China, EU talks keep trade ties stable. * by admin * October 11, 2026 The 16-point consensus reached by China and the European Union during high-level talks in Beijing last week underscored the willingness of both sides to manage differences through dialogue, thereby helping to prevent trade frictions from escalating, observers and business leaders said. Covering trade and investment, export controls, intellectual property rights and World Trade Organization reforms, the outcomes highlighted the two sides' ability to address disputes through negotiation and to maintain stability in their economic and trade relations, they added. At the second meeting of the China-EU trade and investment consultation mechanism, which was held in the Chinese capital on Thursday and Friday, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining stable and balanced economic and trade ties and pledged to address differences and each other's concerns in a balanced manner within the framework of WTO rules, according to the Ministry of Commerce. Progress on electric and hybrid vehicle trade helped to safeguard the export interests of Chinese companies. The two sides also agreed to explore tariff reductions on certain goods and hold technical discussions on the EU's Foreign Subsidies Regulation, the ministry said in a joint statement issued after the meeting. Jens Eskelund, president of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, said the chamber welcomes the broad scope of the joint statement and the potential benefits for European businesses operating in China. "A potential tariff reduction on several European products could create more market opportunities for European producers in the agriculture, food and beverage, fashion and automotive sectors," Eskelund said. "European businesses in China are encouraged that the two sides have set clear deadlines to track progress on their commitments," he said, adding that this indicates an understanding of the need to turn commitments into tangible action. Ding Chun, director of Fudan University's Center for European Studies in Shanghai, said the close integration of Chinese and European industrial and supply chains provides a solid foundation for both sides to manage differences and expand economic cooperation. Ding said sustained dialogue on market access, export controls and trade regulations would help address long-standing concerns, reduce business uncertainty and create conditions for more balanced bilateral trade. Despite differences between the two sides, China-EU trade rose 8.1 percent year-on-year to 4.2 trillion yuan ($627.05 billion) in the first eight months of 2026, while China's imports from the EU grew 2.2 percent on a yearly basis, data from the General Administration of Customs showed. For European companies, the latest consultation outcomes could enhance policy certainty, supporting deeper investment, research and technological collaboration in China. Yin Zheng, executive vice-president of China and East Asia operations at Schneider Electric, said the French company will continue to increase local investment, strengthen research and development capabilities and deepen collaboration with Chinese industrial partners to support the upgrading of China's manufacturing sector. China's vast market, comprehensive industrial supply chains and dynamic innovation ecosystem provide favorable conditions for technological development and the large-scale application of artificial intelligence, creating further opportunities for Schneider Electric to expand its operations in the country, Yin said. Seeking to tap into advances in China's rapidly developing humanoid robotics industry, German industrial company Freudenberg Group, which operates 30 plants in China, has made the country a base for its humanoid robotics research and development and opened a co-creation center in Shanghai last month. Claus Moehlenkamp, Freudenberg's CEO, said the company aims to build a broader innovation ecosystem in China, combining its expertise in materials science with local technological advances to develop solutions for industrial applications and international markets. Tanks to chinadaily.com.cn Please visit: Its Sponsor

Specialty lubricants: the unsung heroes of cold storage. September 23, 2026 Reliable Cooling, Measurable Energy Efficiency Refrigeration compressors are among the largest energy consumers in industrial cooling systems and play a critical role in maintaining uninterrupted production. Under the motto "Cool solutions. Hot Savings." Klüber Lubrication will show at Chillventa 2026 in Nuremberg how specialty lubricant solutions can help refrigeration operators improve equipment reliability, maximize uptime, reduce maintenance costs, and increase energy efficiency. "In industrial refrigeration, reliability and energy efficiency need to be considered together," explains Mevlüt Karakışla, Global Sales Development Manager at Klüber Lubrication. "While lubricants represent only a small share of operating costs, they can have a significant impact on production reliability by reducing wear, minimizing planned and unplanned downtime, and lowering maintenance requirements. At the same time, they can help reduce energy consumption. With Klüber Energy Efficiency, we are able not only to claim energy savings, but to prove them." Klüber Energy Efficiency is based on a TÜV SÜD-certified process that complies with the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP). Combined with high-performance lubricant solutions, the approach can help refrigeration operators to achieve measurable energy savings