Zhimeitong | International Highlights

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[Amazon will close two distribution stations, affecting more than 300 employees] Amazon announced that it will close two distribution stations in Baltimore, which together have more than 300 employees.

An Amazon spokesman said the company will offer employees from those sites the opportunity to transfer to other delivery sites in the region. But the spokesman did not specify how many stations there were in the area, simply saying there were "some" stations nearby.

The move appears to be the latest measure by Amazon to scale back the expansion of its sprawling delivery network.

[eMarketer: eBay Advertising Wins Best Retail Advertising Platform in North America] eMarketer has released its first report on retail media, the 2022 Retail Media Network Perception Benchmark. eMarketer ranked the current 11 major U.S. retail media platforms, surveying 145 advertisers on traffic, data, return on ad spend and platform usability.

These platforms include Amazon Advertising, Kroger Targeted Marketing, Best Buy, Costco, Instacart Advertising, eBay Advertising, Home Depot Retail Media+ (HomeDepot), Macy's, Roundel, Walmart and Wayfair.

01. North America

[Tao Dong: Inflation management in the United States is more difficult] The director of the China Chief Economist Forum wrote that a major difference between the US economy and other countries is in the job market. The job market in the United States is very hot and needs a stronger monetary policy to adjust. However, in Europe and Japan, there is no problem of overheating of employment, no problem of excessively rising wages, and no problem of spiraling wages and prices. Therefore, inflation control in the United States is difficult. Higher, the Fed needs to raise interest rates more aggressively. These in the exchange rate market, the performance of the dollar's strength. For developed countries, the strength of the US dollar is a problem of devaluation of their local currencies, which brings about import inflation; for emerging market countries, it is a problem of the loss of US dollars and increases the risk of US dollar debt default.

[Amazon's $1.7 billion acquisition of iRobot under investigation] The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has begun reviewing Amazon's $1.7 billion acquisition of vacuum robot maker iRobot to determine whether the deal violated antitrust laws.

The U.S. antitrust agency’s scrutiny of iRobot is broad, including both head-to-head competition and whether the deal would unlawfully increase Amazon’s share of the connected-device and retail markets as a whole, the report said.

Amazon declined to comment, while iRobot and the FTC didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.

[It is reported that Amazon will enter the Japanese prescription drug market next year: cooperation with pharmacies to sell drugs online] Amazon is considering entering the Japanese prescription drug market. This could be a turning point for brick-and-mortar pharmacies in Japan.

Amazon plans to partner with small and medium-sized pharmacies in Japan to create a platform for selling prescription drugs. After placing an order online, users can sit at home and wait for delivery. Through the platform, patients can also receive online instructions on how to take their medications.

Amazon plans to launch the service next year, when e-prescribing will be legal in Japan. Of course, Amazon doesn't operate its own pharmacy. Instead, Amazon will invite small and mid-sized pharmacies to sell prescription drugs online, and delivery will be provided by Amazon.

Amazon declined to comment.

[Walmart invites Canadian e-commerce company to expand its U.S. online marketplace] Walmart offers Canadian companies a direct path to U.S. expansion, is recruiting Canadian sellers to join its flagship U.S. marketplace and serves more than 120 million monthly loyal online shoppers .

Entrepreneurs and e-commerce sellers interested in being among the first to explore opportunities can sign up for the virtual Walmart Global Seller Summit in Canada on September 8. Walmart executives and cross-border payments provider Payoneer will host hands-on sessions. Attendees will learn how to take advantage of simplified onboarding, streamlined performance, targeted promotions, integrated financial services and other support to help them scale and grow rapidly in the U.S. and Canada.

[Microsoft Defender has a mass manslaughter again, Edge / Chrome and other software are recruited] A virus signature update (signature update) recently pushed by Microsoft Defender has a problem, causing users to open Google Chrome in Windows every time, Microsoft Edge, Discord, and other applications based on the Electron framework all have false positive blocking with the codename "Win32 / Hive.ZY".

The issue started on the morning of September 4th, when Microsoft pushed Defender update 1.373.1508.0, which added two new threat detections, including "Behavior:Win32/Hive.ZY" for potentially malicious files.

However, this update led to another large-scale manslaughter of Microsoft Defender, including automatic blocking of various software such as Google Chrome / Microsoft Edge. Even if users use Google Chrome to open Microsoft's official website, dangerous prompts will pop up, and most of these prompts report Behavior:Win32 / Hive.ZY. And whether Windows 10 or Windows 11 are affected, Microsoft Defender also blocks startup and access while popping up alerts.

