MSC is the first container line to operate a 24,000 TEU vessel on routes in West Africa
The deployment of the container ships MSC Diletta and MSC Türkiye on the Africa Express service marks a transformational moment connecting major Asian markets, including China and South Korea, via Southeast Asia to key West African ports in Ghana, Togo, Côte d'Ivoire and Cameroon.
The Hunchun checkpoint has recorded an increase in the number of border crossings between China and Russia since the beginning of 2025
The Hunchun checkpoint has recorded over 120,000 border crossings between China and Russia since the beginning of 2025, which is 11 percent more than a year earlier. This was reported by the local border control service.
Border guards expect a new surge in cross-border travel during the May Day vacation. During May 1-5, the total number of border crossings, according to forecasts, may exceed 14,000 person-trips.
The Hunchun checkpoint is the only land border crossing on the Sino-Russian border in Jilin Province /Northeast China/. From here people can directly get to Vladivostok, Zarubino, Pochet and other Russian cities. Thanks to convenient transport links, the number of travelers from China and other countries who prefer the Hunchun checkpoint is growing.
The checkpoint is actively preparing for the upcoming growth in tourist traffic. Measures have been worked out in advance to ensure that people stand in line at the checkpoint for no more than 30 minutes. Large tour groups, for example, can sign up in advance for border control. Tourists can also expect assistance if needed, including interpreter services, counseling, etc.
“During the May Day vacation we will work in a normal mode. Passenger traffic is expected to be at a high level - approximately 2,800 people per day. With the help of real-time monitoring data, we will improve our work plans,” the Hunchun checkpoint said.
Graco stroller maker pauses China shipments, awaits tariff clarification
Newell Brands, maker of Graco baby products, has temporarily halted shipments from China to avoid 145% U.S. tariffs. The company is now waiting for clear guidance on the updated tariff rules and is advocating for exemptions on essential baby items like strollers and car seats.
Inventory is secured through mid-summer for retailers like Walmart and Target, but prices have already risen by around 20%. Newell is actively lobbying for relief through trade groups and direct engagement.
China and EU vow to join hands to maintain multilateral trading system
China and the EU have pledged to jointly support the multilateral trading system in which the World Trade Organization (WTO) plays a central role, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said in a statement released on Thursday.
The statement was made after Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič held talks in the format of a video conference on Tuesday, during which they discussed various issues, including the strengthening of trade and economic cooperation between China and the EU and the response to the introduction of so-called “reciprocal tariffs” by the United States.
China's tightening of export controls on relevant rare earth elements reflects a determination to protect national security
China's tightening of controls on exports of related rare earth elements reflects the country's firm determination to safeguard national security as well as world peace and security. This was stated by the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association on Sunday.
The statement was made after China's Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs announced on April 4 the imposition of export control measures on seven medium and heavy rare earth elements.
As the association noted, these rare earth metals can be used for both military and civilian purposes, and the Chinese government's export control measures are fully based on international practices.
The industry association emphasized that if enterprises are not engaged in activities that undermine China's national sovereignty, security and development interests, export controls will not affect their normal business and trade activities, much less the stability and security of international supply chains.
China's rare earth element enterprises will, in view of the requirements announced on April 4, firmly adhere to high-level openness to the outside world and continue to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation with friendly countries, the association added.