and Alibaba, have lowered their revenue projections, underscoring persistent uncertainty in the sector. Additionally, Chinese companies are grappling with rising operational costs. Inflation, supply chain disruptions, and heightened regulatory compliance expenses are squeezing profit margins. Mengniu Dairy, a leading player in the industry, saw its profit margin plummet to just 0.1 percent in 2024, compared to 5 percent in 2022. This sharp decline highlights the financial strain many firms are enduring as they navigate economic challenges. The growing pressure on consumer goods companies suggests a prolonged period of instability, forcing businesses to re-evaluate their strategies for sustaining profitability in both domestic and global markets. While overseas expansion remains a viable strategy, Chinese companies must navigate complex trade policies and shifting consumer preferences. Strengthening domestic demand through innovation and policy support could offer a more sustainable path forward. Otherwise, the reliance on foreign markets may expose them to further economic and political risks. To remain competitive, Chinese firms must invest in product innovation, branding, and quality improvements. Simply relying on low prices will not be enough to sustain growth in foreign markets. Additionally, government support in the form of subsidies and trade negotiations could help mitigate some of the challenges posed by international trade restrictions. However, if current trends continue, China's consumer goods sector may face long-term stagnation, with companies struggling to maintain profitability both at home and abroad. The next few years will be crucial in determining whether Chinese firms can adapt to the changing global trade landscape or if they will continue to face declining revenues and market share.
Euronews
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Two bodies believed to be migrants retrieved from river on Poland-Belarus border
ADVERTISEMENT Two bodies have been retrieved by authorities from the Bug River on Poland's border with Belarus. They are believed to be migrant men who had attempted to cross the border into Poland. Investigators are conducting an autopsy to determine the identities and cause of death of the bodies, which were significantly decomposed when they were found, according to Katarzyna Gągolińska of the Biała Podlaska police. The Polish Border Guard says that almost 300 attempts have been made to cross the Polish-Belarusian border in the Lublin province since the start of this year. Dariusz Sienicki, captain of the Bug River Border Guard Unit, says there is an upward trend compared with a year earlier. In 2024, approximately 530 reportedly tried to cross the border illegally, the Border Guard said. In the last 24 hours, the Border Guard rescued 13 people from the Bug River in another town in Lublin province. They were citizens of Afghanistan, Syria and Pakistan, Sienicki said. Polish Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Maciej Duszczyk alleged that the bodies "were people who were pushed into the water by the Belarusian services" in mid-March. He claimed that this is a tactic used as provocation by Belarus. Members of a group of some 30 migrants seeking asylum in Bialowieza, Poland, on Sunday, 28 May 2023. AP Photo/Agnieszka Sadowska Warsaw has accused its neighbour Belarus of luring asylum seekers from countries in Africa and the Middle East and pushing them towards the Polish border to sow chaos and destabilise Poland. Authorities say it is a retaliation from Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko for EU-imposed sanctions. They say he gives orders in cooperation with Russian President Vladimir Putin to punish the EU over its support for Ukraine. At the end of March, Poland temporarily suspended the right of migrants arriving via its border with Belarus to apply for asylum. That legislation was widely criticised by human rights groups , which fear it may worsen a current humanitarian crisis. The border area is notorious for its dangerous terrain and harsh conditions, including exposure to freezing winter temperatures and inadequate access to food, shelter and aid. Paired with physical barriers imposed by the Polish government, the forest has become a trap for people travelling to the border, often resulting in a significant number of injuries, disappearances and fatalities.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
US reportedly assures EU about role in Ukraine peace talks as Russia seeks sanctions relief
The U.S. has signaled that European partners will be included in peace talks on the war in Ukraine, as Russia pushes for the lifting of EU-imposed sanctions, Bloomberg reported on March 18, citing unnamed sources. The move may reassure European leaders, who have expressed concerns that the U.S. would attempt to broker a deal without their involvement. So far, U.S. President Donald Trump has largely excluded Europe from his direct conversations with Ukraine and Russia. The EU's sanctions framework includes economic measures and restrictions on over 2,400 individuals and entities linked to Russia. Moscow has sought to have these penalties lifted as part of a negotiation process. According to Bloomberg, Washington has made it clear to European partners that its immediate priority is to halt hostilities in Ukraine. Only after a ceasefire is secured would discussions on security guarantees take place. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed on March 10 that the U.S. has discussed easing the sanctions on Russia with the EU. Trump previously said on March 7 that he is considering imposing additional banking sanctions and tariffs on Russia until a ceasefire and peace agreement are reached. Since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has faced sweeping economic sanctions from both the U.S. and the EU, targeting key industries, financial institutions, and individuals close to the Kremlin. Read also: US scales down efforts in countering Russian sabotage, Reuters reports We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
