Latest news with #customs
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
These toys are so hot that Chinese customs agents have seized hundreds of them in recent weeks
Unveiling their latest seizure in front of news cameras last month, two Chinese customs agents revealed not drugs or weapons – but suitcases full of plush toys. The stash on display included dozens of Pop Mart Labubus - the toothy, fluffy figurines that have sparked buying frenzies around the world, and in some cases, brawls among fans outside shops selling them. Even in China, where Pop Mart is based and most of its toys are made, people are struggling to get their hands on Labubus. When CNN recently visited a Pop Mart store at a bustling shopping mall in downtown Beijing, Labubu dolls were nowhere to be found on shelves, with only display samples remaining in glass cabinets. Labubus are typically 'sold out in seconds' when released, longtime Pop Mart fan Evelyn Lin told CNN. 'It's almost impossible to get a Labubu via the official channels,' she said. Fans are instead turning to unusual sources - including buying from smugglers. A total of 462 Pop Mart toys have been confiscated by customs authorities across China since April, according to a CNN compilation of multiple official posts. Details and footage of one seizure were posted by China's Customs Administration on social media, which stated that that the toys were intended 'for profit by resale' and seized in accordance with law. The post did not say whether any of the Labubu smugglers faced other legal consequences. Labubu is the brainchild of Hong Kong-born illustrator Kasing Lung, and it has quietly built a loyal following since its 2015 debut. But in recent months, the bunny-bodied, elf-faced creature — equal parts grotesque and adorable — has soared in popularity. Stars including Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Lisa from K-pop group Blackpink have worn Labubus like lucky charms, and the toys were even spotted at Paris Fashion Week this year. According to Chinese state-owned media outlet Cover News, a blind box from the latest Labubu 3.0 series, originally priced at 584 yuan ($81), has been selling for between 1,000 ($139) and 2,000 yuan ($278) on the second-hand market. Pop Mart's annual results show that the company's global gross profit surged by over 125% last year, while its revenue in mainland China reached more than $1.09 billion, 34% higher than 2023. But buying from resellers carries risks. Kate Yang, a Beijing resident and Labubu enthusiast, told CNN that her two last purchases from resellers both turned out to be fakes. 'Because they are not available on official platforms, if you're in a rush to get a gift for a friend, you just can't manage to get the popular ones in time,' said Yang. 'You can only pay extra to buy from resale platforms.' CNN's Marc Stewart and Martha Zhou contributed reporting
CNN
4 hours ago
- Business
- CNN
These toys are so hot that Chinese customs agents have seized hundreds of them in recent weeks
Unveiling their latest seizure in front of news cameras last month, two Chinese customs agents revealed not drugs or weapons – but suitcases full of plush toys. The stash on display included dozens of Pop Mart Labubus - the toothy, fluffy figurines that have sparked buying frenzies around the world, and in some cases, brawls among fans outside shops selling them. Even in China, where Pop Mart is based and most of its toys are made, people are struggling to get their hands on Labubus. When CNN recently visited a Pop Mart store at a bustling shopping mall in downtown Beijing, Labubu dolls were nowhere to be found on shelves, with only display samples remaining in glass cabinets. Labubus are typically 'sold out in seconds' when released, longtime Pop Mart fan Evelyn Lin told CNN. 'It's almost impossible to get a Labubu via the official channels,' she said. Fans are instead turning to unusual sources - including buying from smugglers. A total of 462 Pop Mart toys have been confiscated by customs authorities across China since April, according to a CNN compilation of multiple official posts. Details and footage of one seizure were posted by China's Customs Administration on social media, which stated that that the toys were intended 'for profit by resale' and seized in accordance with law. The post did not say whether any of the Labubu smugglers faced other legal consequences. Labubu is the brainchild of Hong Kong-born illustrator Kasing Lung, and it has quietly built a loyal following since its 2015 debut. But in recent months, the bunny-bodied, elf-faced creature — equal parts grotesque and adorable — has soared in popularity. Stars including Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Lisa from K-pop group Blackpink have worn Labubus like lucky charms, and the toys were even spotted at Paris Fashion Week this year. According to Chinese state-owned media outlet Cover News, a blind box from the latest Labubu 3.0 series, originally priced at 584 yuan ($81), has been selling for between 1,000 ($139) and 2,000 yuan ($278) on the second-hand market. Pop Mart's annual results show that the company's global gross profit surged by over 125% last year, while its revenue in mainland China reached more than $1.09 billion, 34% higher than 2023. But buying from resellers carries risks. Kate Yang, a Beijing resident and Labubu enthusiast, told CNN that her two last purchases from resellers both turned out to be fakes. 'Because they are not available on official platforms, if you're in a rush to get a gift for a friend, you just can't manage to get the popular ones in time,' said Yang. 'You can only pay extra to buy from resale platforms.' CNN's Marc Stewart and Martha Zhou contributed reporting
BreakingNews.ie
11 hours ago
- General
- BreakingNews.ie
Lorry driver arrested after two people found hiding in truck at Rosslare
Two men have been found hiding in a truck at Rosslare Europort in Co Wexford. The pair were discovered in the lorry shortly after 8am on Friday. Advertisement Gardaí and customs officials found the men during an immigration check. They are now being assessed by medical personnel, gardaí said. The driver of the lorry, a man in his 20s, has been arrested and is being held at a Garda station in the Wexford/Wicklow area. Anyone with any information about the discovery is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station 053 9165200, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 66 11 or any Garda station.
