Dehua ceramics, originating from Fujian Province, China, have long been celebrated as "Blanc de Chine" or "China White," a term coined by French literature 370 years ago. Today, this ancient craft supports a 76 billion yuan industrial cluster, supplying 30% of global ceramic crafts and 60% of China's ceramic export crafts to over 190 countries and regions. However, beneath the surface of artistic acclaim and industrial growth, Dehua faces significant structural challenges as it aims for a 100 billion yuan target by 2027.

At the Shenzhen Guan Shanyue Art Museum, the "Extraordinary White: China White·Dehua Ceramics Aesthetics Exhibition" showcases over 220 pieces spanning the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, including a contemporary 0.2 mm ultra-thin ceramic garment titled "Myth." Yet, the art market's downturn—with 2024 national auction sales dropping 35.38% to 18.354 billion yuan—highlights a disconnect between cultural prestige and commercial reality.

Following the Mandate: Integrating Fujian Blessing Culture and Sailing the World via Hong Kong

Industry insiders consistently cite President Xi Jinping's guidance during his work in Fujian: Dehua's exquisite ceramics must be created, displayed, and disseminated, daring to dream and conquer the world. The consensus is that Dehua should leverage Hong Kong as a national-level international platform to transition from product export to brand, culture, and standard export. Hong Kong's role as a super-connector, international financial hub, and cultural trade center offers Dehua access to global markets, art exchanges, and media exposure.

“Dehua’s ceramics embody the city spirit of ‘Virtue in Action, Nurturing All Things,’ integrating Fujian’s blessing culture into every piece. Through Hong Kong, we can tell the story of Chinese ceramics and Fujian’s blessing culture to the world, promoting values of compassion and shared prosperity.”

Industrial Transformation: Three Drivers of Counter-Trend Growth

Dehua's ceramic industry, with roots in the Neolithic era, has evolved into the world's most complete modern ceramic cluster, boasting the only national-level industrial design institute and intellectual property center in China's ceramic sector. Three key drivers fuel its recent growth: First Driver: From OEM to Original Design. Historically, foreign clients provided designs, and Dehua manufactured. Now, leading firms like Jamei Group have compressed design cycles from 45 to 15 days, with smart production systems adapting to global fragmented, small-batch, fast-delivery demands. At the Canton Fair, original design content in Dehua's exhibits exceeded 60% for the first time.

Second Driver: From Product Export to Cultural and Brand Export. Dehua has established 75 global brand promotion centers and 8 overseas warehouses, with international tours covering 28 countries. "Blanc de Chine" is now a registered EU and Madrid trademark, and Dehua ceramics have been used by Michelin-starred restaurants, the Beijing Winter Olympics, the Qatar World Cup, the Paris Olympics, and UN events. Hong Kong serves as a critical springboard for brand upgrading.

Third Driver: From Manufacturing to "Ceramics+" Cross-Integration. Ceramics plus tourism has revitalized industrial heritage, with the Hongqifang cultural tourism park attracting 14.2 million visitors in 2025. Ceramics plus creative design targets the national trend market, while ceramics plus high-end services supplies luxury hotels and private banquets, achieving 3-10 times price premiums over ordinary tableware.

Confronting Chronic Issues: Five Structural Challenges Beneath the 76 Billion Yuan Base

Despite impressive figures, the industry suffers from structural weaknesses. Over 80% of exports remain OEM, with less than 20% under independent brands. Small and medium enterprises report 10-20% order declines, as global exhibitions boost awareness but fail to convert into sales. Five major challenges persist:

1. Deep-rooted OEM Dependency. High-end R&D, cultural IP conversion, and global marketing remain weak. The industry's scale relies on capacity and labor, not technology or brand. 2. Homogenization and Price Wars. Low-barrier products like tea sets and figurines flood the market, with weak IP protection leading to rampant copying. 3. Talent Gap. The aging master craftsman population and high turnover among young graduates create a shortage of designers, international marketers, and curators. 4. Escalating Trade Barriers. EU anti-dumping duties of 79% threaten exports, while US tariff volatility and stricter technical standards raise compliance costs. 5. Underdeveloped Domestic Market. Over 60% of products rely on exports, with weak domestic branding and distribution. The high-end art market downturn has slashed sales of masterpieces over 100,000 yuan by over 20%.