See - Sada Elbalad
06-03-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Mr. Sannino: The World Has Become More Complex & Multipolar
Nada Mustafa- Basant Ahmed - Yara Sameh In a significant move underscoring the European Union's strategic focus on the Mediterranean region, the EU has established the Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa, and the Gulf. This marks the first time the EU has created a dedicated commissioner and administrative structure for the region, signaling a major shift in its diplomatic and economic engagement. In an a press briefing, Mr. Stefano Sannino, Director General of the Middle East, North Africa & Gulf, emphasized that this development reflects the high priority given to the region by the European Commission. While the EU continues its enlargement process with Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans, it remains committed to deepening partnerships with the Mediterranean. Moreover, Mr. Sannino outlined the twofold mission of the newly established Directorate-General. The first objective is to strengthen bilateral relations with Mediterranean countries, fostering strategic partnerships similar to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership the EU has with Egypt. The second aim is to develop a Pact for the Mediterranean, a regional framework designed to enhance cooperation and integration between Europe and its southern neighbors. While still in its early stages, the Pact is being co-developed in consultation with regional partners to ensure joint ownership, rather than an EU-imposed structure, the EU official added. According to Mr. Sannino, the international landscape has become increasingly complex and fragmented, exacerbated by Russia's aggression against Ukraine and regional crises, noting that these dynamics highlight the urgent need for stronger EU-Mediterranean cooperation. "The world has transitioned through various geopolitical phases, from bipolarism to multipolarism, followed by a unipolar phase, and now what the UN Secretary-General has described as chaos," he explained, adding, the EU that once accustomed to a stable, predictable world, must now adapt to an era of uncertainty. Concerning EU Council President's recent visit to Egypt, Mr. Sannino said that high-level discussions were held between EU representatives and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the Prime Minister (PM), Foreign Minister (FM), and Minister of International Cooperation. Additionally, he noted that EU delegation engaged in talks with private sector representatives, civil society, and international organizations, highlighting Egypt's strategic and comprehensive partnership with EU. Highlighting the significance of the Mediterranean, Mr. Sannino pointed to the European Council President's participation in a Arab summit on Gaza as a testament to Europe's recognition of the region's strategic importance. He further added that, for decades, the EU's regulatory power, often referred to as the "Brussels Effect", has influenced global standards due to the EU's large market size (500 million consumers) and economic weight. However, with today's increasingly fragmented world order, Mr. Sannino acknowledged that the EU must redefine its approach to remain influential in shaping global norms. Many countries are now adopting a multi-alignment strategy, engaging with multiple global players, including the U.S., Russia, and China, based on national interests rather than ideological affiliations. "The key question is not ideology but rather whether a country respects international norms or operates outside them," he noted, adding, EU must carefully select its partners based on their commitment to a rules-based international order. While the EU remains committed to human rights and democratic values, Mr. Sannino emphasized that democracy cannot be imposed externally but should develop organically within societies. "We need to support reform processes gradually while taking into account the specific circumstances of each country. For example, in Tunisia, there is a vibrant civil society and a thriving private sector despite political challenges. It is in our interest to support this development rather than impose strict conditions that might hinder progress." Mr. Sannino said: "I would not like to create a sort of narrative where we are, let's say, bringing our forces together against Trump and against the US administration. I think that somehow, and it's a huge effort that collectively we are making, if I read also the communique of the summit, it starts with praising the activity of the US administration and the work that has been done and their contribution to, it's not easy to pick up a fight, even if sometimes, I mean, you may be hitching and say, I mean, I want to do something." He added," But it's logical, I would say, and it's a rational policy that of not creating fronts against. I think that, I mean, if you look at the implementation of the policies, there are things that are, let's say, more difficult to digest. And then there are things that then evolve and shift to another dimension." The EU official believes that if you go into an escalatory process, normally it's not too good, it's a lose-lose. "But I understand what you say. And I think that when I was saying about the change in geopolitical landscape, this is also part of the story." He confirmed that The European Union, today what is the 4th or the 5th? Today is the 5th. So tomorrow there is a European Council in Brussels, which is discussing rearmament of Europe, stressing that it is a big plan to, let's say, step up substantially the armament capacities of the European Union. everybody is rearming. He noted that he has seen things that he would have never believed that could happen. "I've seen Sweden and Finland join the European Union. I've seen Germany embarking on a 100 billion euro plan to rearm. But I've seen also Japan changing