2021.02.08
INDUSTRY NEWS - 2021.02.08
1、緬甸團體號召今全國大罷工 仰光10萬人示威反政變 東南城鎮警開槍
緬甸局勢持續惡化，周末連續兩日爆發大規模遊行，抗議軍方發動政變。最大城市仰光多達10萬人參加示威，東南部城鎮據報有警察驅散示威者時開槍。多個組織和工會發起周一（8日）全國大罷工和示威，要求軍方釋放被軟禁的國務資政昂山素姬等領袖以及交還權力。當局一度禁止網絡傳訊以阻遏民眾串連示威。
在東南部苗瓦迪（Myawady），數百名示威者遊行時與警員對峙，警方採取驅散行動，現場傳出槍聲。社交平台Facebook當時直播事發經過，目前仍未清楚有否釀成死傷。
人民憂武力鎮壓將臨
仰光周日早上有多達10萬人響應號召示威，他們拿着代表全國民主聯盟的紅色氣球，以及昂山素姬的相片，不時舉起三指手勢，並高叫「我們不要軍事獨裁，我們要民主」的口號。一名22歲示威者與10個朋友一起遊行，他說：「我們不能接受政變，為了未來，大家必須走出來。」
英國廣播公司（BBC）駐緬甸記者黑德（Jonathan Head）指出，緬甸軍方至今沒有採取武力對付示威者，但當地民眾都認為他們很快會出手。
沿海城市毛淡棉（Mawlamyine），大約有100名鐵騎士參加示威，沿途高叫口號。中部第二大城市曼德勒（Mandalay），有醫生和學生舉行集會，要求釋放昂山素姬。
由於社交網站一度全面關閉，關於昂山素姬和其內閣成員的謠言不絕於耳；其中一則說她已被釋放，引來民眾上街徹夜慶祝，但她的律師隨即否認。
互聯網通訊部分恢復
當地的電訊商Telenor表示，政府曾下令他們關閉互聯網服務，惟仰光的互聯網通訊在當地時間周日下午2時局部恢復。追蹤網絡狀態的組織NetBlocks稱，緬甸社交媒體平台於周日下午仍無法登入；不過，緬甸多家電訊商的手機用戶目前已能上網和使用Wi-Fi。
全國民主聯盟委任律師金蒙邵說，昂山素姬和總統溫敏仍然被軟禁在家。而昂山素姬的澳洲籍經濟顧問特內爾（Sean Turnell）上周六被捕，成為當地在事件中首位被拘的外國人。澳洲外長佩恩（Marise Payne）已就此傳召緬甸大使交涉。另外，緬甸傳媒報道，當局已為昂山素姬接種新冠疫苗。
緬甸再發生軍事政變，令在該國建設生產基地的外資，特別是日本和泰國，憂慮歐美制裁或影響投資，日本麒麟啤日前便宣布結束在當地的合資。
資料來源：信報財經 (2021年2月8日)
2、美國暫停對3700億美元中國商品加征關稅！紡織原料春節後或將上漲！
據路透社華盛頓消息，當地時間1月29日，美國拜登政府將重新評估前總統特朗普時期的國家安全措施，其中包括中美第一階段經貿協議。
報導援引美國政府消息人士的話稱，拜登政府在評估期間會暫停實施美國對3700億美元中國商品加征關稅的措施，直到全面評估完成、美國找出與其他國家聯合對華的最佳辦法後，再決定做出哪些改變。
特朗普全部政策都要重新評估
報導稱，針對關於中美第一階段經貿協議是否還有效的提問，美國白宮新聞秘書珍·普薩基當地時間1月29日在白宮例行記者會上說：“前任政府出臺的所有關係國家安全的措施都要重新評估，不要想當然地認為會繼續推進”。
據報導，普薩基表示拜登政府會專注於在強有力的位置上處理中美關係，這意味著美國要“與我們的盟國和夥伴們就如何與中國打交道進行協調和溝通”。
中美關係“翻篇了”？
美國正式進入拜登時代，歷經紛擾的中美關係很難立即一鍵重啟。但分析人士認為，“冰點”關係將有所緩和，雙方在施壓、競爭與合作並存的總體大方向下，經貿領域將成易修復地帶。
分析人士指出，考慮到拜登新政府首先將著手美國新冠疫情控制和經濟復蘇，因此中美在貿易、人文、全球治理領域的共同利益將成為雙邊關係得到緩解的有利因素，特別是經貿領域。在後疫情時代，雙方有望加強貿易投資合作，甚至展開重新對話。而在此期間，不排除出現一定程度的試探期。
