#Importing Items from China

[exportimportdata-blog]

A Comprehensive Guide to Importing Items from China

Importing items from China has become a critical aspect of global trade, offering businesses worldwide the opportunity to access a diverse range of products at competitive prices. China, being one of the largest manufacturers globally, provides a vast array of goods, from electronics and textiles to machinery and toys. This article delves into the intricacies of importing goods from China, with a particular focus on the process of importing to India, and offers insights into the dynamics of China’s import and export landscape.

The Appeal of Importing Goods from China

China’s prominence in global trade is underpinned by several factors:

Cost-Effective Manufacturing: China’s manufacturing sector is known for its efficiency and lower production costs, which translates to more affordable prices for importers.

Diverse Product Range: The variety of products available from China is extensive, encompassing electronics, clothing, machinery, toys, and more.

Advanced Infrastructure: China’s ports, logistics systems, and manufacturing infrastructure are highly developed, facilitating smooth export processes.

Key Steps in Importing Items from China

Identifying Reliable Suppliers Finding a trustworthy supplier is crucial. Platforms like Alibaba, Global Sources, and Made-in-China offer comprehensive directories of Chinese manufacturers and suppliers. Conducting due diligence, such as verifying company credentials and requesting product samples, is essential to avoid scams and ensure product quality.

Understanding Import Regulations Every country has specific import regulations that need to be adhered to. For instance, importing stuff from China to India involves understanding the Indian Customs regulations, import duties, and Goods and Services Tax (GST). Compliance with these regulations is necessary to avoid legal issues and additional costs.

Negotiating Terms and Placing Orders Effective communication with suppliers is key to negotiating favorable terms. Discuss aspects like pricing, payment terms, delivery schedules, and quality standards. Once terms are agreed upon, placing a clear and detailed order helps prevent misunderstandings.

Quality Control and Inspection Before shipment, it’s advisable to conduct quality inspections. Third-party inspection services can verify the quality of goods and ensure they meet the agreed-upon standards. This step is crucial to avoid receiving substandard products.

Shipping and Logistics Choosing the right shipping method depends on factors like budget, time constraints, and the nature of the goods. Options include air freight, sea freight, and courier services. Understanding Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) is important as they define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers in the shipping process.

Customs Clearance Once the goods arrive at the destination port, they must clear customs. This involves submitting necessary documentation such as the Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and any certificates required by the destination country. Working with a customs broker can simplify this process.

Final Delivery After clearing customs, arranging the final delivery to your warehouse or business location is the last step. Efficient logistics planning ensures timely and safe delivery of goods.

Importing Goods from China to India

India is one of the major importers of Chinese goods, with a diverse range of products imported annually. The process of importing items from China to India involves several specific steps and considerations:

Required Documentation

When importing to India, the following documents are typically required:

Import Export Code (IEC): This is a mandatory license issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) for importing goods.

Bill of Entry: A legal document filed by the importer or customs agent indicating the nature, quantity, and value of the imported goods.

Commercial Invoice: A detailed invoice from the supplier.

Packing List: A document listing the contents of each package.

Bill of Lading or Airway Bill: A document issued by the carrier.

Insurance Certificate: Proof of insurance coverage for the shipment.

Customs Duties and Taxes Import duties in India vary depending on the type of goods. The GST, which includes Integrated GST (IGST), is also applicable. Understanding the tariff structure and accurately calculating duties and taxes is essential for cost management.

Compliance and Standards Certain products may need to meet Indian standards and regulations, such as those set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Ensuring compliance helps avoid delays and potential rejections at customs.

Popular Imported Items Popular import items from China to India include electronics, machinery, textiles, and toys. The demand for toys imported from China has been particularly high due to their affordability and variety.

China’s Export Landscape

China's export sector is vast and diverse, making it a significant player in global trade. Key aspects of China’s export products and their global distribution include:

Major Export Products

China exports a wide range of products, including:

Electronics: Smartphones, computers, and consumer electronics.

Machinery: Industrial machinery and equipment.

Textiles and Apparel: Clothing and fabric.

Toys: A broad assortment of toys and games.

Household Goods: Furniture, kitchenware, and home decor.

Export Destinations

China exports products to nearly every country. Major markets include the United States, European Union, Japan, and India. Each market has specific demands and standards that Chinese exporters must meet.

Trade Data and Trends

Analyzing China’s imports and exports data provides valuable insights into global trade trends. China’s trade surplus, growth rates, and the impact of tariffs and trade policies are critical factors influencing global market dynamics.

Challenges and Considerations in Importing from China

While importing items from China offers numerous benefits, there are also challenges and considerations to keep in mind:

Quality Control Ensuring the quality of imported goods can be challenging. Conducting thorough inspections and working with reliable suppliers helps mitigate risks.

Intellectual Property (IP) Issues Protecting intellectual property rights is crucial, especially when importing branded or patented products. Verifying the authenticity of goods and ensuring compliance with IP laws is essential.

Cultural and Communication Barriers Effective communication with Chinese suppliers can be hindered by language and cultural differences. Employing bilingual staff or using professional translation services can facilitate smoother interactions.

Shipping and Lead Times Shipping times from China can vary widely based on the chosen method and route. Planning for potential delays and understanding lead times is crucial for inventory management.

Regulatory Changes Trade policies and regulations can change, affecting import processes and costs. Staying informed about regulatory updates and trade agreements is important for strategic planning.

The Future of Importing from China

The future of importing goods from China looks promising, with several trends shaping the landscape:

E-commerce Growth The rise of e-commerce platforms has simplified the process of sourcing and importing products from China. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can now access global markets more easily.

Technological Advancements Advancements in technology, such as blockchain for supply chain transparency and AI for demand forecasting, are enhancing the efficiency of import-export processes.

Sustainability Focus Sustainable and eco-friendly products are becoming increasingly important in global trade. Importers and exporters are focusing on reducing environmental impact and adopting green practices.

Trade Agreements Bilateral and multilateral trade agreements can facilitate smoother trade between China and other countries. Keeping an eye on trade negotiations and agreements is crucial for businesses involved in import-export activities.