its constitution to change the security and the defense posture, for Germany, they have made a plan of 100 billion euro to rearm. They are arming more than everybody else." Asked if the United States will agree, he said we don't think that we need to ask permission. We are doing it. We are just doing it. "we can have, let's say, a mechanism by which we can do that in order to rearm. And to buy and to structure our armaments. , And by the way, I mean, the United States has always asked and pushed the European Union to take more responsibility for its own defence. So I think that really there is no political problem about this." On the migration, Mr. Stefano Sannino said it's a very complex and structured plan that we have when it comes to migration because it's about prevention, also addressing the root causes of migration. This includes all the work that we are doing for the economic development, for the socio-economic development of the country. he added: "There is an element of control of the borders. There is an element of fight against smugglers and trafficking, which is also another important point. There is the issue of legal pathway for migration, which is being very much paired with more structured work when it comes to returns and the rules for asylum seekers." "So it's a very structured and articulated strategy that we are putting in place because there is no silver bullet that solves the migratory problem. So you need to address the different aspects and the different components that you have." Moreover, underlined the structured and articulated strategy that was put in place in Italy and the European Union to solve the migratory problem. He noted that what they are trying to achieve is "support and, once again, accompany the reform process that the country is making." "The strategic partnership has different pillars. One of them, an important one, is socio-economic development, the attraction of investment, and the facilitation of important experts," Sannino said. He continued: "Everything that has to do with creating a business environment conducive to attracting investment and establishing a level playing field for exporters and importers so that we can develop, again, the capacity of Egypt to stand on its own feet. So, in this context, Italy is an important partner because there is a very strong economic, and social. Still, I would say also cultural link when it comes to education, to training. There is a long tradition and I suppose that it will continue to be this way. also addressed the emergency Arab summit convened on Tuesday in Egypt and the Egyptian plan for the future of Gaza and its reconstruction. "I think that we still have to look at the plan because It's being delivered," he said. The official added:" That said, First of all, I would say that the idea of having the summit, the idea of having a plan of the Arab countries, it's a very positive point. It's a very positive aspect,". He noted there is not only one game in town but two games in town. One is based on the fact that the Palestinians will stay in Gaza and the other one is based on other ideas. "So, for us, this is a good plan. I mean, there is merit in looking at it, to see which is the content. Not easy, let's be clear. I mean, not all the elements are immediate. The timeline is also very tight for all that needs to be done," Sannino said. Furthermore, he noted there is a willingness to make an effort to see if this (Plan) is going to work. "That said, I mean, as I was saying before, we have not yet seen the paper. So, let's look at it. Let's see which are the elements that are there, which are the conditions in terms of security, which are the conditions in terms of governance, which is the willingness to substantiate financially the reconstruction of Gaza," he said" And it only starts then with the point of the holding of the ceasefire, the freeing of the hostages. So, it's many, many elements,". also shed light on the actions against Hamas, affirming Hamas must be out of Gaza. "European Union has been always very clear that we do not want to see Gaza as hosting terrorist organizations, And for us, Hamas is a terrorist organization. So, we need to see them out of the picture. That's why we need to see Palestinian authorities strengthened, reformed, and being able to take responsibility for the territory," he explained. Additionally, Mr. Sannino voiced insight on who will be running the show and will be getting all the money to develop Gaza. "There is this idea that it has to be Palestinian-run and Palestinian-led, But in that case, too, you need, again, a restructured and reformed Palestinian authority that can take this part of the responsibility to go back to Gaza, to gain the confidence of the people in Gaza, and to be able to run this complex operation," he said. The official commented on the Suez Canal's safe sailing and the Bab el-Mandal Strait. "I think it is one of the cases where we have been quite clear because we have sent a mission there. I mean, ASPIR is essentially there to ensure, let's say, the free navigation and the freedom of, let's say, trade, commerce, and so on," he said. "So, we are very much committed to that. We do not have, as the European Union, any problem to think and to say that the Houthis are the spoiler in this process. And we don't like it,". He also addressed whether he will take part in the next month's conference about Gaza. "Once again, I mean, the participation in the conference itself is very much linked to all these elements that I have mentioned. So, we need to look at the security and the governance component, because that's an important part of the story. After all, the commitment and engagement that is needed is huge," he added. Mr. Sannino added:" I speak about, let's say, the needs assessment is of 53 billion euros, apart from the complexity of the operation. So, it's a huge undertaking, and there must be, not only for the European Union but for everybody, clarity about how this process is going to be run."