Multi-Dimensional Breakthrough: Anchoring the Mandate, Sailing via Hong Kong

In response, Dehua is pursuing a multi-pronged strategy: Short-term: Diversifying markets through RCEP countries, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa, leveraging overseas warehouses to bypass tariffs. Hong Kong's trade platforms and exhibitions are key to reaching high-end circles in Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Medium-term: Upgrading through technological innovation, collaborating with Tsinghua University and Xiamen University on ultra-thin firing, rare-earth glazes, and smart manufacturing. The county promotes digital transformation, with 225 high-tech enterprises and annual R&D spending exceeding 500 million yuan. Long-term: Building a pyramid brand system: top-tier masterpieces for Hong Kong auctions and international collections; mid-tier designer luxury ceramics for global middle-class consumers; and base-tier cultural creative and affordable daily-use items for mass markets. Global exhibition centers will be upgraded to integrate cultural experience, aesthetic launches, and trade matching, with Hong Kong as the core hub. Talent development is accelerating with a 106 million yuan master studio and 38 special policies to attract international curators and marketing experts.

The 100 Billion Threshold: From Production Base to Global Brand of Eastern Aesthetics

Dehua's ultimate breakthrough lies in leveraging Hong Kong to achieve integrated upgrades in product, standard, culture, and model export. By internationalizing Dehua's craft standards and establishing a global certification system, the industry aims to gain international voice and cultural pricing power. As the 0.2 mm ultra-thin ceramic garment at the Guan Shanyue Museum symbolizes, Dehua must balance artistic excellence with commercial viability, tradition with innovation, and export with domestic market development.

“The 3,700-year-old ‘China White’ is bravely carrying its industrial dreams to the world, guided by the spirit of ‘Virtue in Action, Nurturing All Things’ and the blessing culture of Fujian.”

Source: Read the original article | Published: June 05, 2026

The National Federation of Building Materials Commercial Associations of the Republic of China (referred to as the Building Materials Federation) held its "Second Session of the Second General Meeting" on May 27 at Dazhi Dianhua, with over a hundred representatives from building materials associations across counties and cities, member enterprises, and industry guests gathering together. Xu Shu-bo, Chairman of the General Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of China, Dai Wei-shan, a councilor of New Taipei City, former legislator Gao Jia-yu, and several central and local elected officials attended, demonstrating the high level of attention given to the development of the building materials industry. Since its establishment, the Building Materials Federation has entered its second term. It is composed of building materials associations from Taipei City, New Taipei City, Taoyuan City, Taichung City, Changhua County, Tainan City, and Kaohsiung City. It is one of the most representative national building materials industry organizations in the country, tasked with integrating industry resources, reflecting industry needs, promoting policy recommendations, and enhancing industry competitiveness. Lin Ze-bin, Chairman of the Building Materials Federation, along with directors, supervisors, and distinguished guests, attended the meeting. Photo by Weng Yong-quan.

Focusing on Nine Development Directions, Launching the “National Building and Home Industry Alliance”

At this general meeting, several important proposals were passed, the most notable being the formal promotion of the establishment of the "National Building and Home Industry Alliance." This alliance will join forces with six national industry associations: the National Federation of Interior Design and Decoration Commercial Associations of the Republic of China, the Taiwan Lighting Fixture Export Association, the National Federation of Kitchen and Cabinet Commercial Associations of the Republic of China, the National Federation of Timber Commercial Associations of the Republic of China, the National Federation of Fireproof Door Commercial Associations of the Republic of China, and the National Federation of Electrical Commercial Associations of the Republic of China. Together, they aim to create a cross-industry cooperation platform to promote deep integration of the construction, design, home, equipment, materials, and logistics supply chain. The meeting also passed nine development directions, including promoting the "Green Building Materials and Old House Life Extension Promotion Plan," establishing a "Youth Committee and Digital Transformation Promotion Team," building a "Federation's Recommended Quality Building Materials Platform," promoting the "International Building Materials Exchange and Visit Plan," and promoting ESG and smart building materials applications. These received unanimous support from all members and will be gradually implemented in the future.

Chen Dong-qing, Founding Chairman of the Building Materials Federation (left), Xu Shu-bo, Chairman of the General Chamber of Commerce (center), and Lin Ze-bin, Chairman. Photo by Weng Yong-quan. Lin Ze-bin, Chairman of the Building Materials Federation, stated that in the face of rapid global industry changes and intensified market competition, Taiwan's building materials industry must actively enhance its international perspective and innovation capabilities. In the future, the Federation will continue to deepen exchanges with the building materials industries of Italy, Japan, and other Asian countries, and combine resources from the design, construction, logistics, and home industries to create a cross-domain cooperation platform, assisting members in grasping international trends and market opportunities, and promoting industrial transformation and upgrading.

