By Wang Xin、Liang Jun| 2014-07-10 10:07:40

BEIJING, July 9  -- The Chinese government announced Wednesday that new energy cars will be exempted from a 10-percent purchase tax starting from September in its bid to save energy and combat pollution.                            The EK-2 electric car, which was developed by the Zhejiang-based Geely Group, is shown at an auto show in Beijing. From Sept. 1, 2014 to the end of 2017, buyers of qualified pure electric cars, plug-in hybrid electric cars and fuel cell cars will not have to pay vehicle purchase tax, according to a statement released after an executive meeting of the State Council, or the Cabinet. The statement urged related authorities to step up compiling and unveiling the catalog of vehicles that will be included in this plan.

By CENS| 2014-07-08 10:56:20

Mainly dampened by steadily declining steel  exports to China, which remain subject to 3-8% duties, the output value of Taiwan's steel industry totaled only NT$405.1 billion (US$13.5 billion) for the first four months of this year, down 5.6% year-on-year (YoY), according to the statistics by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA).   MOEA said that the industry's output drastically dropped 38% YoY to NT$953.6 billion (US$31.78 billion) in 2009, when the global market was seriously impacted by the financial tsunami, and then rebounded by 48.2% in 2010, and hit an all-time high of NT$1.5146 trillion (US$504.86 billion) in 2011, mostly due to brisk demand from the domestic downstream sectors and growing public works projects and housing starts.   However, anxious about oversupply in the global market, particularly in Asia, due to by Chinese steelmakers having aggressively developed and boosted supply in recent years, Taiwan's steel industry has seen its overall output and export to China continuously slide since 2012.   In the past few years, exports had contributed nearly 30% to the industry's output, mostly going to ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member countries. MOEA's statistics show that exports to the ASEAN bloc made up 21.6% of the total last year, a four-year high, when the share of those to China (including Hong Kong) dived to 14.1% from 23.8% in 2009.   J.C. Tsou, chairman of the Taiwan Steel & Iron Industries Association, says that exports to China have steadily declined partly due to high tariffs, and partly due to oversupply in the country. To revive the industry's growth, Tsou has advised Taiwan to step up negotiations with China on striking cross-strait goods trade agreements to offer lower duty relief or exemption on steel exports.   Over the past years, imports of China-made steels have significantly increased, to command 25.2% of Taiwan's domestic market last year compared to 9.7% in 2009. Japan has remained the island's largest steel import source, but its market share has gradually slid, to 28.9% last year from 32.4% in 2009, shows MOEA's statistics. (SC)

By Sérgio Milatias| 2014-07-07 09:32:25

Under command the portuguese immigrant Joao Marques Castelhano, company founder, and the Brazilian Ricardo Castelhano, his son, the Jomarca arrived at 45 years of activities. One of the biggest and most important fastener manufacturer in South America, the company celebrate announcing more diversification and investments on your products line. 10 years ago, in line of fasteners, the direction decided modernize your fabril park, period in which were occurred many acquisitions of new machines, where we found moderns equipments, like more of 40 cold forming presses from Sacma, all installed in your matrix with more of 42 thousand meters square, where work more 780 employers, with production be around of 2,5 thousand tons of fasteners per month. Today, Jomarca has 3 divisions: fasteners, kits to furniture industries and tools to construction market, with more of 1050 employer plus 200 outsourced. According to the CEO, Ricardo Marques, recently the company invested US$ 4,5 millions to produce hinges to supply the furniture industries, where the division Jomarca Kits is leader. All the new machines were bought in Italy, and should arrive in Brazil until next June. "Until the end 2014 we hope achieve sales around US$ 142 millions, in which 60% is from fasteners, 30% of Jomarca Kits and 10% will be from tools mix, products to building", concluded the CEO.

By Richard Chang| 2014-07-04 00:00:00

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Commerce on Tuesday set preliminary duties of up to 81 percent on imports of carbon and alloy steel wire rod from China after ruling they were produced using unfair government subsidies. Commerce set a preliminary subsidy rate of 81.36 percent for Hebei Iron & Steel and 10.30 percent for Benxi Steel and all other producers and exporters in China. The complaint about imports of hot-rolled carbon steel and alloy steel rod from China, which totaled $313 million in 2013, was made by ArcelorMittal USA , Charter Steel, Evraz Pueblo, Gerdau Ameristeel, Keystone Consolidated Industries and Nucor Corporation . Commerce is due to make its final decision by Nov. 12, at the same time as its final decision in a parallel investigation into dumping of the steel wire rod.  