Microsoft has released Microsoft Defender Security Intelligence Update 1.373.1537.0, which, judging from user reports, appears to address the aforementioned false positives.

[Meta fined more than $400 million for breaching EU general data protection regulations] Meta, the parent company of photo-sharing social app Instagram, has been fined 405 million euros ($403 million) by Ireland's data watchdog for allowing teenagers to open account, and publicly display its phone number and email address.

The Irish Data Protection Commission confirmed the penalties following a two-year investigation into possible breaches of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) by Instagram.

Instagram allows users between the ages of 13 and 17 to operate business accounts on the platform, and it displays the user's phone number and email address. The Irish Data Protection Commission also found that accounts for users aged 13 to 17 were set to "public" by default under the user registration system run by the platform.

The committee oversees Meta on behalf of the entire EU, as its European headquarters is based in Ireland. This is the regulator's largest fine against Meta, which was slapped with a €225m fine in September 2021 for gross violations of GDPR regulations by its instant messaging app WhatsApp. In March, the company was fined another 17 million euros.

02. EU region

[Tao Dong: The European Central Bank is expected to raise interest rates by 75 points] The director of the China Chief Economist Forum wrote that the HIPC (core inflation) of the euro zone rose to 9.1% in August, higher than the previous period's 8.9%. The market originally estimated that inflation may fall due to oil prices, but the actual situation was worse than expected, and the price index broke the latest record since the establishment of the euro zone. While gasoline prices have fallen, natural gas prices have skyrocketed, and there has been panic as Russia has reduced or even stopped supplies. At the same time, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has led to a sharp rise in the prices of fertilizers and grains, and the extreme heat has increased price pressure and production uncertainty. This week's focus will be on the European Central Bank's policy meeting, which is expected to raise interest rates by 75 points and express a more hawkish policy stance. The 75-point rate hike itself has been reflected in asset prices. The key depends on how President Lagarde performs at the press conference, which may have an impact on European government bonds and the euro.

[Macron: EU's share of natural gas imports from Russia has dropped to 9%] French President Emmanuel Macron said at a press conference on the same day that the EU's share of natural gas imports from Russia has dropped from 50% a few months ago. 9%. In addition, Macron also called on the French to save energy, such as reducing the indoor heating temperature to 19 degrees in winter to save at least 10% of energy consumption.

[The price of natural gas in Europe rose sharply again, and Germany has not yet completed the gas storage target] The failure of the "North Stream-1" natural gas pipeline to resume gas supply pushed up the price of natural gas in Europe again. On September 5, the price of natural gas in the European natural gas futures market rose by 72.5 euros to 281 euros per megawatt-hour, a sharp increase of 35% from the market price on Friday (2nd). Natural gas prices in Europe fell briefly over the past week. Germany announced last week that the country's gas storage facilities were about 86 percent full, and while the 100 percent target for storage by the start of the heating season had not been met, it was higher than government expectations and higher than this time of year. In September last year, Germany's natural gas reserves were around 60%.

[Norway and Sweden will convene the Nordic and Baltic countries to form a joint working group on electricity markets] Norway and Sweden will convene the Nordic and Baltic countries to form a joint working group on electricity markets, working to strengthen the Nordic countries’ energy security and reduce Russia’s influence. "I think if we take advantage of this with close and determined cooperation between countries, we will go further," said Terje Osland, Norway's oil and energy minister.

[EU plans to take special measures to curb the energy crisis, including setting a natural gas price cap, etc.] As the EU grapples with the deepening crisis, European ministers will discuss special measures to curb soaring energy costs, including setting a natural gas price cap, Suspension of trading in electricity derivatives and a Europe-wide emergency credit line support for market participants facing extremely high margin calls. According to a draft document, the Czech Republic, which holds the rotating EU presidency, will include the tools in a list of emergency intervention options to be discussed at a meeting of energy ministers on Friday. These additional tools include the temporary exclusion of electricity production from the optimal dispatch sequence and the possibility to determine prices in the electricity market, as well as limit margins or automatic price cap adjustments.

[Inflation situation is severe, Germany pushes another 65 billion euro bailout plan] On September 4, the German Chancellor announced the third round of bailout plan since mid-February, with an amount of 65 billion euros, aimed at helping German people and companies cope with severe inflation.