Conclusion Importing items from China presents a lucrative opportunity for businesses globally. By understanding the processes, regulations, and challenges involved, importers can navigate the complexities of international trade effectively. Whether it’s import goods from China to India or other countries, staying informed and prepared is key to leveraging the benefits of China’s robust manufacturing and export capabilities. As the global trade landscape evolves, importers must adapt and innovate to sustain growth and competitiveness in the market.

[castleintheskye]

Hm. Got our first tariff fee and it's a flat fee on our medical gases and tank rentals.

[corpiote]

i want sylus bday merch

[eximityin]

Maximizing Profits: Top Items to Import from China to India for Business Growth

India's growing demand for a variety of products makes it an attractive market for businesses looking to import goods from China. China's robust manufacturing capabilities provide an extensive selection of cost-effective and high-quality products. Importing the right items from China to India can significantly boost your profits. Below, we highlight the items to import from China to India that offer lucrative opportunities for Indian importers.

Top Items to Import from China for Business Growth

Electronics and Gadgets

Smartphones, tablets, and accessories

LED lighting and smart home solutions

Power banks, chargers, and cables

Consumer Goods

Home appliances like fans, refrigerators, and kettles

Fashion accessories, including watches, sunglasses, and jewelry

Toys and games, especially educational and electronic ones

Machinery and Equipment

Industrial machinery for sectors like textiles, automotive, and construction

Agricultural machinery and tools

Packaging machinery and automation equipment

Textiles and Garments

Clothing, both ready-made and fabric imports

Home textiles, such as bed linens and curtains

Footwear and fashion bags

Beauty and Personal Care Products

Makeup tools, beauty gadgets, and skincare devices

Hair accessories and grooming tools

Personal care appliances like shavers and massagers

Why Import from China?

Cost Efficiency: China products in India are known for their affordability, which enhances profit margins.

Wide Range: There is a diverse range of items to import from China that cater to different consumer demands.

Market Demand: Categories like electronics and apparel have a consistently high demand in India.

Maximizing Profits

Research and Understand Demand: The best thing to buy in China varies based on market trends.

Utilize Platforms like Eximity: Harness Eximity and similar tools to simplify and optimize the import-export process.

Partner with Trusted Suppliers: Build long-term relationships with reliable manufacturers.

By focusing on the right items to import from China and staying aligned with market trends, Indian businesses can gain a competitive edge and maximize profits.

[seairexim]

Import from China to India: Trends, Costs, Key Players Insights

India and China, two of Asia’s largest economies, share a dynamic trade relationship shaped by evolving policies, market demands, and global economic trends. Imports from China to India play a pivotal role in fueling key industries, ranging from electronics and machinery to textiles and pharmaceuticals. As the landscape of global trade continues to shift, understanding the nuances of import charges, processes, and major players is critical for businesses looking to optimize their trade strategies in 2024-2025.

In this article, we explore the trends in import from China to India, provide insights into import charges, and highlight the role of Chinese importers in India's market.

The Landscape of Imports from China to India

China remains India's largest trading partner, with imports accounting for over $90 billion annually. In 2024-2025, the demand for Chinese goods is expected to grow, driven by India's need for affordable machinery, electronics, and raw materials.

Top Categories of Imports from China

Electronics: Smartphones, laptops, and components continue to dominate this category.

Machinery: Industrial equipment and tools are key imports, essential for India's manufacturing sector.

Pharmaceutical Intermediates: India heavily relies on Chinese Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) for its healthcare industry.

Consumer Goods: Toys, textiles, and household products are other significant imports.

Emerging Trends

Shift Towards Green Technologies: India is increasingly importing solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries from China to support its renewable energy goals.

Focus on Raw Materials: With domestic production on the rise, there’s a surge in the import of raw materials like metals and chemicals.

E-Commerce Influence: The rise of online retail platforms has boosted the import of consumer electronics and small gadgets.

Import Charges from China to India

Import charges from China to India encompass various components, making it crucial for businesses to calculate total landed costs.

Key Components of Import Costs

Basic Customs Duty (BCD): The standard duty rate depends on the product category, ranging from 0% to 28%.

Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST): Levied on imported goods, the IGST varies based on the product's HSN code.

Social Welfare Surcharge: A 10% surcharge on the total customs duty.

Freight and Insurance: Costs for shipping the goods from China to Indian ports.

Handling Charges: Terminal and container handling charges add to the overall cost.

Cost-Saving Strategies

Bulk Shipments: Importing in larger quantities reduces per-unit freight costs.

Negotiation with Suppliers: Establishing long-term relationships with Chinese exporters can lead to favorable pricing.

Optimizing Logistics: Choosing efficient shipping routes and trusted freight forwarders can minimize delays and expenses.

The Role of Chinese Importers in India

Chinese importers and exporters play a significant role in facilitating trade between the two nations. Their networks, expertise, and presence in India streamline the import process for businesses.

Key Contributions of Chinese Importers

Local Representation: Many Chinese companies have set up offices in India to provide after-sales support and faster delivery.

Distribution Channels: Established networks ensure products reach Indian consumers efficiently.

Technical Assistance: For machinery and electronics, Chinese importers offer installation and maintenance services.

Leading Chinese Importers in India

Here are the leading Chinese importers in India:

Xiaomi: Dominating the smartphone market with affordable and high-quality devices.

Huawei: A major player in telecommunications and networking equipment.

BYD: Expanding its footprint in India's electric vehicle market.

Challenges Faced by Chinese Importers

Despite their influence, Chinese importers face hurdles such as regulatory restrictions, geopolitical tensions, and competition from domestic manufacturers. However, in 2024-2025, efforts are underway to address these challenges and foster smoother trade relations.

Future Outlook: Imports from China to India in 2024-2025

The future of imports from China to India is shaped by both opportunities and challenges.

Opportunities

Technological Advancements: Importing advanced machinery and renewable energy technologies can aid India’s development goals.