此時對中國貿易協定進行重新評估，也是在給他們自己一個喘息的機會。不過，根據拜登之前的表態，他們的對華政策並不會與特朗普在任時期有很大的不同，而且就算有變動也是“換湯不換藥”。根據之前美國現任國務卿布林肯的表態，美方將繼續對中國採取強硬的態度，所以預計美國這個“緩兵之計”過後，該國很有可能會聯合他國對中國出一個“大招”，所以，中國還是應該做好準備，迎接來自美國的各種挑戰。
多重利好，大宗紡織原料節後或將再次上漲
新冠疫情對全球經濟和石油需求造成毀滅性打擊，其影響遠超於人類歷史上任何一次金融危機或經濟危機。在今年國內受疫情影響上半年大宗行情瀉洪般走勢後，隨著國內雙迴圈經濟的啟動，即使在美國貿易壁壘的阻撓下，中國紡織經濟依舊在下半年迎來強勁復蘇，逆勢增長9.6%！來自海關總署最新發佈的資料顯示，2020年，我國紡織服裝累計出口2912.2億美元，以同比增長9.6%的好成績圓滿收官。這份成績單來之不易，也相當亮眼。
在“穩外貿”政策支持下，中國紡織服裝業出口頂住疫情帶來的巨大衝擊，其中紡織品自4月以來連續9個月實現增長，服裝自8月後實現逆轉。紡織服裝出口連續5個月實現增長，直接拉動全國貨物貿易整體出口增長1個百分點，成為推動全國貨物貿易增長的重要動力。
出口競爭力穩定釋放，得益於海外市場消費需求的持續改善，但訂單回流，更重要的是國內紡織業穩定產業鏈供應鏈體系形成的巨大“磁吸力”，也從一個側面折射出我國紡織業深度調整、提升發展品質的產業實踐。
近階段紡織服裝出口連續5個月實現增長，且隨著全球經濟恢復，中國紡織業產業鏈集中及上下游配套豐富的優勢，將成為推動全國貨物貿易增長的重要動力，也將帶動滌綸長絲等紡織原料需求向好。而中美貿易和解再添重量級砝碼，國內大宗紡織行情節後或依舊看漲。
總而言之美國發起的這場歷時超過兩年的貿易戰鬧劇有望落下帷幕，而期間，棉花、棉紗、聚酯等價格大幅波動給我國紡織業帶來了不小的影響。近階段，國內大宗紡織原料均出現了直線拉升行情，利好的作用是顯而易見的，從當前中美雙方貿易磋商發展態勢分析，事情正在向著好的方向發展，相信未來會有一個好結果。至於新一屆美政府重新評估中美關係，修復數字有多大，這應該取決於美國下一步的表現。必須指出，這絕對不能是強買強賣，有競爭力的不賣，沒競爭力的攤派。畢竟在貿易戰的兩年時間裡，中國外貿依舊突飛猛進的發展。
而小編覺得，國際大環境趨向於穩定，紡織企業應該更加專注自身發展，相信紡織服裝行業還是未來可期的！
資料來源：https://mp.weixin.qq.com (2021年2月3日)
3、深圳口岸辦下周三新措施：皇崗禁空載貨車 文錦渡限鮮活貨過關
【明報專訊】深圳市政府口岸辦公室本周二公布，經深港兩地溝通協商，將於下周三（2月10日）零時起，除原本經批准單獨行駛皇崗口岸的跨境貨運車輛外，其他空載跨境貨車不再允許經由皇崗口岸出入境，但可經其他口岸通關。
至於文錦渡口岸方面，深圳市政府口岸辦公室表示，下周三起將取消非鮮活食品貨檢功能的安排，僅允許鮮活食品貨物跨境運輸車輛出入境，其他普通貨物跨境運輸車輛，不再允許經由文錦渡口岸出入境。
香港陸路客貨運輸業議會主席蔣志偉表示，隨着皇崗口岸預料今年底將不再允許所有跨境貨車出入境，加上文錦渡口岸亦不再允許非運載鮮活食品貨車使用，只餘下深圳灣及蓮塘口岸可以使用。他憂慮2月10日實施新安排後，深圳灣口岸能否足以應付以往經皇崗口岸出入的貨車量，昨日業界亦有與深圳口岸辦反映憂慮，認為應設立應急機制，一旦深圳灣口岸「爆煲」，可即時啟動皇崗口岸恢復空載貨車出入境安排紓緩，他稱深圳口岸辦對建議回覆正面，會密切留意新安排下的交通。
最終目標蓮塘深圳灣分流過境貨車
深圳市政府多年前已構思推行陸路貨物「東進東出、西進西出」規劃，因應蓮塘/香園圍口岸去年8月底開通，深圳口岸辦方面已計劃逐步關閉皇崗/沙頭角口岸貨車過境通道，最終停止貨車經皇崗/沙頭角口岸過境，改由蓮塘及深圳灣口岸分流過境貨車，其中深圳灣口岸去年12月已落實24小時貨物清關。
