Core Viewpoint - South Africa is benefiting from a broad network of trade agreements covering 90 countries, which represent 28% of global GDP, maintaining resilience in its import and export trade despite global trade disruptions [2][3]. Trade Relations and Negotiations - The South African Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel, highlighted ongoing trade negotiations with the U.S. to reduce tariffs and enhance export competitiveness, following the expiration of the AGOA benefits [3][4]. - South Africa is focusing on diversifying its trade partners and strengthening its industrial base to adapt to the changing global trade environment [3][4]. Trade Statistics - In 2024, South Africa's total trade volume is projected to be $199.7 billion, with exports at $98.6 billion and imports at $101.1 billion [2]. - In October 2025, South Africa recorded a trade surplus of 15.6 billion rand, with exports increasing by 2.8% and imports by 7.2% from September to October [4]. Agricultural Exports - South Africa's agricultural exports have shown strong performance, reaching $11.7 billion in the first three quarters of 2025, a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2024 [5][6]. - The agricultural sector achieved a trade surplus of $2.7 billion in Q3 2025, marking a 28% increase year-on-year [5][6]. Regional Trade Dynamics - Africa accounted for 34% of South Africa's agricultural exports in Q3 2025, with Asia and the Middle East at 25%, and the EU at 23% [6]. - Exports to the U.S. decreased by 11% year-on-year to $14.4 million, highlighting the importance of favorable trade terms with the U.S. for South Africa's agricultural sector [6]. Strategic Recommendations - South Africa's agricultural sector must focus on maintaining existing export markets and exploring new ones, improving logistics efficiency, and enhancing market access within BRICS nations [7]. - Investments in port and railway infrastructure are essential for sustaining export growth and competitiveness [7]. China-South Africa Trade Relations - China remains South Africa's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, with trade volume reaching $52.46 billion in 2024, accounting for nearly one-fifth of total China-Africa trade [8]. - Recent policy measures from China, including zero-tariff policies for African countries, are expected to enhance South Africa's agricultural export competitiveness [8].

近日,湖北云梦郑家湖墓地考古发现震惊学界——2200年前的古墓葬中,出土了大量保存完好的水稻遗存, 这些水稻被精心放置在棺椁之间,形成罕见的"谷物随葬层"。这是中国目前所见最早、规模最大的谷物 随葬实例。 为何古人执意让亡者携谷物长眠?那些沉睡千年的种子,究竟蕴藏着怎样的生命密码? 古墓下的"战国粮仓":一次改写历史的发现 近日,湖北省文物考古研究院公布了一项改写认知的发现:在云梦郑家湖墓地,考古人员清理出近十万粒战 国时期水稻,距今约2200年。这不仅是中国迄今所见年代最早、规模最大的"谷物随葬"实证,更如同一部 埋藏地下的"农业史书",为我们揭开了古代社会生产、信仰与生活的一角。 如今,这些千年古稻已被移至湖北省文物考古研究院的实验室,接受现代科技的"深度剖析"。 研究人员发现了一个现象:稻谷在饱水环境中保存完好,一旦接触空气,稻壳便会迅速氧化、卷曲。这揭示 了封闭、稳定的水环境,是如何充当它们"天然保鲜柜"的。 科技手段能让古稻"开口说话"。通过碳同位素分析,科学家能追溯这些水稻生长时的灌溉水源；观察籽 粒的形态特征,有助于分析品种的演化路径；甚至稻壳表面可能遗留的微痕,也能为推测当时的收割工具 与技术 ...

Core Insights - The National Forestry and Grassland Administration has announced the establishment of three new national forest and grass germplasm resource banks in Liaoning Province, enhancing the region's capacity for biodiversity conservation and economic development in specialty forestry [1][2] Group 1: New Germplasm Resource Banks - Liaoning Province has added three national germplasm resource banks: the National Germplasm Resource Bank for Li and Apricot at the Liaoning Fruit Research Institute, the National Germplasm Resource Bank for Liao Dong Fir at the Liaoning Forest Management Research Institute, and the National Ecological Grass Germplasm Resource Nursery at Shenyang Agricultural University [1] - The National Germplasm Resource Bank for Li and Apricot covers an area of 318 acres and has collected 1,840 germplasm resources from various regions including Asia, Europe, America, Oceania, and Africa [1] - The National Germplasm Resource Bank for Liao Dong Fir spans 690 acres and has preserved 252 germplasm resources, with the "Cotton Dragon" variety having passed provincial certification [1] Group 2: Importance of Germplasm Resources - Germplasm resources are crucial for sustainable development and serve as the foundational materials for breeding quality forest species and tree improvement [2] - Liaoning Province has established a total of 12 germplasm resource banks covering 5,999 acres, preserving 5,839 germplasm resources across 162 species [2] - The newly established resource banks will enhance the province's capacity for germplasm resource protection and support the high-quality development of the forest economy [2] Group 3: Future Plans - The province plans to continue improving the germplasm resource preservation system and strengthen the management of national germplasm resource banks [2] - There will be organized efforts to collect, preserve, and evaluate target tree species to enhance the development level of germplasm resource banks in the province [2]