Cost-Effectiveness: Chinese products remain competitive in pricing, offering value to Indian consumers and businesses.

Increased Collaboration: Bilateral talks and trade agreements may ease regulatory barriers.

Challenges

Geopolitical Tensions: Political factors may influence trade policies, creating uncertainties for businesses.

Domestic Competition: The Indian government’s push for self-reliance through the ‘Make in India’ initiative could reduce dependence on Chinese imports.

Stringent Regulations: Importers must stay updated on changing compliance requirements to avoid disruptions.

Conclusion

Importing from China to India continues to be a cornerstone of India's trade ecosystem, offering businesses access to affordable and diverse products. Understanding the complexities of import charges, leveraging the expertise of Chinese importers, and staying attuned to emerging trends can help businesses thrive in the evolving market landscape of 2024-2025.

As both nations navigate their trade relationship amidst changing global dynamics, businesses must adopt strategic approaches to maximize benefits while mitigating risks. With the right planning and execution, imports from China can remain a vital contributor to India's growth story.

[chinesehanfu]

[Hanfu · 漢服]The past and present of "eating mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival"

As the Mid-Autumn Festival/Zhong Qiu Jie 中秋节 is coming, let us learn how “mooncakes/月饼” became an iconic traditional food of the Mid-Autumn Festival

🌕🥮Mooncake/月饼🥮🏮

A mooncake (simplified Chinese: 月饼; traditional Chinese: 月餅) is a Chinese bakery product traditionally eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋節).The festival is primarily about the harvest while a legend connects it to moon watching, and mooncakes are regarded as a delicacy. Mooncakes are offered between friends or on family gatherings while celebrating the festival. The Mid-Autumn Festival is widely regarded as one of the four most important Chinese festivals.

Mooncakes were originally used as offerings to worship the moon god.

Worshiping the moon is a very old custom in China. It is actually a worship activity for the "moon god" by the ancients. Eating mooncakes and appreciating the moon during the Mid-Autumn Festival are indispensable customs for celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival in all parts of China. Mooncakes symbolize reunion. People regard them as festive food, use them to worship the moon, and give them to relatives and friends.

Cultural relics believed to be the predecessor of mooncakes were unearthed:

<China Tang Dynasty Baoxiang flower-patterned mooncakes/宝相花月饼>⬇️

Mooncakes, traditionally offered as a tribute to the Moon Goddess, have a long and rich history. The term "mooncake" was first recorded in the Southern Song Dynasty in Wu Zimu’s <梦梁录/Meng Liang Lu>.

Over time, mooncakes merged with various regional culinary traditions, giving rise to different styles such as Cantonese, Shanxi, Beijing, Suzhou, Chaozhou, and Yunnan mooncakes, all of which are beloved by people across China：

Mooncakes truly became associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival during the Ming Dynasty. In the writings of Liu Ruoyu 刘若愚, a eunuch during the reigns of the Wanli and Chongzhen emperors, he mentioned in his prison work Zhuozhong Zhi 《酌中志》(Vol. 20, "Brief Record of Culinary Preferences"): “八月宫中赏秋海棠、玉簪花。自初一日起，即有卖月饼者。加以西瓜、藕，互相馈送。西苑鹿藕。至十五日，家家供月饼瓜果，候月上焚香后，即大肆饮啖，多竟夜始散席者。如有剩月饼，仍整收于干燥风凉之处，至岁暮合家分用之，曰‘团圆饼’也”

Translation：

"In August, the palace having event appreciates autumn crabapple blossoms. From the first day of the month, mooncakes are sold,it accompanied by watermelons and lotus roots, and are exchanged as gifts.By the fifteenth day, every household offers mooncakes and fruits in worship, waiting for the moon to rise before burning incense and feasting lavishly, with some gatherings lasting all night. If there are leftover mooncakes, they are stored in a dry and cool place until the end of the year, when the whole family shares them, calling them 'reunion cakes.'

In the Qing Dynasty, there were books that detailed the methods of making mooncakes. For example, Zeng Yi, a female writer and female doctor in the late Qing Dynasty, recorded the "Method of Making Crisp Mooncakes" in her book "Zhongkuilu": "Use white ash flour, half of which is steamed in a steamer, and no water vapor is seen; the other half is raw, and kneaded with lard and cold water. Then, mix the steamed flour with lard. Use a ball of raw oil flour, and wrap a small ball of cooked oil flour inside; use a rolling pin to roll it into a cup-sized shape, fold it into a square; roll it into a ball again, and fold it into a square again; then wrap the filling. Use a cake stamp to stamp it, and put it on the stove to cook. For the oil-flavored filling, use cooked flour, sugar, walnuts, etc., and add a little sesame oil, so that it will not fall apart." The method is very similar to today's Suzhou-style mooncakes.

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🧚🏻‍Production & Model/Makeup：@曾嚼子

🔗Xiaohongshu:https://www.xiaohongshu.com/discovery/item/66e66ef70000000026033df2

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[blueiscoool]

900 Artifacts From Ming Dynasty Shipwrecks Found in South China Sea

The trove of objects—including pottery, porcelain, shells and coins—was found roughly a mile below the surface.

Underwater archaeologists in China have recovered more than 900 artifacts from two merchant vessels that sank to the bottom of the South China Sea during the Ming dynasty.

The ships are located roughly a mile below the surface some 93 miles southeast of the island of Hainan, reports the South China Morning Post’s Kamun Lai. They are situated about 14 miles apart from one another.

During three phases over the past year, researchers hauled up 890 objects from the first vessel, including copper coins, pottery and porcelain, according to a statement from China’s National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA). That’s just a small fraction of the more than 10,000 items found at the site. Archaeologists suspect the vessel was transporting porcelain from Jingdezhen, China, when it sank.

The team recovered 38 items from the second ship, including shells, deer antlers, porcelain, pottery and ebony logs that likely originated from somewhere in the Indian Ocean.

Archaeologists think the ships operated during different parts of the Ming dynasty, which lasted from 1368 to 1644.