資料來源：明報 (2021年2月4日)
4、李克強：RCEP約束性義務85%就緒
國務院總理李克強【圖】昨日主持召開國務院常務會議時指出，目前《區域全面經濟夥伴關係協定》（RCEP）的司法審查、貨物貿易關稅減讓承諾表轉換方案制定已完成，原產地累積規則實施技術準備取得實質進展，對該協定涉及的701條約束性義務，85%已做好履行準備。
會議上提到，下一步要抓住機遇、應對挑戰，具體包括：首先，充分認識實施原產地累積規則有利於降低享受關稅優惠門檻、促進區域內貿易合作、穩定和強化區域產業鏈供應鏈，要抓緊推進國內相關管理制度改革，制定原產地管理辦法和實施指引，完善業務流程，有針對性做好相關技術準備，確保協定生效即可落地實施。
其次，適應協定實施後更加開放環境和競爭更加充分的新形勢，對標國際先進產業水平，梳理完善中國製造業質量標準、規則等，促進製造業向中高端邁進、提高產品質量實現升級，加強市場競爭力。同時圍繞進一步擴大服務業開放，做好提升標準、完善規則等相關準備。加強部門協同，對照協定規定抓緊完善國內相關法規政策，選擇重點領域分行業制定實施方案，並推動成員國加快開展關稅承諾表轉換、產品特定原產地規則轉版、原產地規則實施指引磋商，為協定生效實施做好制度保障。
完善企業破產配套政策
第三，加大協定實施相關培訓力度，幫助企業尤其小微企業熟悉協定規則內容和成員國關稅減讓情況，熟練掌握原產地證書申領程序、證明材料等要求。引導企業增強轉型升級的緊迫感、專業精神和精益求精意識，提高管理水平，提升參與國際合作及競爭的本領。
會議形容，企業優勝劣汰是市場經濟的正常現象，應加快完善應破產企業特別是中小微企業退出配套政策，而解決退出難問題，是優化要素配置和營商環境的重要舉措。會議又敦促完善中小微企業簡易註銷制度，使中小微企業在開辦便利的同時，退出也要便捷；促進改善市場主體結構，提高市場主體活躍度。要建立企業破產和退出狀態公示制度，適時把企業破產和退出相關訊息列入可公開查詢的企業信用訊息中，完善信用機制建設，促進公平競爭。
此外，要保障破產程序依法規範推進，完善管理人制度，強化管理人依法履職責任，發揮債權人委員會、債券持有人會議等協調協商作用，依法保護職工和債權人、投資者等權益。
資料來源：信報財經 (2021年2月4日)
5、宅經濟催生 東莞廠訂單疫下反增 海外停工 工廠：10年來最好生意
【明報專訊】新冠疫情令全球商貿活動和物流嚴重受阻，被譽為「世界工廠」的廣東東莞，因完善的產業鏈和中國內地疫情相對受控，工廠得以復工，在疫情催生「宅經濟」下，一些生產家居電子商品的廠家訂單不降反升，亦有廠商受境外工廠停工而間接受惠，獲得回流訂單，生意額增加兩成，有廠商更稱創下「近10年來生意最好一年」。
臨近農曆年尾，位於東莞大朗的港資金邊實業公司，1月份每周「開足7日」，以周末雙倍工資讓工人加班趕工。金邊是一家擁有約50年歷史的建築鋁材噴塗廠，其董事長、香港中小企業聯合會榮譽會長劉達邦接受本報訪問時表示，總體來說過去一年，疫情對其經營影響較微，甚至可能是「近10年來生意最好一年」。
有工廠農曆年尾開足7日趕工
劉達邦稱，工廠去年農曆年元宵（2月8日）前便獲當地政府批准復工，僅比原計劃時間推遲一周。他說，去年完成了2019年的訂單，其中四成來自美國，內地和香港分別佔三成左右；受疫情影響，美國和香港有部分建築工程延遲，但不影響訂單，工廠可「慢慢做」。
宅經濟新模式 去年獲利豐厚
