In recent weeks we got nice and warm weather with lots of sunshine in our headquarter in Kempen. The new guys in our team integrated quickly and business is running good. But not only the team in our office is growing. We got some new pets in our garden that perfectly match with our veterinary division.
Best wishes and a much sunshine to all our business partners from TEAM PETREX!
On May 10th, the United States increased tariffs on USD 200 billion worth of Chinese goods from 10 to 25 percent. China, in return, announced to increase tariffs on USD 60 billion worth of US goods from June 1, and additionally threatened to take qualitative measures that would affect US businesses operating in China.
Since the trade war started in 2018, the exports of both countries dropped massively. Less availability and higher prices not only affect companies but also private households. And this damage is not limited to China and US. According to a study published by the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China on May 20, one-third of European companies are hit hard by the US-China trade war. Contrary to expectations that EU-companies would benefit from the dispute, they are now suffering, as the global economic slowdown leads to declining exports of companies in Europe.
Petrex has its teams in Germany and China. But actually it is one international team rotating between Kempen and Shanghai. The ever changing regulations in international trade as well as the industries we operate in, require us to always rethink our processes. By sending our German and Dutch employees to China and inviting our Chinese colleagues to Germany we intend to exchange our knowledge, ideas and thoughts. We believe that this continuous exchange gives us a better understanding of the needs of our clients and suppliers as well as the general regulations in our business.
Labour day is a well known holiday in the West to celebrate the working class. It is usually held on May 1st every year. In China, though, this holiday lasts for three whole days instead of just one day, which turns it into yet another long weekend break for the Chinese.
Based on the Western Labour Day holiday, which originated in Europe during 1891, Labour Day or “五一” (Wǔ Yī) was designated as a public holiday in China in 1949. From year 1999 to 2008 it was even a 7-day public holiday known as the third Golden Week in China. However, it was reduced to 3 days in 2008 to make way for other traditional festivals like Qingming or Dragon Boat Festival.
Although Labour Day is no longer classified as a Golden Week in China, it remains a peak travel period for Chinese. According to China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism around 150 million Chinese are traveling during those days.
No more snow.
Brighter colors.
Days are getting longer.
SPRING IS COMING!
Best wishes from team Petrex!
The Chinese economy has been slowing in recent years. As part of a 2 trillion RMB package the Chinese government seeks to reduce costs, especially for businesses affected by the tariff dispute with the US.
According to the announcement made by the government on March 5, China’s VAT rates change as follows:
– The 16 percent VAT rate, which applies to the manufacturing sector, will be lowered to 13 percent;
– The 10 percent rate, which applies to construction and transport, will be lowered to nine percent; and
– The six percent rate, which applies to services, will remain the same, but more deductions for the bracket will be introduced.
The new VAT rates came into force on April 1, 2019
Petrex recently expanded its business of supplying photo initiators to various customers in Europe. Photo initiators are used in industries like coating and ink. It is supplied as a thin layer on the supporting material and then cured by brief exposure to UV light to harden the ink or coating.
The two-yearly European Coating Show is a must event for the coating industry. In 2017 more than 1.000 exhibitors from 49 countries and over 30.000 visitors from 120 countries participated. The exhibition covers the fields of paints, coatings and sealants. On three days, exhibitors and visitors will be able to discuss the latest developments within the industry.
Team Petrex is looking forward to strengthen its partnership with suppliers and customers as well as creating new business opportunities through this event.
Petrex manages supply chains of chemical and pharmaceutical products for business partners all around the world. Many of our products are sourced from Asia and provided to customers in Europe and America. Therefore, a close focus on international regulations and current political discussions is essential to estimate risks in our trading business.
Since we also supply to the UK, business partners often ask us about consequences of Brexit. Many companies in the UK as well as foreign investors are spending less and scaling back plans because of Brexit fears. Petrex maintains long term relationships with customers in the UK and already created concepts for different Brexit scenarios. Many of our British customers are operating in niche markets. That is why we are confident that their business situation will stay as strong as it is today.
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most important festival in China. Unlike the universal New Year observed on January 1st, Chinese New Year is dependent to the Lunar calendar and thus never on a fixed date. It falls on February 5th in 2019 and is the year of the pig according to the Chinese zodiac, which features a 12-year cycle with each year represented by a specific animal.
Like Christmas in Western countries, Chinese New Year is a time to be home with family. There are some rituals, such as cleaning the house before New Year, having a family reunion dinner on New Year´s Eve, Giving Red Envelopes (with money) to kids and watching the CCTV New Year´s Gala.
We wish our Chinese colleagues a great time with their families and good luck for the New Year!
After a very successful year 2018 we are convinced to provide the same level of service to our customers in 2019.
Our philosophy of doing business is driven by respecting our employees, our customers, our suppliers and logistics partners. Our work is based on trust. Trusting our clients and suppliers is the basis to build up long term relationships where continuous improvement is the key to selling the highest quality chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
The support we give and receive is what brings the joy and motivation in our daily work with our business partners.
Thank you all and let´s move on together!