Many of the artifacts came from the Zhengde period of the Ming dynasty, which spanned 1505 to 1521. But others may be older, dating back to the time of Emperor Hongzhi, who reigned from 1487 to 1505, as Chris Oberholtz reported last year.

Archaeologists used manned and unmanned submersibles to collect the artifacts and gather sediment samples from the sea floor. They also documented the wreck sites with high-definition underwater cameras and a 3D laser scanner.

The project was a collaboration between the National Center for Archaeology, the Chinese Academy of Science and a museum in Hainan.

“The discovery provides evidence that Chinese ancestors developed, utilized and traveled to and from the South China Sea, with the two shipwrecks serving as important witnesses to trade and cultural exchanges along the ancient Maritime Silk Road,” says Guan Qiang, deputy head of the NCHA, in the agency’s statement.

During the Ming dynasty, China’s population doubled, and the country formed vital cultural ties with the West. Ming porcelain, with its classic blue and white color scheme, became an especially popular export. China also exported silk and imported new foods, including peanuts and sweet potatoes.

The period had its own distinctive artistic aesthetic. As the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art writes, “Palace painters excelled in religious themes, moralizing narrative subjects, auspicious bird-and-flower motifs and large-scale landscape compositions.”

The shipwreck treasures aren’t the only recent discoveries in the South China Sea, according to CBS News’ Stephen Smith. Just last month, officials announced the discovery of a World War II-era American Navy submarine off the Philippine island of Luzon.

By Sarah Kuta.

[thedialoguedilemma]

BREAKING— Donald Trump today announced tariffs of at least 10% on practically all goods coming into the United States, plus even higher rates on dozens of countries that have the highest trade deficits with the United States.

Trump also announced tariff rates for the following countries:

China 55% tariff added. We get a lot of our imports from China such as electronics, appliances and more. Also expect skyrocketing prices on items from Amazon, SHEIN, Temu, TikTok shop and more as those items are mainly imported from China and the Asia region. The majority of game consoles are manufactured in China so expect rising costs in PlayStation 5’s, Xbox’s, Nintendo Switch’s including the Nintendo Switch 2.

Vietnam 56% tariff tax added. Vietnam is a major importer of coffee to the United States. Expect skyrocketing coffee costs.

The European Union 20% tariff tax added. We import vehicles, machinery, pharmaceuticals, cheese, wine, beer and electronics from the EU. Expect skyrocketing costs on those items.

Tariff’s are a form of taxes added to imported/exported goods

Companies will pass the added tariff tax costs onto the price of goods they are sending out thus making the goods more expensive.

Here’s the full list of tariffs added by the Trump administration. This is not Liberation Day, this is making everything more expensive day.

[bobemajses]

8th century Judeo-Persian letter from Dandan-Uiliq, the abandoned historic oasis town in the Taklamakan Desert of Xinjiang, China.

The letter is from a Khotan Jew to the ‘lord master’ Nisi Chilag, Abu Sahak and others on the subject of sheep trading. It lists bribes to officials, arranged no doubt in order of sociological importance and headed by a local ruler (dihgān) who can perhaps be identified with the King of Khotan or someone of equal status. The gifts include a vase, scent, silk cloth, raw silk, sugar and other items which are not yet fully understood. Perhaps the most important information was the news from Kashgar that “They killed and captured all the Tibetans”. The writer himself contributed “a sum worth 100 strings of coins, or 100,000 coins” for the war effort.

[contemplatingoutlander]

How Trump is reshaping reality by hiding data

Curating reality is an old political game, but Trump’s sweeping statistical purges are part of a broader attempt to reinvent “truth.”

Trump appears to be turning the federal government into its own 1984-style Ministry of Truth.

This is a gift 🎁 link so there is no paywall to read it. Below are some excerpts/highlights.

By Amanda Shendruk and Catherine Rampell | March 11, 2025 The Trump administration is deleting taxpayer-funded data — information that Americans use to make sense of the world. In its absence, the president can paint the world as he pleases. We don’t know the full universe of statistics that has gone missing, but the U.S. DOGE Service’s wrecking ball has already left behind a wasteland of 404 pages. All sorts of useful information has disappeared, including data on:

[...]

[See more under the cut.]

Three cases of legerdemath and other tricks up Trump’s sleeve

Deleting data isn’t the only way to manipulate official statistics. Trump and his allies have also misrepresented or altered data. Here are a few examples: 1. Incorrect data

Witness DOGE’s bogus statistics on its supposed government savings. The administration counts as “savings” some canceled contracts that had already been paid in full. Some canceled expenses were created out of whole cloth, such as $50 million supposedly spent on sending condoms to Gaza. 2. Misrepresented data

One of Trump’s favorite charts on immigration is riddled with errors. For one, it does not show the number of immigrants entering the United States illegally, as he claims, but the number of people stopped at the U.S. border. Similarly, when Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick was recently asked how much DOGE funding cuts might reduce economic growth, he suggested that the agency might decide to change how economic growth is calculated so that the usual GDP report strips out government spending altogether. This would be an abrupt change to the standard GDP methodology that has been used around the world for nearly a century, but it would certainly make the DOGE cuts look less painful. 3. Altered data

When data doesn’t tell the story Trump wants, he fabricates it. In what became known as “Sharpiegate,” Trump notoriously altered a map of Hurricane Dorian’s path in 2019.

Likewise, before Jan. 30, a National Institutes of Health website documenting years of spending data included a category called “Workforce Diversity and Outreach.” That line item is now gone — even though the money was, indeed, spent.

Taking cues from authoritarian illusionists

Such actions are straight out of authoritarian leaders’ playbooks. Research suggests that less democratic countries have been more likely to inflate their GDP growth rates and manipulate their covid-19 numbers. Statistical manipulation is also more common in countries that shun economic openness and democracy. [...] To be clear, efforts to rewrite reality via statistical manipulation often don’t work. If anything, China’s data deletions reduced public confidence in the country’s economic stability. (No one hides good news, after all.) The Trump team’s efforts to suppress nettlesome numbers have similarly eroded trust in U.S. data. Only about one-third of Americans trust that most or all of the statistics Trump cites are “reliable and accurate.”