General Chamber of Commerce Supports Industry Upgrading, Creating a Friendly Business Environment

In his speech, Xu Shu-bo, Chairman of the General Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of China, stated that the building materials industry is a crucial foundation for national construction and people's livelihood development, playing a key role in public works, residential construction, urban renewal, and the promotion of green buildings. In recent years, the Building Materials Federation has actively integrated national industry forces, proposed policy recommendations, and promoted cross-border cooperation, gradually demonstrating the influence and value of a national industry organization. Xu Shu-bo emphasized that in the face of global supply chain restructuring, net-zero carbon emissions, and digital transformation trends, the industry needs to use industry association platforms to build consensus and integrate resources. The General Chamber of Commerce will continue to support the development of the building materials industry, jointly reflecting industry needs to the government, and creating a friendlier and more competitive business environment.

Facing Market Challenges: Industry, Government, and Academia Join Forces to Solve Talent and Regulatory Bottlenecks

Lin Ze-bin pointed out that the building materials industry still faces multiple challenges, including fluctuations in raw material and transportation costs due to changes in the international political and economic situation, a shortage of grassroots and professional technical talent caused by the declining birth rate, and issues related to building codes, fire safety regulations, and product certification systems. These all require joint efforts from the government and industry to develop improvement plans. Among these, the shortage of professional technical personnel has become a major bottleneck for industry development. In the future, the Federation will actively collaborate with relevant industry associations and alliances to promote professional technical talent cultivation, youth succession plans, and international technical talent exchange mechanisms. It also recommends that the government refer to the experiences of advanced countries such as Japan and Singapore to establish a talent introduction and cultivation system that better meets industry needs. This year, the Federation will also cooperate with the government to promote old house life extension, net-zero buildings, and energy-saving and carbon-reduction policies. It will integrate member companies' products and technologies that meet the needs for green building materials, energy efficiency, safety, and smart features, establishing a building materials recommendation platform and information database to help consumers, designers, and construction professionals quickly access quality product information, jointly promoting industry upgrading and sustainable development. Chairman Lin Ze-bin expressed gratitude to former legislator Gao Jia-yu (center) and wished her a high vote count in the year-end election. Photo by Weng Yong-quan.

Carrying Forward the Legacy, Building a New Future for the Building Materials Industry

Looking ahead, Lin Ze-bin stated that the Federation will uphold the philosophy of "carrying forward the legacy and creating the future together," continuing the foundation laid by Founding Chairman Chen Dong-qing. It will continue to unite the strength of building materials businesses nationwide, deepen industry cooperation, promote international integration, accelerate digital transformation, and cultivate young talent. Through the "National Building and Home Industry Alliance" platform, the Federation will also promote cross-industry resource sharing and collaborative innovation, jointly building a more complete building and home industry ecosystem. Together with member enterprises, it will seize new opportunities for industrial upgrading and create a more competitive and sustainable new landscape for Taiwan's building materials industry.

Source: Read the original article | Published: June 01, 2026

According to a report by Mining Weekly, China's steel production is declining due to weak real estate construction and falling exports, but iron ore imports continue to increase. This trend is driven by temporary factors such as inventory rebuilding and potential supply disruptions, as well as structural factors like declining domestic iron ore output and deteriorating ore quality. In the long term, China may continue to rely on iron ore imports to meet its steel production needs.

China produces slightly more than half of the world's steel. In April, China's steel output was 86.63 million tons, down 2.8% from the same month in 2025, marking the weakest April data since 2018. In the first four months of the year, steel output was 331.12 million tons, down 4.1% year-on-year, mainly due to persistently weak real estate construction and declining exports.

However, iron ore imports increased by 8% in the first four months of the year, reaching 418.6 million tons. China's April iron ore imports were 103.9 million tons, down 0.8% from March's 104.74 million tons; but since April has one fewer day than March, the daily average actually increased slightly. The market expects imports to remain relatively strong in May, with DBX Commodities analysts estimating seaborne arrivals at 104.67 million tons.

A long-term factor driving iron ore imports is the slow decline in China's domestic iron ore output, exacerbated by deteriorating ore grades, meaning that even if the same amount of ore is mined, the actual iron content produced is lower. According to MySteel data, China's iron ore output in the first four months of the year was 326.8 million tons, down 1% year-on-year. In 2025, China's iron ore output had already fallen by 2.8%, from 1.04 billion tons in 2024 to 983 million tons.

Over the past two decades, China has built the world's largest steel industry chain, relying on real estate, high-speed infrastructure, and export-oriented manufacturing. However, with the adjustment of the real estate bubble, slowing global demand, and rising energy and geopolitical risks, China's steel market is gradually entering a new phase. The changes in iron ore imports and domestic supply structure are important signals of this transformation.

