Trade Dynamics - Africa is emerging as a new focal point for Chinese exports [1] - Donald Trump's tariffs are reshaping global trade patterns for China [1]

Corn and soybean futures rose in Chicago as stronger-than-expected demand for exports overshadowed forecasts for higher yields https://t.co/cb1QZZTL4u ...

South Korea’s early exports data showed that shipments overseas have held up so far in August despite sweeping US tariffs that continue to weigh on global commerce https://t.co/QmyfOJtOLb ...

Market Trends - US crude exports are increasing after a quiet summer [1] - Domestic refineries are starting preventive maintenance [1] Geopolitical Factors - The Trump administration is considering tariffs on India for buying Russian oil [1]

Trade Dynamics - Exports from Ireland to the US decreased by 23% [1] - The decrease suggests multinational companies adjusted strategies following a surge in shipments prior to tariff announcements [1]

Taiwan is set to revise its estimate for growth in 2025, providing the first glimpse of how it expects the economy to perform since the Trump administration imposed a 20% duty on exports to the US https://t.co/a3r4rcgfIs ...

India’s trade deficit widened more-than-expected last month, as inbound shipments rose more than exports https://t.co/4KL2orFPHv ...

A cargo of Indian diesel is heading to China, in what would be first such shipment since 2021, with oil product exports from Russia-linked Nayara Energy in a state of limbo following the latest round of European Union sanctions https://t.co/dUQBqaQhCV ...

Business Impact of Tariffs - Tariffs have reduced the volume of business for Cocona Labs [1] - Uncertainty regarding ultimate pricing due to tariffs is causing customers to delay placing orders [8] - Cocona Labs absorbed a 165% tariff on exports to China, eating 10% of it [9] - China's retaliatory tariff of 145% would have been devastating to Cocona Labs [10] - Increased yarn prices due to tariffs impact the price of finished products [13] - Tariffs lead to higher costs, reduced business, and consumers ultimately paying the price [16] - A 15% to 20% effective tariff is anticipated [17] - Paying a 165% tariff on master batch exports to China, absorbing 10% of it, is unsustainable long term [19] Company Strategy - Cocona Labs is ensuring customers have options by shipping masterbatch to various countries to mitigate tariffs [18] - The company is considering moving some manufacturing to China to reduce reciprocal tariffs [18] - Cocona Labs is willing to eat a portion of the tariff, but not the entire amount [21] - The company values its employees and will take measures to avoid layoffs, including potential pay cuts [23][24] Industry & Economic Perspective - The US textile industry has declined, with employment falling from 15 million to 470000 workers as China became the leading producer [5] - There was a 165% tariff on clothing coming from Vietnam before Trump, with an additional 20% negotiated, resulting in a 365% tariff [15] - Broad brush tariffs are not considered effective; a surgical approach is recommended [26] - Non-tariff barriers in China, such as banking and marketing laws, remain a challenge for US companies [27] - Tariffs are seen as taxing inputs, alienating partners, and enraging those who control external markets, which is not a strategy for rebuilding American manufacturers [29]

Trade Performance - China's July exports increased by 8% year-on-year in RMB terms [2] - China's July imports increased by 4.8% year-on-year in RMB terms [2] - China's July trade surplus narrowed to 705.1 billion RMB [2] - China's July exports increased by 7.2% year-on-year in USD terms [2] - China's July imports increased by 4.1% year-on-year in USD terms [2] - China's July trade surplus was 98240 million USD [2] Import & Export Commodities - China's July fertilizer exports increased by 85% year-on-year, reaching 5704000 tonnes [1] - China's July rare earth exports increased by 21% year-on-year, reaching 59943 tonnes [1] - China's July automobile exports increased by 26% year-on-year, reaching 694000 vehicles [1] - China's July integrated circuit exports increased by 16% year-on-year, reaching 31840 million units [1] - China's July soybean imports increased by 18% year-on-year, reaching 11666000 tonnes [1] - China's July crude oil imports increased by 11.5% year-on-year, reaching 47204000 tonnes [1] - China's July copper ore and concentrate imports increased by 18% year-on-year, reaching 2560000 tonnes [1] - China's July coal imports decreased by 23% year-on-year, reaching 35609000 tonnes [1]