Meanwhile, missing or untrustworthy data lead to worse decisions: Auto companies, for example, draw on dozens of federally administered datasets when devising new car models, how to price them, where to stock and market them and other key choices. Retailers need detailed information about local demographics, weather and modes of transit when deciding where to locate stores. Doctors require up-to-date statistics about disease spread when diagnosing or treating patients. Families look at school test scores and local crime rates when deciding where to move. Politicians use census data when determining funding levels for important government programs.

And of course, voters need good data of all kinds when weighing whether to throw the bums out. Many of us take the existence of economic or public health stats for granted, without even thinking about who maintains them or what happens if they go away. Fortunately, some outside institutions have been saving and archiving endangered federal data. The Internet Archives’ Wayback Machine, for instance, crawls sites around the internet and has become an invaluable resource for seeing what federal websites used to contain. Other organizations are archiving topic-specific data and research, such as on the environment or reproductive health. These are critical but ultimately insufficient efforts. At best, they can preserve data already published. But they cannot update series already halted or purged.... Some private companies may step in to offer their own substitutes (on prices, for example), but private companies still rely on government statistics to calibrate their own numbers. Much of the most critical information about the state of our union can be collected only by the state itself. Americans might be stuck with whatever Trump chooses to share with us, or not.

[drst]

Stock up time, Americans

OK this is not fear mongering, folks, this is for real. If you live in the US, you need to start stocking up on supplies right now, especially anything that is imported from China.

There is a major drop in freight shipping from China happening right now (late April 2025). Even if someone with two brain cells got into a room with Trump today and convinced him to back down on the tariffs against China, it's too late. There are going to be shortages and empty shelves. It's a question of how long they will last now.

It will take a few more weeks to be felt across the US, but as cargo ceases to arrive on the west coast, you have around 3-4 weeks for the effects to fully reach the east coast depending on the items. People are already reporting price hikes just on orders from China due to the tariffs, but this is going to be a void where things we normally expect to be able to buy will no longer be available.

There could also be major ripple effects from this as the trucking industry gets hit with either layoffs or firings. A lot of people could be thrown out of work, on top of the cuts to federal and government-adjacent jobs. This will push the instability in the economy even harder. And who knows what catastrophes could come up next.

So what can you do now, at the end of April 2025? All of this advice should be considered based on your financial situation. Don't put yourself in debt to do any of these things, but maybe look at your budget and your savings and see what you can afford to do right now.

Stock up on medications. As we know from 2020, a lot of components of our medicines are made in China. Buy extra supplies of anything over the counter you rely on. See if you can get bulk refills on prescriptions. I know it's tough with insurance companies but check with the pharmacy and see if you can fill early, or see what the out of pocket cost is for a refill and if you can afford it.

Personal care and hygiene products too - buy extra soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc. Feminine care products (diapers if you've got little ones).

Electronics. Almost everything we use is made in China or relies on components made in China. If you've been thinking of getting a new phone or your laptop is failing, now is the time before the prices go even higher.

Same deal with cars, although that's a major expense to replace and interest rates on loans are high right now. We assemble cars here in the US but every car manufacturer makes parts overseas. Take your car to a mechanic ASAP, get it checked out, make sure it's in good working order. Replace anything that needs replacing.

Paper products like toilet paper are not imported from China. As I understand it, the shortages in 2020 were due to other factors, buuuuut, let's be real. People are going to see bare shelves and panic. They're going to start hoarding and since we all remember the TP shortages 5 years ago, it would be a good idea to stock up now so you're not fighting the panic buyers.

Tools - weirdly a large percentage of scissors sold in the US are imported from China. Make sure you have a basic set of household tools. This is a list of 15 basics for handling a house. There's also the ready.gov list of what you need for an emergency kit. Also a basic sewing kit is a very good idea to have available.

Food-wise, again, while direct imports from China may not make a huge impact, if people begin to panic, you want to be prepared to deal with other people hoarding. If you have space and your electric bill can handle it, this is a good time to pick up a chest freezer. You can get a small one for under $200. You can buy the value sized bags of frozen stuff you like to eat (particularly important if you have food issues or if you've got kids who love their chicken nuggets). Grab extras of shelf-stable things like cereal, pasta, rice, and canned goods. If this feels paranoid, you don't have to go crazy, but buy at least some extras.

Get cash from your bank just in case. This is good practice in any circumstances, but don't assume your cards or your Apple Pay are going to work in an emergency. Hit the ATM, squirrel at least $100 away at home. Try to get small bills if you can, it's easier to carry some with you and leave the rest at home.

Lastly think through things you use daily, check where they come from, resupply or replace anything coming from China ASAP. Some folks already did this at the end of last year (durable goods purchases were up over 10% above average in December because people were worried about the tariff shit back then), but if you can afford it, get replacements or new supplies right now.

I sincerely hope 6 months from now this looks like panic and overreaction, but a lot of people smarter than me are giving this advice. It feels very much like February of 2020 again, where people watching the news closely could see something really bad on the horizon, but the majority had no idea. Better to be prepared.