China's past steel demand was highly dependent on residential construction, with the real estate sector once accounting for nearly 30% of China's GDP and driving massive demand for rebar, hot-rolled steel plates, and building materials. However, since the Evergrande crisis, China's real estate market has continued to deleverage, with a large number of projects halted, local government finances deteriorating, and population growth slowing with a declining young population, making it difficult for housing demand to recover to past peaks.

On the other hand, China's steel exports are also facing pressure. In recent years, China has absorbed excess capacity through low-priced steel exports, but as the global economy slows and protectionism rises, many countries have launched anti-dumping investigations and tariff restrictions on Chinese steel. In the first four months of the year, China's steel exports fell by 9.7% year-on-year, indicating weakening external demand.

However, despite weakening demand, China's steel industry has become more dependent on imported iron ore. One important reason is the continuous deterioration in the quality and output of domestic iron ore. Therefore, even as total steel output declines, China still needs to import large quantities of high-grade iron ore to improve steelmaking efficiency and reduce pollution. This is also why iron ore exports from Australia and Brazil remain strong.

This also exposes China to long-term raw material security issues. China is the world's largest steel producer, but it is highly dependent on iron ore imports, especially from Australia. In recent years, China has tried to reduce its dependence on Australia through the Simandou iron ore project in Guinea, Africa, but it is difficult to change the global supply pattern in the short term. Against this backdrop, the importance of high-grade imported iron ore will continue to rise, as high-grade ore can reduce coking coal consumption and carbon emissions, aligning with China's carbon neutrality policy direction.

Source: Read the original article | Published: May 27, 2026

From fading pharmaceutical packaging and food trays, to urgent shortages of garbage bags and medical gloves, and further to construction materials like paint and asphalt causing project delays or even stoppages—a crisis triggered by naphtha shortages is spreading across Japan, affecting various aspects of the economy and social life.

According to Xinhua News Agency, why is naphtha so important? How severe is Japan's 'naphtha crisis'? What is the root cause of the crisis?

How Important Is Naphtha?

Naphtha is a key byproduct of crude oil refining, serving not only as a core basic raw material for modern manufacturing and chemical industries but also as a critical upstream material in the semiconductor industry chain.

Through cracking, naphtha generates basic chemical raw materials such as ethylene, propylene, and butadiene, which then extend downstream into plastics, synthetic fibers, synthetic rubber, paints, adhesives, surfactants, and pharmaceutical intermediates. Simply put, from clothing, phone cases, and garbage bags to food packaging, medical consumables, automotive interiors, and building materials, everyday life is almost inseparable from it. Once naphtha supply decreases or is interrupted, numerous downstream related industries will be affected.

Japan is highly dependent on energy imports. As of the end of February, its dependence on Middle Eastern crude oil approached 95%, and over 40% of its naphtha consumption also requires imports from the Middle East. Due to the ongoing Middle East conflicts and the persistent 'blockage' of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, Japan's imports of crude oil and naphtha have stalled.

The latest trade statistics released by Japan's Ministry of Finance show that in April, Japan's crude oil imports fell by 63.7% year-on-year, hitting the lowest monthly level since 1979, with a significant decline in imports from the Middle East; the import price of crude oil in that month rose by 37.9% year-on-year, setting a new record since comparable data began in 1979. According to statistics from market service firm IHS Markit, Japan's imports of petroleum products including naphtha fell by about 30% month-on-month in March, with further declines in April.

The latest opinion poll by Kyodo News shows that 70.6% of Japanese respondents directly stated they 'feel uneasy' due to insufficient naphtha supply.

Source: Read the original article | Published: May 23, 2026

On the afternoon of May 15, on the eve of the 10th China-Russia Expo and the 35th Harbin International Economic and Trade Fair (the "Harbin Fair"), a government delegation led by Alexei Sambuevich Tsydenov, President of the Republic of Buryatia, Russia and Chairman of the Government of the Republic of Buryatia, paid a special visit to the Fujian General Chamber of Commerce in Heilongjiang Province and the Xilong Sub-venue of the Harbin Fair. The delegation held a symposium with representatives of some entrepreneurs from the chamber, engaging in in-depth exchanges on investment cooperation, trade cooperation, and other fields. At the Xilong Sub-venue of the Harbin Fair, Tsydenov and his delegation conducted an on-site tour of various themed exhibition areas, including ceramic stone, hardware and plumbing, decorative materials, home decoration building materials, home furnishings and appliances, landscape and garden anti-corrosion wood, high-end international home furnishings, and the supporting Northeast Asia Logistics Distribution Center. During the visit, Tsydenov showed particular concern for the current status of enterprises in the park in conducting trade with Russia and highly praised Xilong's efficient operation model and mature business ecosystem.

