Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the contrasting fortunes in the consumer sector, highlighting the rise of new consumption stocks in the Hong Kong market while traditional brands face bankruptcy, exemplified by Del Monte Foods' recent bankruptcy filing [3][12]. Group 1: Del Monte Foods' History and Challenges - Del Monte Foods, established in 1886, became a leader in the canned food industry, particularly known for its pineapple cans, which were a staple in American households [6][7]. - The company thrived during World War II and the post-war baby boom, capitalizing on the demand for convenient food products [6][10]. - However, by the 1990s, changing consumer preferences towards healthier, low-sugar, and low-salt options led to a decline in Del Monte's market position, as its products were high in salt, sugar, and fat [10][11]. Group 2: Financial Struggles and Bankruptcy - Despite attempts to adapt by introducing healthier product lines, Del Monte's brand image remained tied to traditional canned foods, resulting in poor market reception [10][11]. - Recent financial reports indicated that Del Monte's sales reached $1.7 billion (approximately 12.2 billion RMB) with a net loss of $119 million [11]. - The company has accumulated over $1 billion in debt, leading to its decision to file for bankruptcy protection and seek a buyer for restructuring [12]. Group 3: Broader Industry Trends - Del Monte's decline is part of a larger trend in the U.S. consumer sector, with several well-known brands, including Owl Cafe and Rite Aid, also facing bankruptcy [14][15]. - The number of bankruptcy filings among large U.S. companies has reached its highest level in over a decade, indicating a significant crisis in the consumer market [14]. - The article emphasizes that many of these companies failed to adapt their strategies to changing market conditions, leading to their decline [15][16].

Core Viewpoint - The implementation of "reciprocal tariffs" by the U.S. is reshaping global trade dynamics into a more pronounced zero-sum game, with significant implications for ASEAN countries and the broader multilateral trade system [1][8]. Group 1: Impact of Reciprocal Tariffs - The U.S. has established a framework for "reciprocal tariffs" that allows for unilateral adjustments, replacing the multilateral agreements advocated by the WTO, thus granting the White House substantial discretionary power [2]. - ASEAN countries face challenges in forming a unified response due to their diverse political and economic structures, leading to individual negotiations with the U.S. [1][2]. - The new tariff structure has resulted in varying tax rates for ASEAN countries, with Vietnam facing a 20% tariff, which could significantly impact its export sectors and employment [3][4]. Group 2: Economic and Political Repercussions - The tariffs are not merely a tax adjustment but a strategic tool for the U.S. to compel concessions from other nations, creating a dynamic balance rather than mutual reductions in trade barriers [2][8]. - The tariffs have led to increased tensions in the region, as seen in the military conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, which was influenced by U.S. trade policies [5]. - The RCEP agreement is seen as a potential counterbalance to U.S. tariffs, with expectations of increased intra-regional trade and reduced tariffs over time, although immediate benefits may be limited due to varying levels of development among ASEAN members [6][7]. Group 3: Long-term Considerations - The long-term outlook suggests that the U.S. may continue to rely on tariffs as a tool for trade negotiations, creating a prolonged period of uncertainty for global trade and investment [8]. - ASEAN countries must enhance internal coordination and develop resilient supply chains to mitigate the adverse effects of U.S. tariffs and maintain competitiveness in the global market [8].

Group 1 - The current canned food standard system is becoming more robust, with an increasing level of internationalization and strong support for industry development, but there are still issues such as inadequate organizational structure, areas needing improvement, and a lack of talent in standardization [1] - The China Canned Food Industry Association emphasizes the importance of standardization work as a key focus for the industry, continuing efforts in standard project initiation, review, approval, and promotion [1][2] - The canned food industry is at a critical stage of transformation and upgrading, with a call for industry peers to support standardization efforts to create a brighter future for the sector [2] Group 2 - The conference approved 12 national and industry standards related to canned food, including quality guidelines for various types of canned products and general technical requirements for metal containers [3] - A kickoff meeting for industry standards on aloe vera products and nut-based canned foods was also held, with participation from over 100 committee members, industry experts, and company representatives [3]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the impact of increased tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and Thailand, which is causing companies to reconsider their production strategies and supply chain locations [1][2]. Group 1: Tariff Impact on Production Strategies - The U.S. has imposed a 36% tariff on Thai products and a 34% tariff on Chinese products, disrupting the "China Plus One" strategy that aimed to diversify production bases in Southeast Asia [1]. - Companies like Casio are contemplating a complete reassessment of their production bases due to the high tariffs, which have exceeded 30%, undermining the feasibility of using these countries as processing trade bases [1]. - Japanese companies are increasingly investing in ASEAN countries, with direct investments rising by 75% from 2017 to 2024, while investments in China have decreased by 65% during the same period [2]. Group 2: Shifts in Trade Dynamics - Vietnam has significantly benefited from this shift, with trade surpluses with the U.S. expected to exceed $100 billion in 2024, more than three times the figure from 2017 [2]. - Companies are exploring contract modifications with U.S. clients due to the high tariffs, with some considering the possibility of contract termination if the tariffs remain unchanged [2]. - The impact of tariffs is widespread, affecting various industries, including apparel, where companies like Fast Retailing are facing challenges in changing suppliers due to high-quality requirements [3]. Group 3: Broader Economic Concerns - Concerns are growing about the potential for reduced U.S. consumer spending, which could further complicate the situation for companies exporting from Southeast Asia [4]. - The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) anticipates that the tariffs will have a broader-than-expected impact on investments in Southeast Asia, particularly in the electronics sector [4].