[cryinggirlnamedhelen]

NOW IM CURIOUS do you have a theory as to what happened to suo’s eye?? i’ve seen a few suggesting he’s a victim of human trafficking, was sold into slavery by his abusing/powerful parents, etc. i’m still not sure what i think happened 🥲

hmmmmmmmm ok so lemme be so frank here im still rlly new to the wbk fandom so im still no so familiar with the theories and inside jokes n allat so bear with me here ok

the human trafficking and slavery thing is actually really interesting because there are a lot of things about suo that stood out like a burning red flag to me while i was reading the manga. if you didn't know this, i'm chinese and i know a lot about chinese culture and i speak mandarin fluently. in chinese, suo can be written as 锁, which means lock. wbk has a lot of characters whose names represent them (ie; sakura - cherry blossoms are often representative of sakura in manga panels, endo - it can mean fire and it describes how he talks about takiishi like a "burning inferno"), and suo's meaning lock in chinese and him being fond of chinese culture and items is really interesting, because a lock holds something down or keeps it away.

and i know that there is a kanji (japanese writing) for his name, but this is interesting as well. the 2 kanji that make up "suo" mean "revive, resurrection" and "raft, wood". revive or resurrection almost means to be reborn in a way, or to live a whole new life or to come back from the dead, perhaps hinting that suo has revived from a near death experience or the lowest point of his life. the raft and wood part could imply that he escaped whatever he was locked to (likely trafficking) using some sort of raft. i also know that the letters combined means "sappan wood", which i just think is a reference to his character color because this is literally the color of sappan wood dye:

now let's get into the main part of this theory. we have heard time and time again that suo is fond of chinese items. his last name can be translated into "lock" in chinese. i've mentioned that he might've escaped from whatever he was locked to by some sort of raft. i'm going to talk about some heavy topics, so bear with me here. i believe that suo might have been born in china, got trafficked, then escaped to japan overseas using a raft with help, then changed the lettering of his last name. outlandish, i know. but i have evidence.

we know that suo doesn't move in his sleep from an official art by nii satoru. weird timing here, but in history, when african americans were on ships to be sold off to slavery, they were shackled to tight and compact spaces to sleep and eat. i'm so sorry if anyone is sensitive to these topics or thinks that talking about this stuff because of a manga is ridiculous, but since this is a theory, i had to bring it up. i'm sorry. but the slaves weren't allowed to move because there were so many people, and it would be too hot and too crowded if they moved around. plus, the shackles restrained most of their movement anyways. i suspect that suo might've been in a similar situation and just developed a habit of not moving around in his sleep.

i'd also like to mention that human trafficking is, unfortunately, still a heavy problem in china. north korean escapees--especially women--will nearly always require the help of a smuggler, who is a man (who, in this specific scenario, is chinese) who will smuggle them into china but sell them to human traffickers. i doubt that this is the case with suo, but i think it's still an important topic to bring up when we're making a theory about a character who could potentially have been trafficked.

now here's some more. here is a map of east asia.

as you can see, there are definitely ways to get to china to japan by boat. i don't think suo could have ever rafted here alone; i don't think some random kid would have been able to register himself an id or anything either. suo is 15 currently in the story, and we know that he's been in japan long enough to make a name for himself. and in case you're pointing out "but his first name is japanese!", people can legally change their first names.

the reason why no one knows who he actually defeated in middle school, if this theory is true (which is highly unlikely), is because he was middle school age, but not actually in middle school when he defeated them. maybe he was still in china at the time. idk.

so short answer: yes, he was human trafficked, and there was some sort of scar left behind. sorry i had a whole yap session, i kind of looked into the og mentioned theory because i'd never heard this theory before, but i ended up getting invested and made my own😭

[saywhat-politics]

The White House took aggressive aim at Amazon following a report that it would display the added cost of President Donald Trump’s tariffs on items.

At a briefing Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called the reported move a “hostile and political act,” adding that she had spoken about the matter with President Trump earlier.

Punchbowl News first reported that Amazon will soon “display how much of an item’s cost is derived from tariffs — right next to the product’s total listed price.” The move could directly illustrate to American consumers how Trump’s tariffs are affecting the cost of goods. Trump has slapped 145% tariffs on imports from China and a 10% minimum tax on all other countries.

Amazon didn’t immediately respond to CNN’s request for comment about the change.

Other e-commerce websites, like Shein and Temu, have said they implemented changes to their pricing due to the cost of tariffs. Temu has even introduced a new import charge that is displayed at checkout. Both companies source most of their products from China.

Amazon (AMZN) shares fell about 1% in early trading.

Leavitt on Tuesday also cited a Reuters report from 2021 about an alleged partnership between Amazon and a “Chinese propaganda arm” that censored user reviews on its Chinese website for President Xi Jinping’s speeches and writings.

[initforthethrill]

socialite, snobbish, wife Cate?

like she a real bitch to anyone, seeing them as plebeians and treating everyone like shit.

UGH YES YES YES. this is so her. you’d never know she grew up locked away because she acts as if she’s always been fed from a silver spoon. but no...she just married up<3

socialite snob wife!cate

wife!cate who signs her texts with her married surname even to people who already know who she is—just to remind them she married better than them. her email signature also includes it and a link to your joint Vogue feature.

wife!cate who once had a server fired mid-gala because they brought her a white wine when she “very clearly asked for something with legs.” you had to gently lead her away before she snapped a champagne flute.

wife!cate who posts thirst traps of you with captions like "my husband. yes, she's taken. by me. stay mad.” and then pretends to be confused when her followers spiral over multiple things including but not limited to: how explicit the imagery is and the use of the word 'husband'.

wife!cate who calls your upper east side brownstone a “little starter home” despite it being three floors, fully renovated, and decorated by a celebrity designer. she does this in front of people who rent.

wife!cate who gets possessive any time someone tries to flirt with you in front of her, she tilts her head sweetly and goes, “that’s adorable. she doesn’t even see other people anymore. isn’t that right, baby?” as she slides her hand into your back pocket.

wife!cate who once “accidentally” bid $50,000 on a silent auction item just to outbid a woman who had once flirted with you at a country club brunch. she later refused the item and told the staff to “consider it a donation from my wife."

wife!cate who insists on front-row seating at every gala, fundraiser, and fashion show—even if it’s not assigned—because “my wife doesn’t like to crane her neck, it gives her headaches.”

wife!cate who once pretended to not know what a dunkin donuts was in front of a group of working-class donors and then turned to you and whispered (not quietly), “baby, that sounds like a slur...”

wife!cate who orders “off-menu” at every restaurant and acts like it’s perfectly normal. if the chef can’t make her a gluten-free dairy-light lavender scone with exactly six berries, she takes it as a personal attack.

wife!cate who refers to every other couple at brunch as “cute…in a youth pastor way,” while spoon-feeding you bites off her own plate and smirking like she won brunch even though it's hardly a competition.