At the Fujian General Chamber of Commerce in Heilongjiang Province, Tsydenov and his delegation gained an in-depth understanding of the chamber's founding history and organizational structure. They expressed appreciation for the chamber's commitment to optimizing its member service system and precisely serving enterprise development, and inquired about the investment intentions and specific cooperation needs of some key enterprises in the chamber regarding the Republic of Buryatia. At the symposium, Wu Qinghe, President of the Fujian General Chamber of Commerce in Heilongjiang Province and President of the Harbin Xilong International Trade and Logistics Park, introduced that in 2023, the city of Harbin in Heilongjiang Province inaugurated the China-Russia Home Building Materials Trade Park at Xilong, laying a solid foundation for local enterprises to carry out cooperation with Russia. He noted that Buryatia has vast territory and unique resources, providing broad space for cooperation between Chinese and Russian enterprises. In the next step, he will organize a delegation of entrepreneurs from China's Heilongjiang and Fujian provinces to conduct field inspections in Buryatia to promote the implementation of cooperation visions.

Tsydenov provided a detailed introduction to Buryatia's resource endowments, industrial characteristics, and investment and business environment. He pointed out that Buryatia has a superior geographical location, extremely convenient transportation, and abundant mineral and energy resources. In particular, it has a deep industrial foundation in fields such as helicopter manufacturing, metal cutting technology, and jade processing and trading. He sincerely invited the Fujian General Chamber of Commerce in Heilongjiang Province to organize entrepreneurs to conduct field inspections in Buryatia, promoting cooperation between the two sides in areas such as trade circulation, park construction, and mining. During the meeting, entrepreneurs from the Fujian General Chamber of Commerce in Heilongjiang Province also exchanged and discussed cooperation projects with members of the Buryatia delegation in fields such as mineral development, rough stone trade, import and export of aquatic products, cross-border trade of anthracite coal, and herbal biomedicine. Wu Qinghe also presented Buryatia with a national intangible cultural heritage gift—Putian wood carving—as a precious token of the friendship between the two sides.

This exchange has built a solid bridge and platform for further strengthening local economic and trade exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation between enterprises in China and Russia.

Source: Read the original article | Published: May 16, 2026

As residential construction costs continue to climb in the United States, more homeowners are seeking ways to cut expenses. According to CNN, one engineer bypassed local suppliers and imported most of his home materials directly from China, estimating savings of up to $100,000. Social media has also seen a surge in Chinese suppliers directly marketing to US consumers, offering low prices on kitchen cabinets, tiles, and other materials. However, while this approach is highly attractive, it involves complex risks such as tariff fluctuations, language barriers, and shipping delays, making it unsuitable for everyone.

Engineer’s Personal Experience: Cutting Out US Middlemen

Gypsy, an engineer from Baltimore, decided to skip local suppliers and big-box retailers like Home Depot, importing nearly all of his home renovation materials directly from over 20 factories in China. His dream home features gray fiber cement siding, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an open-plan kitchen, with even the smallest details—such as magnetic-lock silent doors and European-style windows—sourced from China. In 2024, Gypsy traveled to China in person to select some products. He described building a house as a once-in-a-lifetime project, which he treated as an adventure and found enjoyment in.

Gypsy estimates this approach saved him up to $100,000, and his home is currently seeking LEED certification. However, he emphasized that the process is far from "cheap," with each container of custom goods from China costing an average of $13,000 to ship. Builder IronGate Builders told CNN that materials can account for two-thirds of a custom home's total cost, with the remainder being labor. Gypsy noted that the brown siding panels for his home were priced 150% higher on Amazon than at the source, and most of these products are originally imported from China anyway. In the US, floor-to-ceiling windows are unaffordable, and magnetic-lock soundproof doors are nearly four times more expensive based on website listings.

Social Media Trend: Chinese Suppliers Directly Target US Homeowners

With rising US building material prices, more homeowners are discussing direct imports from China on social media. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), residential building material prices have risen 3% year-over-year. The association's chief economist told CNN that metal forms and trim prices have increased 45% year-over-year, driving up window costs. Lumber prices have risen 8% over the past year, and aluminum prices have also increased due to trade and tariff policies. Against this backdrop, a woman shared on social media that she rejected a local quote of $50,000 for kitchen cabinets and instead imported them from China. The post garnered over 165,000 likes, and others began sharing supplier lists.