supported by a standardized and transparent methodology. Klüber Lubrication will present its solutions for industrial refrigeration applications at Chillventa from October 13 to 15, 2026, at NürnbergMesse, Hall 4, Booth 4-522. About Klüber Lubrication Klüber Lubrication is one of the leading manufacturers of specialty lubricants, offering high-end tribological solutions to virtually all industries and markets worldwide. Most products are developed and made to specific customer requirements. During its over 90 years of existence, Klüber Lubrication has provided high-quality lubricants, thorough consultation, and extensive services, which has earned it an excellent reputation in the market. The company holds all common industrial certifications and operates a testing section hardly rivalled in the lubricants industry. Klüber Lubrication, set up as a retail company for mineral oil products in Munich in 1929, is today part of Freudenberg Chemical Specialities GmbH, a Business Unit of the Freudenberg Group, Weinheim. Klüber Lubrication has about 2,500 employees in more than 30 countries. For further information, please click here. About Freudenberg Chemical Specialities Freudenberg Chemical Specialities develops, manufactures, and markets chemical specialities. To be close to its customers, the company is represented globally in the market with its Business Units, Klüber Lubrication, Chem-Trend, SurTec, and Capol. Freudenberg Chemical Specialities is one of the leading manufacturers of specialty lubricants, release agents, chemical solutions for surface technologies, and chemotechnical maintenance products, as well as solutions for the treatment of confectionery and other foodstuffs. Headquartered in Munich, Germany, the Business Group operates its own companies in some 40 countries. Freudenberg Chemical Specialities employs about 4,000 people and generates sales of about € 1.5 billion. For further information, please click here. Press contact Klüber Lubrication München GmbH & Co. KG Andreas Hasslinger, Marketing Communications Geisenhausenerstr. 7 81379 München Phone: +49 (0) 89 / 78 76-467 E-Mail: [email protected] mediaconnect Michael Jurischka Stülerstr. 11 10787 Berlin Phone: +49 (0) 30 / 28 44 95 95 E-Mail: [email protected]

Vileda brings more Punch to everyday cleaning with new fruit-inspired sponge collection. Sep 02, 2026, 09:40 ET New Punch collection pairs serious scrubbing power with playful design, bold colours and fruit-inspired shapes to make tackling everyday messes a little more satisfying. TORONTO, Sept. 2, 2026 /CNW/ - Vileda is putting a fresh spin on an everyday cleaning essentials with Punch Sponges, a new collection of fruit-inspired scrub sponges designed to bring more personality, and more performance to the kitchen sink. Available in Lemon, Apple and Orange, Punch sponges combine Vileda's high-performance cleaning technology with playful shapes, vibrant colours and fruity scent. The collection is designed for people who want their everyday essentials to work hard without looking or feeling ordinary. But Punch isn't just about good looks. The sponges combine powerful, non-scratch cleaning performance with playful, fruit-inspired designs, while standing up to daily messes. Designed to rinse clean easily and stay fresher longer, they're also dishwasher safe for continued use. Whether cleaning delicate glassware, wiping down countertops or tackling baked-on messes, there's a Punch sponge designed for the job. "At Vileda, we believe cleaning products should do more than just get the job done. With Punch, we've reimagined the everyday sponge by combining powerful cleaning performance with playful designs, unique textures, and a fruity scent that brings a little more joy to daily routines. Each sponge is purpose-built for a different cleaning need, making it easier to choose the right tool for every mess." - Lynn Kubiak Omnichannel Brand Manager US/CAN Meet the Punch Lineup Flexible design. Lemon is made for everyday cleaning and hard-to-reach spaces, with a flexible design that makes it easy to clean inside glasses, bottles and other hard to reach areas. Your everyday go-to. Perfect for everyday cleaning. It stays firm in cold water for tougher scrubbing and softens in warm water for wiping surfaces and soaking up spills, making it versatile enough for kitchens, bathrooms and beyond. Bring on the tough stuff. Orange is designed for tougher cleaning tasks, delivering powerful scrubbing performance to tackle stubborn grease, grime, and stuck-on messes with ease Put Punch to the Test at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) Vileda will bring Punch Sponges to life at the CNE on September 2 and 3, where visitors can see the collection in action through live product demonstrations, take on the 30-Second Cleaning Challenge, and get hands-on with the new sponges. Availability Vileda Punch Sponges are available now at Home Hardware, Amazon and Walmart, with availability at Canadian Tire beginning the second week of September. MSRP: $5.99 CAD each; four-pack available only on Amazon for $19.99 CAD. About Vileda Vileda is a leading household cleaning brand from the Freudenberg Group, with a long-standing history of developing innovative cleaning solutions designed to make everyday household tasks easier and more effective. From floor care and laundry tools to sponges and cleaning accessories, Vileda combines practical functionality with thoughtful product design to help consumers get more out of their cleaning routines. SOURCE Vileda/Freudenberg Group Media Contact: Marie-Leigh Touré, [email protected]