wife!cate whose instagram stories are filled with photos of her hand on your thigh in restaurants, your hands on her waist in mirror selfies, and captions like “still can’t believe i get to go home with her every night.”

wife!cate who once posted a photo of their closet with the caption “organized chaos, just like our sex life,” then turned her phone off for twelve hours to let her followers combust.

wife!cate who demands her morning coffee served in a bone china teacup, even at home. “mugs are for peasants,” she once said while wearing your oversized hoodie and nothing else.

wife!cate who laughed for five solid seconds before answering, “Oh, I don’t.” when a journalist asked her how she stays grounded.

wife!cate who hosts dinner parties with three kinds of place cards: “important,” “tolerable,” and “here because my wife felt bad.” guess who doesn’t get a wine pairing!

wife!cate who books weekly couples massages even though you never want to go. “fine,” she’ll huff, “but I am getting on top tonight. i deserve compensation for emotional labor.”

wife!cate who, when asked what she does for work, answers with “i manage my wife. her calendar. her outfits. her orgasms. it’s a full-time position. i should unionize.”

wife!cate whose phone background is you. her lockscreen is also you. her apple watch wallpaper? yep. you. she once joked she’s legally required to have five photos of her wife visible at all times. “it’s in the prenup.”

wife!cate who often says, “my wife could’ve married a normal person,” and drapes herself dramatically across their velvet couch. “but instead, she picked the one with abandonment issues, wine snobbery, and a praise kink. she’s a saint.”

wife!cate who calls you “husband” in public settings just to watch people short-circuit. then adds a wink. “it’s a vibe thing. don’t overthink it.”

wife!cate who routinely hijacks girl’s nights just to talk about you. “sorry, am I oversharing? i just think it’s insane that my wife's so hot and i get to hit that daily.”

wife!cate who started a private group chat called “people who respect my marriage.” it’s just her, marie, and your mom.

wife!cate who will not get out of bed before 10am unless you're making coffee shirtless. if she does get up early, it’s to do something petty—like call customer service to report a package arriving “without the level of reverence i expected.”

wife!cate who wears your shirts with nothing underneath, pouts dramatically, and says things like “you’re leaving me cold and vulnerable in your absence” when you try to go to the gym.

wife!cate who only agreed to adopting a dog "only if it matches our aesthetic.” she meant it. now you own a cream-colored italian greyhound named versace.

wife!cate who, if you're apart for more than 6 hours, texts “do you still love me?” followed by 27 selfies. you respond “obsessively” every time.

wife!cate whose tequila limit is one. after that, she’s either crying about how perfect you are or grinding on you in front of your friends whispering, “can we go home? i need you to fuck me in the birkin closet.”

wife!cate who has filed complaints at four gyms and one trader joe’s. all because “some bitch” smiled at you. “why was she wearing leggings if not to seduce my wife? be serious.”

wife!cate who does the dishes in designer gloves and calls it “poor girl cosplay.” she insists on being dramatically thanked afterward. you usually oblige—with your tongue.

wife!cate who coos anytime you do something simple and domestic around the house like she just watched you win olympic gold. “that’s my girl. so strong. so domestic. so marriage material.” you usually have to walk away before you fold on the spot.

wife!cate who will not, under any circumstances, grocery shop without full glam and heels. “if someone sees me next to my wife looking less than trophy-tier, i’ll simply die.”

wife!cate who talks to your muscles like they’re people. “did you miss me today, biceps? mmm, don’t worry, mama’s home.” you are actively unwell every time.

wife!cate who once got pinned down during a pillow fight and gasped, “oh no, my big strong wife has overpowered me…guess i’ll have to marry her again.”

wife!cate who drags you to therapy because she saw a clip from the real housewives of beverly hills and thought, “wait. that could be me.” so now she goes to “have issues." when the therapist asks what she wants to work on, cate twirls her hair and says, “i don’t know. maybe my need to be adored every second of the day. or maybe the fact that i’d actually perish if my wife ever stopped calling me baby.” you just nod solemnly.

wife!cate who becomes obsessed with how “pretty” you are when she's tipsy. she touches your face like it’s holy. kisses your knuckles. tries to climb you like a tree. sometimes succeeds.

wife!cate who sometimes starts fake arguments just so she can cry into your shirt and beg for forgiveness she doesn’t need. “yell at me, i deserve it. i bought almond milk instead of oat. i’m a monster.”

wife!cate whose preferred conflict-resolution strategy is putting on lingerie and straddling you mid-apology. it works every single time.

wife!cate who every time she tries to vacuum, gets distracted mid-task, ends up posing with the vacuum like it’s a couture prop, and leaves the carpet half-cleaned. you've learned to finish in silence.

wife!cate who “helps” with chores by sitting on the counter and narrating your every move like it’s a rom-com montage. “there she goes…folding the towels…look at her domestic little muscles…”

wife!cate who walks into every room like she owns the deed. doesn’t matter if it’s a restaurant, boardroom, or the damn post office. she acts like it’s her personal salon and you’re lucky to be breathing near her.

wife!cate who raises an eyebrow whenever someone mentions their ivy league degree and says, “oh, that’s adorable. my wife taught herself quantum theory on youtube. we can’t all be prodigies.”

wife!cate who absolutely will not eat at a restaurant if their menu has photos on it. “i don’t trust establishments that cater to the illiterate.”

wife!cate who pretends to forget the names of people who’ve annoyed her. “oh, her? you mean…ugh, what’s her face? crunchy hair, sad eyes, always dating beneath herself?”

wife!cate who refers to takeout as “emergency cuisine.” she says it with a sigh, like you're rationing soup during war.

wife!cate who refuses to fold towels unless it’s “hotel-style.” one time you just shoved some into a drawer and cate gasped like she’d witnessed a murder.

wife!cate who calls other people’s apartments “quaint” and “bohemian” like it’s not just code for “i’d never survive here.”

wife!cate whose favorite hobby is pretending not to understand broke people problems. “what do you mean you split checks? oh… you mean like…communally? like roommates?” shudders...

