Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by COFCO Technology (中粮科技) in the corn deep processing industry, highlighting issues such as industry overcapacity, slow transformation, and declining profitability due to market competition and low margins [1][6][14]. Financial Performance - COFCO Technology's revenue has fluctuated, with a peak of 234.69 billion in 2021, followed by a decline to 203.79 billion in 2023, and a projected revenue of 200.53 billion in 2024 [6][12]. - The company reported a net profit of 10.54 billion in 2021, but faced a loss of over 6 billion in 2023, indicating a significant downturn in financial performance [6][12]. - The gross margin dropped to 5.51% in 2023, reflecting the industry's low profitability and competitive pressures [14][23]. Industry Overview - The corn deep processing industry in China has an overcapacity of 1.2 billion tons, with an actual processing volume of approximately 76 million tons, resulting in an average operating rate of only 63% [7][14]. - COFCO Technology holds a 3.6% market share in the corn starch sector, producing 1.36 million tons, ranking ninth among competitors [7][9]. Business Segments - COFCO Technology operates three main business segments: 1. Alcohol and its by-products, contributing 49% of revenue in 2024 [11]. 2. Starch, starch sugars, and related products, also accounting for nearly half of the revenue [11]. 3. Biodegradable materials, which have not yet generated revenue [11][22]. Market Challenges - The alcohol industry faces severe overcapacity, with a domestic fuel ethanol production capacity of 587.5 million tons against a demand of only 376 million tons, leading to low operating rates [18][19]. - The company is exploring non-grain biomass fuel transitions, but faces challenges in scaling up production due to higher costs associated with cellulose ethanol [20][21]. Growth Opportunities - Potential growth areas include high-end alcohol products, functional sugars, and biodegradable materials, particularly PLA and PHA, which are derived from corn starch [24][25][30]. - The approval of alulose as a new food ingredient may provide a new revenue stream, as it is positioned as a healthier sugar alternative [3][24]. Transformation Efforts - COFCO Technology is attempting to shift its product structure to address market challenges, but the transformation process has been slow and fraught with difficulties [20][32]. - The company has made progress in developing cellulose ethanol and biodegradable materials, but large-scale production remains a challenge due to high costs and competition [21][30].

Core Viewpoint - The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched the "3by35" initiative, aiming to increase the actual prices of tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks by at least 50% by 2035 through health taxes, which will help curb chronic diseases and generate significant public revenue [1][2]. Group 1 - The "3by35" initiative is expected to raise $1 trillion by 2035, based on evidence from countries like Colombia and South Africa [1][2]. - WHO emphasizes that health taxes are one of the most effective tools to reduce harmful product consumption and generate revenue for reinvestment in healthcare, education, and social security [1]. - WHO's Director-General highlighted the need for governments to adapt to new realities and strengthen their health systems using the funds raised from these taxes [2]. Group 2 - The initiative is the first to propose a specific price increase target for tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks, despite WHO's long-standing support for tobacco taxes and recent calls for taxing alcohol and sugary beverages [2]. - WHO encourages governments to review and avoid tax exemptions for unhealthy industries, which could undermine national health goals [2]. - The initiative has received support from organizations such as Bloomberg Philanthropies, the World Bank, and the OECD, which will assist countries willing to take action [4].

Market Insights - The US ADP employment numbers unexpectedly decreased by 33,000 in June, marking the first negative growth since March 2023, with a prior expectation of an increase of 98,000. The revised May data showed an increase of only 29,000 [1][2] - A group of billionaires from Silicon Valley has applied for a charter bank license in the US, aiming to establish a national bank focused on supporting startups in the cryptocurrency sector [1] - The UN reported that 2023 has seen some of the most extensive and destructive droughts on record, highlighting severe challenges posed by climate change and resource pressures [1] Economic Indicators - Australia's retail sales increased by 0.2% month-on-month in May, recovering from zero growth in the previous month but falling short of the market expectation of 0.5% [3] - South Korea's Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 2.2% year-on-year in June, surpassing the market expectation of 2.1% and marking a return to above 2% inflation after two months [4] Commodity Prices - COMEX gold futures rose by 0.56% to $3,368.7 per ounce, while COMEX silver futures increased by 1.08% to $36.79 per ounce [6] - Light crude oil futures for August delivery increased by $2.00 to $67.45 per barrel, a rise of 3.06%, while Brent crude oil futures for September delivery also rose by $2.00 to $69.11 per barrel, up 2.98% [6] Currency Exchange Rates - The US dollar index fell by 0.05% to 96.777, with the euro trading at 1.1800 against the dollar, up from 1.1781, and the British pound at 1.3636, down from 1.3738 [7] - The onshore Chinese yuan closed at 7.1670 against the dollar, down 52 basis points from the previous trading day [7]

Core Viewpoint - The European Union is willing to accept a trade agreement with the United States that includes a 10% universal tariff on many EU exports, while seeking lower tariffs for key industries such as pharmaceuticals, alcohol, semiconductors, and commercial aircraft [1] Group 1 - The EU is pushing for the U.S. to commit to lower tariffs on critical sectors [1] - The EU aims to negotiate quotas and exemptions to reduce the U.S. tariffs of 25% on automobiles and auto parts, as well as 50% on steel and aluminum [1] - EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic will lead a delegation to Washington this week to advance negotiations [1] Group 2 - The European Commission seeks to address existing sector tariffs imposed by the U.S. and any future tariffs planned [1]