By Philip Blenkinsop| 2014-06-30 10:32:19

BRUSSELS, June 26 (Reuters) - The European Commission has launched an investigation into accusations that China and Taiwan have dumped billions of dollars of stainless steel in Europe, a decision that could reignite trade tensions with Beijing. The Commission said on Thursday that a complaint received in mid-May from EU steel association EUROFER provided evidence that stainless steel to Europe from Chinese and Taiwanese producers had been exported at unfairly low prices. "They are flooding the markets which are still unprotected like the EU," EUROFER Secretary General Gordon Moffat said. China's mission in Brussels was not immediately available for comment. The anti-dumping investigation comes three months after an easing of relations between Beijing and Brussels. In March, just as China's Xi Jinping made his first visit to Europe as president, Beijing ended investigations into imports of EU wine and polysilicon and the EU Commission defused a long-running telecoms trade dispute. Both sides even discussed the possibility of a free trade deal during Xi's visit to EU institutions in Brussels. Yet tensions remain. The Commission has 14 ongoing investigations into alleged dumping by, or illegal subsidies for, Chinese makers of products from ceramic tiles to mandarin oranges. EU imports of cold-rolled stainless steel sheet from China and Taiwan totalled 758 million euros ($1.03 billion) last year, according to EU statistics office Eurostat, a ten-fold increase from the value in 2002. EU production in 2012, the last year for which data is available, was worth 23.6 billion euros. EUROFER said European producers had carried out significant restructuring over the past three years to reduce overcapacity and improve their performance, but Chinese manufacturers had built capacity and increased output to a level exceeding domestic demand. EUROFER said the combined EU market share of China and Taiwan had risen to about 14 percent in April. It also said that Chinese exports of steel as a whole had risen to a record 8.07 million tonnes in May, a 41.5 percent increase in the year to date. Moffat said EU stainless steel capacity was some 3.5 million tonnes, that of the United States 1.5 million tonnes, while overcapacity in Asia was 6.5 million tonnes. His association believes duties of up to 20 percent would have to be imposed to counteract the dumping. The Commission's anti-dumping investigation will last as long as 15 months, with the possibility of provisional measures being imposed within nine months. Punitive import duties, when imposed, typically last five years. ($1 = 0.7335 Euros) (Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop; editing by Robin Emmott and Tom Pfeiffer)  