Chinese sellers are well aware of the appeal of low prices to consumers. Many aspiring homeowners see Chinese sourcing agents promoting luxury bathroom models and cabinets in English on search engine recommendation pages. Chinese manufacturers also directly advertise on social media, claiming they can deliver cabinets, tiles, and any other materials to your doorstep. On TikTok, one Chinese sourcing agent claimed they could buy all materials for an entire house in one day for under $10,000. Another Chinese manufacturer with nearly 30,000 TikTok followers said they could replicate an entire house based on floor plans at half the cost.

Many of these sellers are based in Foshan, a city known for its home decor and building materials industry. A professor at the University of Southampton in the UK noted that Foshan likely produces many products available at Home Depot and Amazon. As China's domestic real estate market slows, factory owners are more actively seeking overseas markets. A sourcing agent operating under the account name "Cody Sourcing" on social media said he receives about 300 US home-building clients per month, with 5 to 10 of them traveling to China to visit showrooms and order products. Even amid trade tensions, more people have been buying from Chinese manufacturers in recent years.

Complex and Risky Process: Tariffs, Language, and Logistics as Barriers

While direct imports from China save costs, the actual process is fraught with challenges and risks. Gypsy admitted the initial process felt like "fumbling in the dark," as he had to search for products on sites like Alibaba and contact Chinese manufacturers with US certifications. This research eventually led to his 2024 trip to China. CNN noted that this approach is not for the faint of heart, as materials can be affected by volatile tariffs. Last year, US tariffs on Chinese goods reached as high as 145%. Additionally, shipping times are longer. Gypsy's home construction began in October 2024, and returns or repairs can take months. He acknowledged that problems always arise with orders of this scale.

Domestically, Gypsy also had to find builders willing to work with designs unfamiliar to the US market. His builder revealed that while material quality surprised them, there were other hassles, such as craftsmen needing to translate Chinese instruction manuals and adjust for dimensional differences. Those looking to follow suit also need to invest in expensive equipment like telescopic forklifts. The builder said this was a first for their company, and they actually tried to dissuade Gypsy but ultimately respected his decision, as it was his money and his house. Gypsy concluded that the main benefit of direct imports from China is access to products that are hard to find or expensive in the US market. He described it as a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity, but also one that is "complex and risky."

Source: Read the original article | Published: May 09, 2026

The insatiable greed of AMLO's own and step-relatives

José SÁNCHEZ LÓPEZ

It wasn't just the bodoques, brothers, cousins, and other blood relatives of ANDRÉS MANUEL LÓPEZ OBRADOR who became millionaires by the grace of the "Camaján Macuspano."

No.

Step-relatives, that is, the tropical messiah's in-laws, like his brother-in-law RODRIGO GUTIÉRREZ MÜELLER, brother of the writer, journalist, professor, scientist, and researcher – uuffff – BEATRIZ, the former president's consort, also profited.

In six years, between 2020 and 2025, precisely during LÓPEZ's six-year term, Rodri, as his little sister calls him, wove a network of companies in various sectors, such as: money transfer and remittances; agribusiness, covering the production, processing, distribution, and marketing of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products; production and export of construction materials and quartz; and distribution of hydrocarbons. Most of his partners are Morena mayors and even individuals awaiting sentencing in the United States, accused and confessed of money laundering.

RODRIGO created two firms to commercialize quartz, in partnership with ANTONIO MORALES DÍAZ, mayor of Tapalpa, Jalisco.

Some of the companies founded by Rodri include: Keter Energy S A de C V, Conectividad Logística Internacional Portuaria Colomo Campos S A de C V, Quartz Team International México S A de C V, Quartz Stone S R L de C V, Envíos del Bienestar S A de C V, and Pagos del Bienestar S A de C V.

The creation of these last two companies with names similar to government programs, such as "Envíos del Bienestar" (January 2021) and "Pagos del Bienestar" (April 2021), is striking.

For this, he partnered with CARLOS ALBERTO GRIJALBA and BRIAN RONALD CLELAND, both foreigners.

The corporate names, registered in Mexico City and Jalisco, mention two foreigners, according to documents consulted in the Public Registry of Commerce.

The names of the foreign shareholders coincide with those of CARLOS ALBERTO and BRIAN, accused in the United States of money laundering.

Both are awaiting sentencing after accepting responsibility for laundering more than 46 million dollars.

Journalistic investigations highlight GUTIÉRREZ MÜLLER's lack of prior business history; his "corporate talent" began jointly with the so-called Fourth Transformation.