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Heathrow third runway: a saga of promises, protest and U-turns
The saga of Heathrow's third runway has been continuing for decades, with ministerial resignations, U-turns from politicians against the backdrop of climate disaster, including 0.2C of global heating since the expansion was first proposed. Now the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, is hoping to kickstart the expansion again in a push for economic growth. But critics including the London mayor, Sadiq Khan, say it will do little for growth, cause disruption, and fly in the face of the UK's climate commitments. May 2003 After years of rumours during the approval process for Heathrow Terminal 5, and despite repeated denials, BAA plc admitted publicly for the first time that it aimed to get approval for a third runway at Heathrow, in its response to the government's airport consultation. The push for a third runway is widely condemned by local groups, London politicians and even by the sector – because of the airport's previous denials that it was seeking expansion. December 2003 The then transport secretary, Alistair Darling, launches the government's aviation white paper, which says Heathrow would have been the preferred location for the next runway in south-east England but that it is concerned about air pollution. It says it expects a third runway to be built within 12 years. August 2007 Protesters set up the Camp for Climate Action near Sipson, on the northern edge of Heathrow, which leads to clashes with police. The government reaffirms cautious support for Heathrow expansion in its updated white paper the previous year. Summer 2008 A Conservative government is likely to block a third runway for Heathrow airport, David Cameron says, criticising the then prime minister, Gordon Brown, for 'pig-headedly' pressing ahead with the scheme. He says there will be no third runways – 'no ifs, no buts'. The EU warns that the UK will miss EU-imposed nitrogen oxide targets if expansion proceeds. January 2009 The transport secretary, Geoff Hoon, officially gives the go-ahead to a third runway and sixth terminal at Heathrow, but promised the 'toughest climate change regime for aviation anywhere in the world'. Cabinet opponents, led by the environment secretary, Hilary Benn, and energy secretary, Ed Miliband, express considerable concerns. Boris Johnson, then the Conservative mayor of London, denounces the decision and there is a Commons revolt by Labour MPs. May 2010 The coalition government, with Cameron as prime minister, formally says there will be no third runway. The new government says it will also refuse any additional runways at Gatwick and Stansted. June 2012 In March, it is reported that Cameron and his chancellor, George Osborne, have been convinced of the need to re-examine long-term policy on Heathrow after lobbying by overseas leaders and business figures. By June, the government says it will not block BAA from submitting proposals. September 2012 Nick Clegg, the deputy prime minister, promises the Lib Dems will not accept Heathrow expansion. Johnson describes the idea as a 'disaster', while Zac Goldsmith threatens to quit as MP for Richmond Park and trigger a byelection. Justine Greening, the transport secretary and Heathrow critic, is removed in a reshuffle. December 2014 John Holland-Kaye, the airport's chief executive, says Heathrow should never have ruled out building a third runway. 'I am shocked by that commitment. It should never have been made. And it could never be kept. That is not an excuse. It is an apology,' he says. May 2015 Standing for election to parliament in Uxbridge and South Ruislip, Johnson says he will 'lie down with you in front of those bulldozers and stop the building, stop the construction of that third runway.' July 2015 The Airports Commission, chaired by Sir Howard Davies, the former director general of the CBI, publishes a report calling for a new runway north-west of Heathrow. It says conditions should include a ban on night flights, legally binding caps on noise and air quality – and legislation to rule out ever building a fourth runway. Local groups and environmental campaigners are dismayed. October 2016 Theresa May delays the vote on airport expansion amid warnings Tory MPs could resign their seats. Longstanding opponents are in the cabinet, including Boris Johnson, now the foreign secretary, and Justine Greening, now the education secretary. June 2018 The Commons backs Heathrow expansion by 15 votes to 119 – a majority of 296. But Boris Johnson, now foreign secretary, faces sharp criticism from fellow Conservative MPs over his decision to skip the crunch vote on Heathrow expansion by flying out of the UK on an official visit to Afghanistan. John McDonnell, the shadow chancellor, says it is 'a threat to the planet' and that an 'iconic, totemic' battle will be unleashed over climate change. But more than 100 Labour MPs vote in favour. February 2020 The court of appeal finds the government's approval of the runway is illegal because ministers has failed to take into account the UK's commitments under the 2015 Paris climate accord, which requires keeping the global temperature rise as close to 1.5C as possible. December 2020 The ruling means the airport can now seek a development consent order, a type of planning permission for nationally significant infrastructure. However, Covid-19 travel restrictions devastate aviation and Heathrow says the runway could be delayed by five years, having previously set 2028 as a completion date. The Stay Grounded campaign calls it 'a betrayal of our children's future and incompatible with the UK's climate commitments.' Experts question how expansion can be compatible with new legally binding commitments to net zero. January 2024 The Labour chancellor, Rachel Reeves, is expected to make an announcement backing airport expansion, as part of a speech on plans to boost the economy. There are fears expansion will mean the UK will break its legally binding carbon budget. Reeves has not confirmed her decision but indicated support, saying it 'will mean that instead of circling London, flights can land' and that sustainable fuel could help the UK meet its environmental obligations. WWF says the revival of the plans will 'send carbon emissions skywards, leave growth stuck on the runway, and suck money out of the UK.'