03. Other regions

[Worried about rising prices, British people stock up on Christmas trees in advance] Because of concerns about rising prices, British consumers have begun to buy Christmas trees that they will need at the end of the year in advance. Sales of artificial Christmas trees at John Lewis' department store reportedly jumped 400 percent compared to the same period last year. In the week leading up to August 20, searches on Google for the term "simulated Christmas tree" surged 122%. Some consumers worry that inflation may continue into the winter, and it will be cheaper to buy now. Some businesses also believe that this reflects consumers' concerns about the uncertainty of future income.

[UK composite output index unexpectedly falls, recession risk rises] Following an unexpected drop in business output in August, a British purchasing managers survey index showed that the risk of recession is rising.

S&P Global released that the UK private sector composite output index fell to 49.6 in August, the first contraction since February 2021; the service industry business activity index was at 50.9, significantly lower than the expected 52.5, while the manufacturing industry was already in decline .

Britain's next prime minister, who will be appointed later in the day, faces a worsening economic situation, data showed. Truss, who is leading the race to replace Johnson as prime minister, has said he will announce a bailout for businesses and consumers early in his term to deal with soaring energy costs.

[India makes affirmative final ruling on anti-dumping mid-term review of Chinese aluminum alloy wheels] The Ministry of Commerce and Industry of India issued an announcement stating that it has made a final affirmative final ruling on anti-dumping mid-term review of forged aluminum alloy wheels or alloy wheels originating in or imported from China, and it is recommended to amend The anti-dumping duties on the products involved in the case will be raised from US$0.08/kg to US$1.073/kg for 5 manufacturers exported through the exporter CITIC Dicastal Group. The products involved are forged aluminum alloy wheels or alloy road wheels (ARW) for motor vehicles with a diameter of 12 inches to 24 inches, with or without accessories, involving products under the Indian Customs Code 87087000.

[Ukraine Terminates the Investigation of Safeguard Measures on Imported Cheese] On September 3, 2022, the Ukrainian Interdepartmental International Trade Commission issued an announcement that, in accordance with Resolution No. деякі види сирів) survey on safeguard measures, no safeguard measures are implemented. The Ukrainian tax numbers of the products involved are 0406 30 31 00, 0406 30 39 00, 0406 30 90 00, 0406 90 23 00, 0406 90 25 00, 0406 90 32 00, 0406 90 78 00, 0406 90 86 00, 0406 90 00, 0406 90 92 00, 0406 90 99 10. The announcement takes effect from the date of publication.

On December 24, 2021, the Ukrainian Interdepartmental International Trade Commission issued an announcement that, upon the application of Ukrainian domestic enterprises, in accordance with Resolution No./4411-03 of December 22, 2021, a safeguard measure investigation was initiated on imported cheese.

[Ukraine terminates the investigation of safeguard measures for imported rock drilling tools] On September 3, 2022, the Ukrainian Interdepartmental International Trade Commission issued an announcement, according to the resolution No./441-01 of August 31, 2022, decided to terminate the import of rock drilling tools. (Ukrainian: тришарошкові бурові долотаз робочими частинами, відмінними відприродного або штучного алмазу) Safeguard investigation, no safeguards are implemented. The Ukrainian tax numbers for the products involved are 8207 13 00 00 and 8207 19 90 00. The announcement takes effect from the date of publication.

On October 14, 2021, the Ukrainian Inter-departmental International Trade Commission issued an announcement that in response to the application of the Ukrainian domestic enterprise UNIVERSAL DRILLING EQUIPMENT, according to Resolution No./4411-03 of October 11, 2021, the Ministry of Economic Affairs of Ukraine started safeguards for imported rock drilling tools measures to investigate.

Zhimeitong | Logistics Highlights

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[Baltic dry bulk index has risen for the third consecutive trading day] The Baltic dry bulk index rose on Monday, rising for the third consecutive trading day. The Baltic Dry Index rose 47 points, or 4.3%, to 1,133, its highest level in nearly two weeks. The capesize index rose 111 points, or 15.1%, to 844. Average daily earnings for capesize rose $924 to $7,000. The panamax index rose 56 points, or 4.4%, to 1,327. Average daily earnings for panamax vessels rose $499 to $11,941. The Supramax index fell 16 points to 1,498.

Zhimeitong | Domestic Highlights

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[Former Vice Minister of Commerce Wei Jianguo: Cross-border e-commerce has become the "dark horse" of China's foreign trade growth] The 2022 China International Fair for Trade in Services (Service Trade Fair) closed on September 5. The second phase of the National Convention Center was added as an exhibition venue for the first time in this session of the Service Trade Fair. The exhibition area and the number of offline exhibitors both reached new highs. The level of internationalization and specialization was further improved. All presented at the meeting.