Previously, there were no records of Rodri's impressive business vision.

Still, at the end of his brother-in-law's administration, the novice entrepreneur registered a new company: Keter Energy, a firm dedicated to the acquisition, purchase-sale, import, export, distribution, marketing, storage, and transportation of oil, gasoline, gas, diesel, fuel additives, lubricants, and in general, all kinds of hydrocarbons and derived residues in Mexico.

Only six years were enough for the "brother-in-law" to build his empire, and since the regime continues with the same old story, the good fortune of the talented and visionary Rodri will surely continue to shine in the business world.

***YOU DON'T NEED TALENT, BUT A GOOD GODFATHER.***

AU REVOIR.

[email protected]

Source: Read the original article | Published: April 27, 2026

2026-04-27 18:51:17 Source: Business Media

India and New Zealand officially signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) today. The agreement is expected to provide 100% tariff exemption for Indian exports to New Zealand, while New Zealand will also gradually reduce or eliminate tariffs on its exports to India. This deepens cooperation in trade, services, education, and labor mobility, further strengthening India's trade influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

According to The Blunt Times , New Zealand's Minister for Trade and Investment, Todd McClay, has arrived in New Delhi, India's capital, to prepare for today's signing ceremony. The agreement, which involved lengthy negotiations, was announced in March 2025 and concluded in December 2025.

Under the agreement, key Indian exports to New Zealand—including textiles, apparel, leather goods, ceramics, carpets, auto parts, and automobiles—will enjoy 100% zero tariffs. In return, New Zealand will reduce or eliminate tariffs on 95% of its current exports to India, and India's average export tariff of about 10% will be removed. India has agreed to open approximately 70% of its tariff lines, with 30% immediately duty-free and the remaining 40% to be phased out or reduced over time.

However, India has excluded sensitive industries from tariff liberalization to protect domestic sectors, including dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, whey, cream), certain agricultural products (onions, peas, corn, almonds), sugar, honey, animal and vegetable oils, arms and ammunition, gemstones, jewelry, copper, and aluminum products. A consultation mechanism has been established for these areas. Additionally, the agreement includes a "most-favored-nation clause," meaning that if India offers more favorable trade terms to other countries in services or wine, New Zealand will automatically receive the same treatment.

Beyond goods trade, the India-New Zealand FTA also covers services, education, and labor mobility. New Zealand is expected to invest $20 billion in India over the next 15 years. For student exchanges, Indian students in New Zealand can work up to 20 hours per week during their studies, and extended post-study work visa options will be introduced. In terms of labor, New Zealand will provide 5,000 visas annually for Indian professionals in fields such as information technology, engineering, healthcare, education, construction, Ayurveda practitioners, chefs, yoga instructors, and music teachers. Additionally, a working holiday visa program will allow 1,000 Indian youths per year to stay in New Zealand for up to 12 months with multiple entry rights.

Looking back at the 2024-2025 fiscal year, India's exports to New Zealand reached $711.1 million, a year-on-year increase of 32.1%, while imports from New Zealand stood at $587.1 million, up 75.2% year-on-year. This comprehensive free trade agreement not only strengthens bilateral ties between India and New Zealand but also reflects the trend of economic integration in the Indo-Pacific region—a development whose impact on trade partners in the same region warrants continued attention.

Source: Read the original article | Published: April 27, 2026

The Spanish ceramic tile industry is entering the second quarter of the year with maximum uncertainty over the publication of free CO2 emission allowances for gas-intensive industries for the period 2026-2030, a step by the European Commission within the Emissions Trading System (ETS) that the sector expected this April. Expectations are at their peak, as if Brussels gives the green light to the initial 34% cut compared to the 2021-2025 period, the tile sector's direct CO2 costs would rise to between 109 and 163 million euros.

Business leaders go further and fear the impact the ceramic industry would suffer if Brussels continues with its decarbonization timeline – for 2040 it has set a target of reducing emissions by 90% – and decides to completely withdraw the free emission allowance concessions.

Industry sources indicate that "the worst is the future, as EU policy is to reduce free allocations until they disappear completely, which could mean an additional cost for the sector, in this case, of more than 300 million euros, with the uncertainty of whether it will be possible to continue buying emission rights, what their price will be, or if in any case nothing can be emitted."

“the worst is the future, as EU policy is to reduce free allocations until they disappear completely, which could mean an additional cost for the sector, in this case, of more than 300 million euros, with the uncertainty of whether it will be possible to continue buying emission rights, what their price will be, or if in any case nothing can be emitted.”

