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Brief Consumer Economics & Policy Markets

China’s consumer inflation sees slowdown as production deflation eases

China’s consumer price inflation likely slowed in January due to the later timing of the Lunar New Year, while factory-gate deflation might show further signs of easing amid rising global commodity prices, reports Caixinciting its own survey. The survey of 12 domestic and international institutions puts the average forecast for the year-on-year rise in the consumer […]

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Brief Consumer Economics & Policy Economics & Trade Law & Regulation

EU raises tariffs on Chinese ceramics to 79%

The European Union has increased tariffs on imports of ceramic plates, cups, bowls and other table and kitchenware from China after a review of anti-dumping measures in place since 2013, reports Reuters. The 27-nation bloc will apply a blanket 79% duty on the products, replacing previous duties that had ranged from 13.1% to 36.1%, a filing […]

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Autos Consumer Economics & Trade Politics & Society Takeaway

Tariff tiffs

The EU has announced tariffs of 79% on all ceramic table and kitchenware from China, up from a range between 13.1-36.1% previously. This follows an investigation by the European Commission that it said found Chinese ceramics were owned, controlled or guided by “authorities”, receiving preferential financing, land and raw materials. The result of this was […]

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Brief Consumer Tech, Media & Telecom

Alibaba commits RMB 3BN to Lunar New Year AI subsidy war

Alibaba has committed RMB 3 billion ($432 million) to promote its AI chatbot Qwen, report Caixin. This move escalates a Lunar New Year subsidy war with rivals Tencent and Baidu as China’s tech giants compete for consumer mindshare. Under the “Spring Festival Treat Plan,” Alibaba aims to attract new users and encourage habitual use of AI-driven […]

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Consumer Politics & Society Property Takeaway

Dark clouds with a silver lining

The new year has begun with renewed talk from Beijing of boosting consumption—that is, getting people to buy stuff—but all signs appear to be heading the other way. The latest news, for example, includes a continuation of the property sector slump with January sales figures from the 100 largest developers down 27% from a year […]