Export factories in China are racing to fulfill revived American orders after the recent easing of tariffs between the two countries, with production lines powering back into life in textile and safety gear workshops across the country.
The production surge comes after China and the U.S. on Monday announced a series of tariff modification measures aimed at easing trade tensions after a weekend of high-level talks between the two sides in Geneva.
At a knitting factory in the eastern metropolis of Shanghai, workers are now busy attaching labels, ironing fabrics, and packaging products as they complete the final touches on a U.S.-bound order which had previously been suspended amid the tariff dispute.
"The client is actually very anxious waiting for our delivery. If the quality checks all pass, then we'll start shipping via containers we already have booked for May 17 (Saturday)," said production manager Lu Lanying.
The sudden resurgence following the Geneva breakthrough spans multiple industries across China's export sector. In the eastern Jiangxi Province, a textile group in Jiujiang City is now operating full steam ahead after receiving a new order for 100,000 children's outfits from a U.S.-based client on Tuesday.
The company has not only reclaimed its American clients but also expanded its output in both European and domestic market. It is now anticipating over 100 million yuan's (nearly 14 million U.S dollars') worth of U.S. orders this year and expects a busy few months ahead.
"Right now, our production schedule is packed up through to September in the second half of the year," said production supervisor Liang Shinan.
Meanwhile, in Ganzhou City of Jiangxi, a manufacturer specialized in the production of helmets received a notice on Monday to resume shipments of 500,000 sports helmets which had previously been put on hold.
The firm said it had been exporting alternative market options when the tariff war first escalated last month, but is now pushing ahead to complete all orders.
"Due to instability in the U.S. market, we've been actively looking to expand into European and other markets. While pursuing that, we've also received sample orders from clients and are working hard to meet production deadlines," said company executive Guan Youliang.
The tariff modifications -- which took effect Wednesday -- suspend 24 percentage points of additional duties for 90 days while maintaining 10-percent rates.
Factories full of life as Chinese exporters ramp up production to revive US market supply
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