What will be the highlights of the service trade in 2022? What role has the service trade played in the development of China's service trade? How does the digital economy seize the international market? On September 4, the vice chairman of the China International Economic Exchange Center and the former vice minister of the Ministry of Commerce entered the Beijing News Qianlong.com 2022 Service Trade Fair for an exclusive interview. "The service trade will raise the public's awareness of service trade to an unprecedented level." Wei Jianguo said that a country has used its whole nation to build a platform dedicated to displaying service trade, which is the first in the history of service trade.

At the same time, he said that cross-border e-commerce has become the "dark horse" of China's foreign trade growth. Together with general trade and processing trade, it has gradually shown a three-pronged situation in the development of China's foreign trade.

[Ministry of Commerce: Introduce policies to support the development of cross-border e-commerce overseas warehouses as soon as possible] The Information Office held a regular policy briefing to introduce the follow-up policy measures to the package of policies to stabilize the economy, and answer questions from reporters.

The Assistant Minister of Commerce introduced that since the beginning of this year, with the joint efforts of all parties, my country's foreign trade has shown strong resilience. From January to July this year, the total import and export volume reached 23.6 trillion yuan, an increase of 10.4% year-on-year. However, foreign trade still faces unfavorable factors such as the slowdown in the expansion of external demand and the difficulty in receiving orders for enterprises. To this end, in this round of policy measures to stabilize the economy, a new policy to further stabilize the development of foreign trade is proposed, which mainly includes four aspects.

First, promote the development of new formats and models of foreign trade. Second, support the export of key products such as new energy vehicles. Third, unblock the channels for foreign trade enterprises to grab orders. Fourth, strengthen the foreign trade enterprises' exchange rate risk management capabilities.

In the next step, the Ministry of Commerce will work with relevant departments to refine the implementation measures, and guide all localities to introduce targeted support measures based on the actual situation of the region and do a good job in the implementation work, so as to ensure that foreign trade enterprises can enjoy the policy dividends as soon as possible.

Zhimeitong | E-commerce highlights

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[Amazon US: Prime exclusive discounts must be 10% lower than the reference price during the promotion period] Amazon US has released new reference price requirements for Prime exclusive discounts.

According to the announcement, products participating in the Prime exclusive discount must display a reference price to be quoted to buyers, and the reference price will display the "original price" or list price. On normal days, the Prime Exclusive discount must be 5% off the reference price.

During special events like Prime Day and Black Friday, Prime-exclusive discounts must be 10% off the reference price.

[Alibaba International Station Releases Digital Intelligence Cross-border B2B Logistics Service Logistics] At the "2022 China International Service Trade Fair Results Conference" held recently, Wei Ran, General Manager of the Logistics and Customs Department of Alibaba International Station, faced the world Cross-border enterprises, released the digital and intelligent cross-border B2B logistics service – Logistics.

Logistics is a cross-border logistics service specially created for cross-border B2B small and medium-sized enterprises. With digital intelligence technology as the core, it provides global diversified transportation resources, intelligent product experience, and full-link rich security services, helping cross-border B2B small and medium-sized enterprises to ship to the world.

[SHOPLINE e-commerce logistics solution OneShip launches "sales order" function] SHOPLINE e-commerce logistics solution OneShip officially launches "sales order" function, a one-stop solution for social e-commerce and live streaming of purchases, payment, and delivery , logistics tracking and other important links.

Merchants can create a sales order page for the product in the OneShip background, and embed it on the short video platform. After consumers become interested, they can directly click on the sales order page, pay with one click to place an order, and the conversion rate of live broadcast and short video delivery will increase linearly.

[Alibaba released a research report on China's cross-border industry chain changes and new comparative advantages] Deputy Dean of Ali Research Institute, Director of Ali Cross-border E-commerce Research Center, released the "Digital Trade Era" at the "2022 China International Fair for Trade in Services" China's Cross-border Industrial Chain Changes and New Comparative Advantages Research Report. The report pointed out that my country's cross-border industrial chain under digital trade has ushered in a golden development period for the establishment of new comparative advantages, and the previous practical experience and foundation have been consolidated, and it has the first-mover advantage to lead the global digital cross-border trade.

It is reported that this report sorts out the export of upstream and downstream products in key industries such as clothing and consumer electronics on Alibaba’s cross-border e-commerce platform (international station) ICBU from 2019 to 2022, and analyzes the new characteristics of the development of the global cross-border e-commerce industry chain. and new trends.

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