According to a report by Efe on June 12, the 12th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) opened on the 12th. The meeting hoped to reach an agreement on fisheries, new crown vaccine intellectual property rights and food security, but also worried about geopolitical tensions The situation could divide the world into two trading blocs.

WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala warned at the opening ceremony that the war in Ukraine, economic tensions between the great powers and the failure of WTO members to reach a major agreement for several years have made the new "trade The terrifying specter of the "Cold War" wafts again.

She warned: "Splintering into trade blocs could mean a 5% drop in global GDP."

The WTO ministerial meeting is usually held every two years, but it has not been held for nearly five years due to the impact of the epidemic. Over the next three days, the session will seek to reach agreement on issues such as temporarily suspending patents on new crown vaccines to boost vaccine production in developing countries.

India and South Africa proposed the proposal as early as 2020, and most developing countries have joined it, although a group of developed countries with a strong pharmaceutical industry remains reluctant.

Food security will be another negotiating focus. The war in Ukraine has exacerbated inflation caused by rising food and fertilizer prices, and the session is expected to negotiate measures to ease the blockade on food exports and facilitate access to these essential commodities.

Negotiations in this area are tricky because despite Russia's isolation from the international community, the WTO mechanism states that any measure must be adopted by consensus, which means that every member (Russia is also a WTO member) has a veto, so the Any deal must be counted on Russia.

UNCTAD estimates: Japan will benefit the most after RCEP takes effect

According to a report by the Nihon Keizai Shimbun on December 16, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development released its calculation results on the 15th. Regarding the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) that entered into force in January 2022, among the 15 countries participating in the agreement , Japan will benefit the most from tariff cuts. It is expected that Japan's exports to countries in the region will increase by 5.5% over 2019.

The calculation results show that, stimulated by favorable factors such as tariff cuts, intra-regional trade is expected to increase by US$42 billion. Approximately US$25 billion of this is the result of the shift from outside the region to within the region. At the same time, the signing of RCEP also gave birth to US$17 billion in new trade.

The report pointed out that 48% of the increased intra-regional trade volume of US$42 billion, or about US$20 billion, will benefit Japan. The removal of tariffs on auto parts, steel products, chemical products and other commodities has prompted countries in the region to import more Japanese products.

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development believes that even in the context of the raging new crown epidemic, RCEP intra-regional trade is relatively less affected, emphasizing the positive significance of reaching a multilateral trade agreement.

According to the report, RCEP is a multilateral agreement reached by Japan, China, South Korea, ASEAN and other countries, and about 90% of the products will receive zero-tariff treatment. The total GDP of 15 countries in the region accounts for about 30% of the world's total.

The recovery of the global manufacturing industry is "stuck" by multiple factors(1)

Under the continuous impact of the Delta mutant strain epidemic, the recovery of the global manufacturing industry is slowing down, and some areas have even stalled. The epidemic has always disturbed the economy. "The epidemic can't be controlled and the economy can't rise" is by no means alarmist. The intensification of the epidemic in important raw material supplies and manufacturing processing bases in Southeast Asia, the prominent side effects of stimulus policies in various countries and the continuous skyrocketing of global shipping prices have become the "stuck neck" factor of the current global manufacturing recovery, and the threat to the global manufacturing recovery has increased sharply.

On September 6, the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing reported that the global manufacturing PMI in August was 55.7%, a decrease of 0.6 percentage points from the previous month, and the month-on-month decline for three consecutive months. It has fallen to 56 for the first time since March 2021. %the following. From the perspective of different regions, the manufacturing PMI of Asia and Europe has declined to varying degrees from the previous month. The manufacturing PMI of the Americas was the same as last month, but the overall level was lower than the average of the second quarter. Previously, data released by the market research agency IHS Markit also showed that the manufacturing PMI of many Southeast Asian countries continued to be in a contraction range in August, and the local economy was severely affected by the epidemic, which may have a greater impact on the global supply chain.

Enhance Your Furniture's Functionality: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Drawer with Slides

Building a drawer with slides is a rewarding and enjoyable project that can significantly improve the functionality of your furniture or storage unit. By incorporating drawer slides, you can effortlessly access and store items while ensuring seamless opening and closing of the drawer. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through each step of creating a drawer with slides, providing detailed instructions to help you successfully complete this project.

Step 1: Precise Measurements

Begin by accurately measuring the designated space where your drawer will be placed. Measure the height, depth, and width of the opening, as well as the distance between the sides. These measurements are crucial in determining the appropriate size for your drawer. Take your time with this step, as precise measurements will ensure that your drawer fits perfectly and operates smoothly.

Step 2: Wood Cutting

Once you have determined the dimensions for your drawer, it's time to cut the wood. Utilize 1/2-inch-thick wooden boards for the front, back, and sides of the drawer, while a 1/4-inch-thick plywood board is ideal for the bottom. Use a saw to cut the boards according to the specific dimensions required. Take care to make clean and accurate cuts, as this will contribute to the overall quality and appearance of your drawer.