By Khunnawat Teeranawattanakun| 2014-06-23 11:56:46

Mr. Duangdej Yuaikwarmdee, Deputy Managing Director of Reed Tradex Co., Ltd. said that foreign direct investment (FDI) is likely to grow strongly in 2014, outpacing overall growth and resulting in a “two-speed” economy. “International manufacturers and investors are attracted to Vietnam’s low-cost labor pool and large domestic market and are showing sustained investment interest in the country, despite structural challenges to the economy. The South Korean company, Samsung, signed a contract to build its second factory ($2 billion), which will make 120 million devices a year, doubling the current capacity in Vietnam. Other mobile phone companies such as LG Electronics Inc. and Nokia Corporation are also investing. Nokia opened its first factory (300-million USD) in Vietnam which is expected to create 10,000 jobs and produce 45 million handsets per quarter. Printer and photocopier maker, Fuji Xerox, opened a 90.2-million USD factory in northern Vietnam, the Japanese company's first facility in the Southeast Asian country as it aims to meet increasing global demand. Electronics exports, especially mobile phones, have significantly increased in importance over the past few years as they now make up 24.5 percent of total exports. The new target to double the number of Vietnam's electronic exports by 2017 to $40billion is double. However, to increase the number of local electronic companies for exporting overseas, especially under Vietnamese brand names, will be quite a challenge.  More efforts must be placed in: bettering the quality, strategies to better advertise products, establish after sales services and better distribution network. Some of Vietnam's leading electronic brands, they were put under competitive pressure now as foreign products dominate the market and the electronic parts are more expensive for them to stay competitive. The real growth in this sector seems to be more open for small to medium companies who are performing services or supplying parts to the bigger. At the present it’s a good sign and good opportunities for electronics industry in Vietnam to investment and enhances business to higher level of success. NEPCON Vietnam 2014, Vietnam’s only Exhibition on SMT & Testing Technologies, Equipment, and Supporting Industries for Electronics Manufacturing, will be an effective business-generating tool for industrialists and manufacturers. A quality international exhibition, 200 leading brands from 25 countries will be presenting cutting-edge innovations for over 8,000 industrialists to heighten production efficiency and competitiveness. The participants will meet business delegates from many countries and get great chances to expand their businesses to overseas markets “We believe that NEPCON Vietnam 2014 will not only answer to their requirements but will also introduce new concepts, new trends, and new ideas, which will be complemented by new technologies and experts who can help them move forward and strengthen Vietnamese electronics supporting industry in the process. In addition to the technological experiences the visitors will gain from the exhibits, they will also benefit from new knowledge and networking opportunities in the shows’ concurrent activities such as sessions of Technology Presentations, “Business Matchmaking” a service that will match local subcontractors with overseas manufacturers for possible business partnership, and “Agent Wanted” which will help global brand providers find local agents. After the event, the level of electronics manufacturing industry should be up and there should be more electronics parts and components manufactured inside the country rather than importing them.” concluded Duangdej. Mr. Adam See, President, the Association of Electronic Industries in Singapore (AEIS) said that “The growth in Vietnam’s industry will be phenomenon over the next few years. Therefore, to support Vietnam manufacturers, 60 members from 16 leading companies will exhibit their latest manufacturing technologies, components, parts, and accessories for electronics assembly. This will also be a golden chance for industrialists to seek for the right technology to upgrade their production. The Association of Electronic Industries in Singapore (AEIS) will organize a “Singapore Pavilion” at “NEPCON Vietnam 2014.” Ms. Wendy Trang, General Manager of Ito Vietnam Co., Ltd. said that “I think Vietnam’s electronics industry will continuously grow and show the positive sign for foreign investors this year. I believe NEPCON Vietnam will be the right platform for us to bring advanced technology to support the electronics industry,” Ito Vietnam is the Vietnamese arm of Ito Group who sells a wide range of equipment used in the manufacturing and assembly of high-density printed circuits and flat panel displays. Handling sales to North, South, and Central Vietnam, Ito Vietnam has been successful in providing equipment with high price-performance ratios to the electronics industry. At the show, we will excite industrialists with our ACF Technology, Dispensing Technology, and Welding Technology which are suitable for both large corporation and SMEs. Mr. Ngo Hong Quy, Sales Manager of Ellsworth Adhesive Asia Limited , a global distributor of a wide range of adhesives, sealants, lubricants, coatings, tapes, etc., confirmed to exhibit at NEPCON Vietnam 2014 to expand its business in the electronics industry said that the electronics industry in Vietnam will not change too much from last year. So, I believe NEPCON Vietnam will be a significant platform for us to meet with target buyers and suppliers. So, at the show, all industrialists are invited to discover Conformal Coating and Automatic Liquid Dispensers which will be presented for the first time in Vietnam.” Mr. Dung Luu, Marketing Department of  Nghiep Phat Trading Co., Ltd. a leading manufacturer of wire harness which is used for electrical and industrial equipment, will roll out its innovations to Vietnamese and regional industrialists said that Vietnam is an attractive destination for ASEAN’s investors since more international electronics companies, including Japan, Korea, and Singapore invested in Vietnam. I believe NEPCON Vietnam will give us a chance to meet target customers and suppliers to grow our business in the future. Scheduled for October 9 – 11, at SECC, Ho Chi Minh City, “NEPCON Vietnam”, Vietnam’s only Exhibition on SMT & Testing Technologies, Equipment, and Supporting Industries for Electronics Manufacturing, will bring together 200 brands of technology providers from 20 countries and 10,000 factory owners, production managers, engineers, etc. Co-located with “METALEX Vietnam,” Vietnam’s International Exhibition on Machine Tools and Metalworking Technologies for Production Upgrade, the event will be a one-stop sourcing hub that will offer maximum opportunities. See more details of NEPCON Vietnam at www.nepconvietnam.com See more details of METALEX Vietnam at www.metalexvietnam.com  

By Fastener + Fixing Magazine 2014| 2014-06-19 13:55:05

    ITAC increased ad valorem import duties from 10% to 20% to enable the industry to recover manufacturing overheads and boost production capacity – said to have fallen 18% from 2010 to 2012. Employment has dropped 22% since 2008 when a marked increase in imports of bolts, nuts and set screws became evident.     Statistics from CBC Fasteners, which brought the application for duty protection, show a rise in imported bolts from 1,808 tonnes a year in 2008 to 3,896 in 2012, and an increase in set screws from 1,958 tonnes in 2008 to 5,965 tonnes. The South African Fastener Manufacturers’ Association (SAFMA), representing 80% of the production volumes in the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), supported the application.     ITAC chief commissioner Siyabulela Tsengiwe ruled that the domestic industry suffered a price disadvantage against products imported from Asian countries. “The tariff support for the industry at the level of 20% ad valorem would improve its price competitive position in the face of stiff import competition,” he said. ITAC decided not to increase the duties to the maximum rate of 30% under World Trade Organisation rules as the industry had asked. The Commission will review the duty structure in three years’ time to assess industry production, employment and investment performance.     In 2012 ITAC responded to an application from SAFMA and investigated imports of fully threaded screws with hexagonal heads, excluding stainless steel screws, from China. This resulted in the introduction of an anti-dumping duty of 104.5%.