The additional cost exceeding 300 million euros would double the 'blow' from the 34% cut, which has kept the industry on edge since last November and has motivated an intense pressure campaign that led the Spanish (Ascer) and Italian (Confindustria Ceramica) trade associations, as well as the regional governments of the Valencian Community and Emilia-Romagna, and several political representatives from the province and European deputies, to sign a manifesto in defense of the industry last March.

For the moment, the European Commission has not yet published the new benchmark criteria, a procedure that, if carried out according to initial forecasts, would give rise to the aforementioned 34% adjustment. Industry pressure remains at its peak, and even the central government, through the Ministry of Industry, has recently sent a letter to the European Commission urging it to assess the technological reality of gas-intensive industries such as ceramics – which have no alternative energy source to gas – and to halt the aforementioned cut through a mechanism for separating sub-installations.

It should be recalled that the additional cost exceeding 160 million euros – and 300 million if free allocations disappear – comes from a double path. On the one hand, the foreseeable need to resort to the market to buy free emission allowances in order to maintain stable production. On the other hand, the ton of CO2 will become more expensive, because as free emission allowances are reduced, demand in the private market will increase.

The business leaders consulted insist that non-EU countries against which the sector competes emit more CO2 in their processes. "We must take into account that the Spanish ceramic sector exports more than 70% of its production to countries where there are other producers not subject to emissions trading. This difference of 30 to 40 cents in an average export price that Spain has of just over 10 euros means a lot compared to products manufactured in India or China, where not only are they not subject to emissions trading, but they also have energy, in many cases, much cheaper than in Europe," reiterates a veteran tile manufacturer.

Source: Read the original article | Published: April 26, 2026

ASAJA Castilla y León is calling for measures to promote wool exports in order to take advantage of increased demand and rising prices. Sheep farmers are currently facing the shearing season, a necessary process for the animals that has for years only resulted in losses for the sector, as the cost of wool removal far exceeds the revenue it generates. ASAJA Castilla y León believes that neither the sector nor the authorities should resign themselves to this abnormal situation, and is calling for ways to revalue wool as a by-product rather than waste, capitalizing on the growing global demand and upward price trend.

Shearing with Significant Losses

Although a significant number of transactions have not yet been recorded, there is some improvement in the valuation of quality wools, such as those from the native Merino breed, which is wool-oriented. However, there are few such animals in Castilla y León. For the rest of the wools, which are predominant in dairy or meat breeds such as Assaf, Castellana, or Churra, the payment is around 5 euro cents per kilo, far from compensating for the average shearing cost of €1.50 per animal. An average farm with 500 sheep faces a cost of about €800, receiving barely 8% of the investment. In total, Castilla y León will collect 4.6 million kilos of wool, with a shearing cost exceeding €3.1 million.

Exports as an Alternative

The global wool market is showing signs of recovery. China has exhausted its stocks and is demanding product, mainly from Australia, while some textile manufacturers are seeking alternatives to polyester amid the energy crisis in the Middle East. Spain, the leader in sheep within the EU, could seize this opportunity following the reopening of exports to China at the end of 2025, which had been blocked for years by cases of sheep pox. ASAJA is asking the government to facilitate this export channel.

The organization proposes two fronts: one for higher-quality wool, destined for exclusive garments, and another for common wool, with potential for reuse in bioconstruction, insulation, or soil regeneration, areas that should receive institutional support.

Finding an outlet for wool is key to maintaining sheep farming, a sector with an uncertain future and demanding management. "The number of farmers and sheep continues to decline, even when lamb is worth more thanks to exports. The accounts are tight and problems are plentiful, including the imbalance of shearing costs relative to the value of wool," concludes ASAJA.

Sheep Sector in Castilla y León

Castilla y León is the third-largest community in terms of animal numbers, with 2.1 million head, behind Extremadura (3.4 million) and Castilla-La Mancha, and it is experiencing a general decline in census numbers and farms across all its provinces. Evolution of the sheep herd in the last decade, Castilla y León and Spain: 2014 vs 2024: Ávila 179,807 to 134,784; Burgos 232,098 to 130,082; León 461,939 to 356,233; Palencia 240,496 to 165,109; Salamanca 416,774 to 288,386; Segovia 268,344 to 162,807; Soria 237,130 to 150,753; Valladolid 352,893 to 224,621; Zamora 675,709 to 508,045; Castilla y León 3,065,190 to 2,120,820; Spain 15,431,804 to 13,476,030. *Source: Statistics and Agricultural Information Junta de Castilla y León

Source: Read the original article | Published: April 26, 2026