Zawya
20 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
‘Efforts underway to ease Jordan-Syria goods movement'
AMMAN — Jordan and Syria on Thursday explored measures to streamline the flow of goods and passengers across their shared border to revive trade and logistics cooperation. An economic delegation from Jordan, led by President of the Jordan Chamber of Commerce (JCC) Khalil Al-Hajj Tawfiq, on Wednesday met in Damascus with Head of Syria's General Authority for Land and Maritime Ports Qutaiba Badawi. The meeting focused on eliminating logistical barriers, reducing transport costs and boosting cross-border commerce, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. Discussions addressed practical steps to ease customs procedures, facilitate the movement of passengers, goods, tourists, and tour buses, and develop transit trade through both countries. The two sides also reviewed proposals to capitalise on the strategic location of Aqaba Port, simplify foreign company registration, regulate customs clearance fees, and ensure re-exported goods from Jordan's Zarqa Free Zone are "properly" certified with Jordanian certificates of origin. Hajj Tawfiq called for "sustained" coordination between the two countries on matters related to border management. He stressed the value of Jordan's experience in customs clearance, transport, logistics and free zone operations. "The Jordan Chamber of Commerce remains committed to building strong economic ties with Syria through partnership with the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Commerce," Hajj Tawfiq said, adding that the goal is to establish a "model" of regional economic integration. For his part, Badawi reaffirmed Syria's commitment to facilitating trade and transit with Jordan, calling it a 'strategic priority' for enhancing bilateral economic relations. He said that Syria seeks to upgrade its logistical infrastructure and transform its free zones into regional trade hubs connected to international transport networks. Badawi noted that the Syrian government is pursuing a clear strategy to revitalise the transport and logistics sectors, attract investment and stimulate economic activity. He highlighted "ongoing" rehabilitation efforts at land crossings, aimed at accelerating customs processes and lowering costs for traders on both sides. He also stressed that economic stability and growth in Syria would have a "positive" impact on Jordan and the wider region, pointing to significant untapped potential for cooperation in trade, logistics and investment. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
CTV News
a day ago
- Business
- CTV News
‘We have had a fair number of cancellations': N.S. small-business owner fundraising to stay open
Norah Galea picked up embroidery during COVID. That pass time is now a full-time business with three employees. 'We sell a lot of apparel mostly, accessories as well,' said Galea. Business was good; however the U.S. tariff situation has put a kink in her deliveries. Galea estimates up to 60 percent of her product is sent south of the border. 'Suddenly having 60 per cent of your customers needing to decide whether or not they want to keep their items, it's pretty detrimental. We have had a fair number of cancellations which I don't blame anybody for. I think it would be really difficult to budget a certain amount and then have it increased by a third,' she said. Galea's business operates on pre-orders, meaning her customers have already paid a set price for their items. Some orders now date back to October. 'Because of the quantity of those orders we would not be able to invoice people manually for an additional customs clearance. It would just be impossible,' she said. Knock Thrice An entrepreneur in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley says a possible Canada Post strike and tariff uncertainty has left them with little choice but to start a fundraiser to stay afloat. Galea believes the orders that are going out are being slowed by Canada Post. While they're not on strike, the union's no-overtime policy is cutting into delivery times. There are more delays and costs for the items heading to America. 'So, Canada Post will bring everything to the border and they have to do all the declarations and that costs time and money. So that's where that unexpected cost comes from,' said Galea. By her calculations Canada Post is charging an extra $10 per order to do that. UPS adds an additional $15 U.S. per order. 'Now, every single order that needs to have paperwork could be processed so that's where the shipping cost is coming in and that's separate from the tariffs.' For the most part, those are charges Galea has been covering. Like other business owners, she is trying to diversify her market and is looking at establishing warehouses in Europe and Asia. She has also resorted to fundraising to help her stay afloat during turbulent times. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