By CFM| 2014-06-19 00:00:00

The 5th Fastener Expo Shanghai opened on 19th June at Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, Hall 1 & Hall 2 and will last for three days. Being as the biggest fastener show in Asia, Fastener expo 2014 attracts 655 exhibitors with 1800 booths, covering 42,000 sqm exhibition area, 24% up than 2013. Being as the supported media partner, ChinaFastener Magazine (1F50) witnessed the splendid opening at scene The layout of the exhibition hall is perfectly arranged. Most exhibitors of fastener machinery, wire, mold and consumables gathered in Hall 1. Lots of big names in the industry came from afar, such as National Machinery, Brankamp, Videx, Nedschroef, Sakamura,Hyodong. Also, plenty of powerful Chinese exhibitors chose to build special booth at scene which will surely help to show their products, like Kunshan Dowa, Carlo Salvi, SACMA,Sijin Machinery, Tenglong Group, Chunzu . All kinds of fasteners and stamping parts are displayed at Hall 2. Compared to 2013, the exhibitors of aerospace fasteners increased this year. The layout of exhibitors are decided partly according to product category , like aerospace fasteners, auto fasteners, architectural fasteners. It is very convenient for visitors to find their most wanted suppliers. It is really a feast for eyes to see all the well-equipped cooperation. Many well known fastener showed up, such as Atotech, SRC, Shanghai Fast-Fix, Jiangsu Washen,ABC, Tandl Industry, Zhejiang Goodnail, Yuyao Mingfeng, Jiaxing Chinafar etc. Atomech Atotecha SRC Fast-Fix ABC ABC Good Nail Dongtai QB Yuyao Mingfeng Tandl ChinaFar As the fastener culture show was highly appreciated on Fastener Expo Shanghai 2013, this year the organizer invested heavily in Fastener&Human History Culture Exhibition of Europe, which will be displayed during the same period. It had a clear introduction of the fastener history in Europe from a perspective of the humanities. The output of fasteners in China reached 68 million ton in 2013, with an increase of 3.03% than the last year. And the total value of fasteners climbed up to 67.5 billion RMB, 3.85% up than 2012.Among which , the export volume of steel fasteners increased 8.55% to 255,8000 ton. And the import value of fasteners is 2.99 billion dollars. According to the official statistics from Shanghai’s custom, the import value of fasteners in Shanghai jumped 5.7% to 7,470 million dollars and the volume was 74700 ton. The export value declined 0.9% to 2.27 billion dollars in spite that the export volume increased 9% to 1.29 million ton. All that indicates the slow economy recovery. Fastener Expo Shanghai offered a great opportunity for fastener companies. It is believed to be a big boost in the industry.

By IAC Group| 2014-06-16 13:36:26

 Leading global vehicle interiors supplier International Automotive Components (IAC) today celebrated the grand opening of its Asia headquarters in Shanghai on June 6, 2014 . In addition to housing a technical center, the new 30,000-square-foot headquarters will host many of IAC's Asian operations including the region's Commercial and Administrative activities along with global and domestic design/engineering, procurement, and manufacturing leadership. "Since our founding in 2006, IAC has enthusiastically supported our customers' needs both domestically and around the world," said IAC President and Chief Executive Officer James Kamsickas. "IAC's new Shanghai headquarters allows us to continue delivering unwavering support while underscoring the significance of IAC's global infrastructure, a differentiator that allows us to fully engage and support our customers' growing regional and global vehicle platforms." When IAC was established in 2006, the company had two plants and a technical center supporting the Asia market. Today, IAC has 20 plants and six technical centers established throughout Asia, with the grand opening of the Shanghai headquarters marking IAC's 12th facility in China. The building currently employs approximately 115 skilled professionals in engineering, administrative and sales roles with projections to eventually employ 150 in support of incremental business growth.

By CFM| 2014-06-13 10:07:55

In Mar, Japan’s fastener export value declined 5.9 to 258 million ton. Among all the items, wood screw experienced the biggest drop, which declined 40.1% to 9,354 yens. The export volume of screw hook ring showed a strong upward tendency with 333.3% increase. The export volume of Carbon steel bolt accounted for more than half of the total volume. It increased 7% compare to Feb but still dropped 5.7% than the same period last year. All in all, the export volume and value of fastener in Japan are still in slow recovery. The export value increased 5.6% compared to Feb.