Core Value of the Standard - The standard "Method for determination and representation of silicon dioxide in high purity quartz" aims to establish a unified method for measuring and reporting SiO₂ content, addressing issues of measurement inconsistency and incompleteness [2][3][4] Group 1: Standard Scope - The standard covers high purity quartz products with SiO₂ content of at least 99.9%, allowing other quartz products with similar purity to refer to it, ensuring broad applicability and flexibility [1][13] Group 2: Main Technical Content - A scientific and unified system for measuring and representing SiO₂ content is established, which includes: 1. Measurement of SiO₂ content using ICP-OES method for precise derivation [2] 2. Standardized expression rules for SiO₂ content to avoid discrepancies in interpretation, ensuring consistency and comparability across different enterprises and testing institutions [3] 3. Specification of core information required in test reports to enhance credibility and traceability of results, providing a complete basis for production, trading, and quality assessment [4] Group 3: Significance of Implementation - The implementation of this standard will empower the high purity quartz industry in multiple dimensions: 1. Filling the industry gap by resolving the lack of a unified standard for SiO₂ content detection, ending the "detection chaos" and eliminating trade barriers [5] 2. Supporting technological upgrades by providing standard technical support for in-depth research and production technology improvements, guiding enterprises to optimize production processes and enhance product quality [6] 3. Promoting industry collaboration by facilitating efficient communication and cooperation among upstream and downstream enterprises, avoiding mismatches in supply and demand due to non-unified standards [6] 4. Serving national strategies by aligning with the "3.5G new generation information technology industry chain (chips)" framework, aiding breakthroughs in strategic emerging industries like semiconductors and photovoltaics, and laying the foundation for high purity quartz export strategies [6] 5. Moving towards internationalization by establishing a unified standard as a "passport" for high purity quartz products to participate in international competition, enhancing global market influence [6]

Core Viewpoint - The US manufacturing sector continues to experience contraction, with the ISM manufacturing index indicating a decline in orders and employment, while inflationary pressures are showing signs of acceleration [1][3]. Group 1: ISM Manufacturing Data - The ISM manufacturing PMI for June is reported at 49, slightly above the expected 48.8 and the previous value of 48.5, with 50 being the threshold for expansion [3]. - The new orders index fell to 46.4, below the expected 48.1 and previous 47.6, marking the largest decline in three months and reflecting ongoing economic slowdown [6]. - The employment index dropped to 45, a three-month low, with expectations at 47.1 and a previous value of 46.8, indicating five consecutive months of contraction in employment [6]. - The prices paid index reached 69.7, close to the highest level since June 2022, with expectations at 69.5 and a previous value of 69.4, highlighting rising raw material costs [6]. - The backlog of orders index decreased by 2.8 points to 44.3, the largest drop in a year, and has been in contraction for 33 consecutive months [6]. Group 2: Employment and Industry Analysis - Weak demand and reduced order backlogs are contributing to the accelerated decline in manufacturing employment, with a significant ratio of comments indicating layoffs compared to hiring [7]. - In June, nine manufacturing sectors experienced growth, with notable increases in apparel, petroleum, and non-metallic mineral products, while six sectors, including textiles and wood products, contracted [7]. - The S&P Global reported a Markit manufacturing PMI final value of 52.9 for June, indicating a recovery in manufacturing output after three months of decline, driven by new orders from domestic and export customers [7]. Group 3: Economic Outlook and Price Pressures - The improvement in manufacturing output may be partially driven by inventory accumulation as companies prepare for potential supply issues and price increases related to tariffs [8]. - There are concerns regarding whether the current price pressures are a short-term adjustment or indicative of persistent inflation returning [8]. - Despite the challenges, business confidence has been recovering since April, with manufacturers feeling more optimistic amid reduced trade and tariff uncertainties [8].

Core Insights - The overall business activity index in Texas manufacturing has significantly declined to -35.8, marking the lowest level since May 2020, with a drop of 19.5 points from the previous month, reflecting increasing pessimism among businesses regarding the economic environment [1] - Despite the weak overall business atmosphere, Texas manufacturing output remained slightly positive in April, with a production index around 5.1, indicating minor expansion [1] - The new orders index plummeted by 20 points to -20.0, reaching a new low for the year, while the capacity utilization index fell to -3.8, and the shipments index turned negative for the first time this year, dropping from 6.1 to -5.5, highlighting weak demand [1] - Companies' outlook on future business conditions has worsened, with the future company outlook index dropping to -28.3, the lowest level since the COVID-19 pandemic, and the uncertainty index rising to 47.1, indicating heightened uncertainty among businesses [1] Employment and Labor Market - The labor market indicators show a slight decline in employment, with the employment index stabilizing at -3.9, where 9% of companies reported net hiring and 13% reported net layoffs [2] - The average work hours index decreased from -2.9 to -6.4, indicating a reduction in average working hours [2] Price and Cost Pressures - Input cost pressures have intensified, with the raw materials price index rising by 11 points to 48.4, the highest level since mid-2022, and the finished goods price index increasing by 9 points to 14.9, above the long-term average [2] - In contrast, the wages and benefits index remained stable at 14.3, slightly below historical averages, suggesting relatively steady wage growth [2] Texas Manufacturing Overview - Texas manufacturing generated approximately $296 billion in output in 2023, accounting for about 11% of the national manufacturing output, ranking second in the U.S. behind California, and leading in manufacturing exports [2] - Texas plays a crucial role in the U.S. refining industry, producing significant amounts of oil and coal products, and contributing over 13% of the nation's chemical product output, as well as more than 10% of non-metallic mineral products [2] Future Outlook - The future business activity index for Texas manufacturing has dropped to -15.2, the lowest level in 2023, indicating ongoing challenges [3] - The future production index, while still positive, decreased by 13 points to 14.8, suggesting a weakening expansion momentum [3] - Most indices reflecting future manufacturing activity remain in the expansion zone but are significantly below historical averages [3]