wife!cate who makes you carry her around vintage markets like her personal coat rack and says things like, “this scarf smells like an aristocrat’s corpse. i need it.”

wife!cate who fake laughs when someone refers to her as a "tourist" when on holidays. “no, darling. i’m a muse. i’m here to be admired, not assimilated.”

wife!cate who cries at the eiffel tower—not from emotion, but from how hideous the lighting is. “baby, i need a flash. i can’t be seen like this. i look middle class.”

wife!cate who once toasted at a straight couple's wedding with: “to love, commitment, and the bravery it takes to settle for a man when women exist.” the bride choked. you clapped.

wife!cate whose walk is slow, deliberate, expensive. if she’s arriving late, it’s not because she’s rushed—it’s because she’s setting the scene. “the star should never share a call time with the extras.”

wife!cate who thanks people when they compliment her beauty like they’re simply confirming something she already knows. “how kind of you to say what everyone’s been thinking.”

wife!cate who doesn’t sit on the furniture—she poses. even curled up in sweats, there’s at least one accessory. even her slippers are designer. she calls it “domestic couture.”

wife!cate who is appalled when you bring home a rug from a local artisan once. cate stared at it for a full minute and said, “oh. you meant this as…art?” it was quietly donated.

wife!cate who doesn’t do “networking.” she hosts salons. she invites people who can quote poetry, wear cartier, and don’t eat finger food with their entire hand.

wife!cate who doesn’t mingle at events—she holds court. there’s a couch, a cocktail, and a little bit of your thigh under her palm. she’ll listen, maybe even nod, but the vibe is you are lucky to be here.

wife!cate who doesn't argue when someone speaks over her. she just blinks slowly and says, “you must be so exhausted, talking with no one listening.”

hopefully these satisfy your request hehe i kinda lost the plot and went off on mini tangents for some of these lol

♡ | trophy by choice

[hermitpostzine]

Weekly Postcard Giveaway

It's time for our next weekly drawing for a single postcard! Winner gets to choose 1 free postcard from any of our designs! To enter: reblog this post, follow us, and reblog one of our postcard spotlights. Drawing will be on 2/21.

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Deadline to enter is midnight on 2/20

Just want to buy a copy of the zine? Head to our pre-order shop!

[carylmeanslove]

CAN'T FORGET THE FORGET ME NOTS.

Universe speaking to us about Lukola? or Lukola deliberately choosing the hotel due to their China pattern sending us a message? You be the judge.

The flowers in this China patten look to be Forget Me Nots.

As you can see from my graphic above the China pattern on the Ritz's website looks to be a bit of a different pattern & design. The flowers are more spaced out on the China on their website compared to the room service pictured dinnerware. The rims of the plates are different too. On the website it's a light scalloped edge & there being no scalloped edge on the room service picture. Idk if it's because one being a saucer & the other is a dinner plate.

In saying all that I still wanted to give you guys the tea. 😆 See what I did there. Those of you who know me, know I had to do my floral knowledge thing.

Forget Me Nots

Our lovely pair Luke & Nicola love & respect each other so much. But do you see what else they symbolize?

Remembrance = They remember each other. These two who bring each other up unprompted, in interviews that are about themselves & their careers.

ETA: Luke remembers so much about when he met Nicola. Even things others wouldn't. That shows how important that moment was to him.

Luke remembers Nicola's birthday & has been known to be the first to wish her a happy birthday. No one should count this year because anyone who has any common sense knows that social media means little in real life relationships. When you see each other in person it's not needed in a REAL relationship to interact on social media. Any two people who do it's fake as all get out. The fakest of fake. As fake & performative as NDA Obligation like one particular liking every single post situation we know.

Eternal Love = We know they love each other. They have said this. Eternal love is the kind of love that is never-ending, it's supernatural even. Just like every in our face 'out there' level stuff we see about Lukola. The matching outfits months apart/in different countries, the body mirroring, finishing each other's sentences, the reading each other's minds (Yes, they've said things about reading each other's minds. You don't believe me go re-watch the WT interviews & videos)

Respect = They have shown so much respect for each other. Being a team, backing each other up, standing up for each other even when some in the fandom are hating on the other like after papgate debacle. Correcting people with just plain horrible assumptions like the cake Fondant picture.

Fidelity & Faithfulness = That even though he is having to take A out due to NDA obligations he still looks miserable. Anytime he was or is around A his look screams he rather be away from her, that he wants to be home with Nicola. He still does what he has to do because he remembers why he is in this situation. He fell on the sword to protect the woman he loves. Everything he & Nicola share (IYKYN) is the most important thing to him so he does what he must.

So, all the above along with all the other clues in that room service picture that screams Nicola. Not to mention that the whole photo dump was very Nicola coded. I think this could be added to that list.

For the unaware or unsure about the other items in the picture.

The iPad playing Love Island? Didn't Nicola mention watching stuff on an iPad recently? Nicola loves Reality TV & has mentioned Love Island Kisses when talking about Polin's kisses.

The Pasta? Pasta to which Nicola in the past has asked Luke to bring home for her.

What looks like could be Curry sauce for the French fries. Nicola has mentioned Curry Sauce. Also, French fries are made of potatoes & we know how happy potatoes make her. The excellent spuds they are.

The color of the flowers being blue could allude to Bridgerton & so can the vintage style furniture of this room. Basically, it's a period piece room.

And finally, the one for my nephew who I have talked his ear off about this couple, I must add his personal find. He sees an N traced in pasta sauce on the edge of the plate closest to the camera. N for Nicola.

Also, the pasta plate on the left of the picture @furbs905 on Tumblr, noticed the fork is on the left side of the plate as a left-handed person would lay a fork. I tip my hat to you for the observation, furbs. It makes this whole photo even more Lukola coded due to we know Nicola has had to send Luke photos from her phone to his phone to post in the past due to him not having any. If her camera is the one who took the room service photo, she would have sent it to his phone for him to post it to his account.

So anyway, I am going to wrap this up because it's getting long.