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On July 23, Meng Huating, Director-General of the Department of Foreign Investment Administration of the Ministry of Commerce, responded to questions regarding the progress of the establishment of the China-US Trade Council and Investment Council at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office. She stated that the trade teams of both sides are currently maintaining close communication on the specific arrangements for the Trade Councils structure, functions, and operating model, and are exploring the implementation of a reciprocal tariff reduction framework of $30 billion each. China is widely soliciting opinions from domestic enterprises, business associations, local governments, and US-invested enterprises and business associations on relevant tariff reduction arrangements. The US is also soliciting public comments on the Trade Council and the reciprocal tariff reduction arrangements. Both sides will maintain close communication, finalize specific product tariff reduction arrangements as soon as possible, and promote their implementation to further expand bilateral trade.On July 23, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian held a regular press conference. In response to negative remarks made by a senior U.S. official regarding Chinas artificial intelligence, Lin Jian stated that China has consistently opposed the politicization and instrumentalization of science and technology trade issues. Such actions will only disrupt the global development of artificial intelligence and are not in the interest of any party.European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen: For the first time, we have targeted vessels that assist Russia’s shadow fleet with sanctions.European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen: We welcome the agreement reached on the 21st round of sanctions against Russia. Our sanctions continue to weaken Russias economic foundations as it builds a military momentum in Ukraine.On July 23, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian held a regular press conference. A reporter asked: Yesterday, Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting in the Philippines and met with foreign ministers from multiple countries. Could you please provide some information? Given the current regional situation, how do you view the prospects for the development of China-ASEAN relations? Lin Jian stated that on July 22, Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting in Manila, with foreign ministers from ASEAN countries and the ASEAN Secretary-General in attendance. Wang Yi stated that under the joint strategic guidance of the leaders of both sides, China-ASEAN cooperation has yielded fruitful results. China and the eight ASEAN countries have reached an important consensus on jointly building a bilateral community with a shared future, and the construction of a community with a shared future in the surrounding region has deepened and become more practical. Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that the South China Sea is the common home of countries in the region, and the South China Sea issue should not become an obstacle to China-ASEAN relations. China and ASEAN countries have the wisdom and ability to continue to properly handle the South China Sea issue, making peace, stability, cooperation, and friendship the mainstream narrative in the South China Sea, and firmly grasping the initiative in maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea. China is willing to work with ASEAN countries to eliminate interfering factors and accelerate consultations on the "Code of Conduct in the South China Sea."

Costco Margins Are Impacted by Growing Freight And Labor Expenses, And The Stock Price Falls

Charlie Brooks

May 27, 2022 09:50

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Costco Wholesale Corp (NASDAQ:COST) announced a decline in gross margins on Thursday, impacted by rising freight and labor expenses across the United States. The news sent shares of the membership-only retailer down 2% and overshadowed an otherwise positive quarterly report.


Fresh COVID-19 lockdowns in China and the Russia-Ukraine conflict have compounded the problem for U.S. businesses.


Costco announced that it would increase prices in certain food categories in order to battle inflation.


Retailers such as Walmart (NYSE:WMT) Inc and Target Corp (NYSE:TGT) have warned that decades-high inflation will have a negative impact on their earnings, as shoppers hesitate from purchasing non-essential and high-margin goods.


The average Costco buyer earns more than the average Walmart and Target shopper, allowing Costco to generate quarterly earnings and revenue that easily exceeds expectations.


Memberships and sales have been boosted by the company's efforts to keep gas prices several cents below the national average.


Costco, in contrast to Walmart, reported that there has not been a significant shift from branded products to its private label product, Kirkland Signature.


"We aren't really observing a decline in commerce. This year, more money is being spent on tickets, dining out, travel, tires, and gasoline "In a post-earnings conference call, Robert Nelson, senior vice president of finance and investor relations, said.


Costco's gross margins decreased by 99 basis points in the third quarter.


According to data from Refinitiv IBES, Costco's total sales for the quarter ending May 8 increased by 16 percent to $52.60 billion, surpassing analysts' projections of $51.71 billion.


Excluding adjustments, Costco's earnings per share were $3.17, exceeding analysts' expectations of $3.03.