Step 3: Smoothing the Wood

After cutting the wood, it is essential to smooth down any rough edges and surfaces. Employ a sanding block and fine-grit sandpaper for this process. Start with a rougher grit to remove any roughness or imperfections, and then progress to a finer grit to achieve a smooth finish. Ensure that you eliminate any splinters, rough spots, or extra wood that might interfere with the smoothness of your drawer. Taking the time to achieve a smooth surface will enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of your finished drawer.

Step 4: Frame Assembly

Assemble the front, back, and sides of the drawer to construct a sturdy frame. Use wood glue and clamps to glue the wooden pieces together. Apply the wood glue liberally along the edges of the boards and then join them firmly. Employ a square to check for proper alignment at the corners and adjust as necessary. Once the glue has dried, you will have a strong and stable frame for your drawer.

Step 5: Installing the Drawer Slide

Once the frame is glued and dried, proceed to install the drawer slides. Drawer slides typically consist of two components – one to be attached to the frame and the other to the cabinet. To attach the slides to the frame, center them on both sides of the drawer and securely screw them in place. Use the provided screws and ensure that they are tightened firmly but not overtightened, as this can affect the smooth operation of the slides. Take your time with this step to ensure the slides are accurately positioned and securely attached.

Step 6: Attaching the Drawer Bottom

Attach the plywood board to the frame, creating the bottom of your drawer. Apply wood glue along the edges of the frame where the bottom will be attached. Place the plywood board on top of the frame, aligning the edges, and press down firmly to ensure a secure bond. To reinforce the attachment, utilize brad nails to further secure the bottom in place. Before nailing the bottom, check the fit of the drawer in the opening to ensure it slides easily and smoothly.

Step 7: Drawer Installation

The next step is to attach the second part of the drawer slide to the cabinet. Utilize a level to ensure the slide is aligned and level with the other slide. Carefully insert the constructed drawer into the designated opening and slide it into place. Take care not to force the installation; the drawer should slide in smoothly and effortlessly. Once the drawer is in place, test its movement by opening and closing it multiple times to ensure smooth sliding.

Step 8: Test and Adjust

Evaluate the functionality of the drawer by repeatedly opening and closing it. Test its smoothness and stability to ensure that the drawer slides seamlessly and securely. If necessary, make adjustments by slightly loosening the screws on the drawer slides and making necessary movements. Take your time with this step, as making small adjustments can make a significant difference in the overall functionality and longevity of your drawer.

In conclusion, constructing a drawer with slides is an accessible and satisfying project that significantly enhances the functionality of your furniture. By following these steps, you can create a robust and dependable drawer that provides smooth gliding for years to come. Whether you possess advanced woodworking skills or are just beginning, building a drawer offers an excellent opportunity to refine your abilities while creating an attractive and practical addition to your furniture collection. Enjoy the process and take pride in the finished product that will enhance the functionality and beauty of your furniture.

Cabinet gas springs are highly popular for cabinet doors due to their ability to securely hold the door in place and facilitate a smooth opening and closing operation. However, like any mechanical component, these springs may require occasional adjustments. Luckily, adjusting cabinet gas springs is a fairly straightforward process that can be accomplished with just a few tools and a basic understanding of how they function.

Step 1: Identify the Type of Gas Spring

Before proceeding with any adjustments, it is crucial to determine the type of gas spring installed on your cabinet door. There are primarily two types of gas springs: compression and tension gas springs. Compression gas springs retract into the cylinder when compressed, while tension gas springs extend outward when tension is applied. You can visually inspect the spring to identify its type.

Step 2: Test the Gas Springs

Once you have identified the type of gas spring, it is essential to test its functionality by opening and closing the cabinet door several times. Pay close attention to any stiffness or resistance in the door's movement. A properly functioning gas spring should allow for smooth operation without any hindrances.

Step 3: Calculate the Required Force

Next, you will need to determine the force required to open and close the cabinet door. This force is typically measured in Newtons (N). To accurately calculate this force, you can use a force gauge such as a digital force meter or even a bathroom scale. Place the gauge at the bottom of the cabinet door and gently push it open. The displayed weight will indicate the force needed to open the door. Repeat this process to determine the force required for closing.

Step 4: Adjust the Gas Springs

To adjust the gas springs, you will need a small Phillips head or flathead screwdriver, depending on the adjustment mechanism of your gas spring. Most gas springs have an adjustment screw that can be turned using a screwdriver. If you wish to increase the force required to open the cabinet door, turn the adjustment screw clockwise. Conversely, to reduce the force needed, turn the adjustment screw counterclockwise.

Step 5: Test the Gas Springs Once More

After making the necessary adjustments, it is crucial to test the gas springs once again to ensure they are functioning correctly. Open and close the cabinet door multiple times, paying attention to the smoothness of the operation and the secure hold when the door is open or closed.

Adjusting cabinet gas springs is a straightforward task that only requires a few tools and a basic understanding of their operation. By following these steps, you can easily adjust your cabinet gas springs and maintain their functionality for years to come. Properly adjusted gas springs will provide smoother operation and enhance the security of your cabinet doors. Taking the time to regularly maintain and adjust your gas springs will lead to an overall better performance and longevity of your cabinet doors.