「中國停工其實好短時間」劉達邦說，「（疫情）很快『調轉槍頭』。」當內地疫情放緩而外國開始爆疫，內地廠商反而有優勢。這一方面是由於外國競爭對手停工，訂單回流。劉舉例稱，他相識東莞一家專為飛機、航天器生產高級螺絲的廠商，因東南亞廠商無法開工，去年增加了20%訂單。另一方面，疫情也催生新市場機遇。全球多國曾推行「居家令」以控制疫情，民眾長時間居家辦公、學習、娛樂，「宅經濟」應勢而生。金邊董事總經理助理劉柏豪稱，當地有生產無線耳機、電視機頂盒等家居電子商品的廠家，在過去一年獲利豐厚。
位於虎門的泰威電子廠專門生產應用於耳機、手機等產品的電源連接器等配件，主要客戶包括如今暢銷歐洲的國產手機品牌OPPO、VIVO等，前年年產值9000多萬元（人民幣，下同）。泰威董事長李文良對本報表示，工廠從去年下半年開始忙碌運轉，全年營收比前年增加「大概一個月」。
東莞統計局去年8月數據顯示，上半年與遠程辦公、在線教學等「宅經濟」相關商品需求增長明顯，限額以上單位（即規模較大企業）通訊器材類、文化辦公類商品零售額與前一年相比分別增長12.3%和9.8%。
此外，在疫情之初，不少東莞企業看準中國內外對防疫物資的巨大需求，迅速轉型生產另闢出路。去年1月1日至2月27日，當地共有147家企業在經營範圍上新增的醫用物資，這些企業涵蓋批發、零售、紡織、通訊和電子設備製造等26個行業。根據中新網報道，截至去年10月，東莞進入全部完成美國食品藥品監督管理局（FDA）或歐盟合格認證（CE）有關醫療器械的認證程序「出口白名單」的防疫物資生產企業已超過130家，形成產品齊全的防疫產業鏈。
不過，並非所有企業都能逆勢增長。劉達邦稱，相對而言，疫情對「consumer product（消費品）」直接影響更大，手表、手袋、佩飾等為海外品牌代工的廠家（見另稿）尤受打擊。多個受訪東莞廠商認為，多年累積的經營問題在疫情下激化，才是導致當地不少企業沒能捱過疫情之年的主因。
迪士尼手袋代工廠：疫下訂單減七成 低端產業注定淘汰
【明報專訊】一場疫情，揭露出低技術製造業面對大環境變遷時的脆弱。一家位於廣東東莞望牛墩鎮、為迪士尼等外國品牌做代工外貿的手袋廠，在疫後艱難維持經營，該手袋廠創始人、經理鍾先生受訪時表示擔心捱不過2021年，認為疫情讓當地政府加快「騰籠換鳥」，自己從事低技術產業注定被淘汰。
鍾先生的手袋廠成立於2002年，全盛時期有逾180名員工，月產手袋10萬至15萬個，全部為代工出口。1月中旬，在手袋廠的縫紉車間，鍾先生從一箱將近完工的米奇老鼠書包中取出一件向本報記者展示，稱1月迪士尼的訂單只有3萬件；至於其他品牌訂單數，他搖頭說「很少」，不願透露具體數字；如今工廠車間工人剩下約90人。
受疫情影響，全球迪士尼樂園去年相繼停開，各地品牌訂單驟減，鍾先生的手袋廠也隨之停頓。東莞政府雖在去年農曆新年剛過的2月已鼓勵當地工廠復工，惟鍾先生稱其手袋廠直到6月才等到訂單正式開工，全年訂單大跌七成：「2021年再不恢復，真的撐不下去。」
貿易戰衝擊 「訂單已往東南亞走」
鍾先生表示，貫穿2019年的中美貿易戰已對手袋廠造成不少衝擊，其產品被列入美國加徵關稅商品清單，美國進口商一再壓價，亦有部分商家轉移訂單。「即使沒有疫情，也很難做，訂單往東南亞走；有疫情後，（一些產品）反而只能在廣東做。」
過去幾年，內地人力成本增加明顯，當地生產手袋、衣服、鞋、玩具等外貿產品的「手工業」已漸衰落，外國大型企業加快遷往東南亞。鍾先生估計，從2018年至今，東莞手工業企業或已減少七八成，認為低端（低技術）產業肯定會被淘汰，「國家發展方向就是這樣」。
疫情加快政府「騰籠換鳥」
「疫情也幫助了政府加快『騰籠換鳥』。」鍾先生提到，疫情時期，當地政府對企業的多種補貼都是提供予高技術產業，現在和未來招商的主要目標也是高技術產業。
外貿挑戰重重，低技術產業轉向國家提倡的「內循環」、加入電商大軍可否尋求出路？鍾先生表示，對其公司而言內銷不太可行，因為內銷必將降低產品價格，利潤更微薄；同時電商競爭激烈，若非能推出「爆款」產品，勢難殺出重圍。
資料來源：明報 (2021年2月1日)
6、迅銷制定供應鏈長遠減碳策略
經營UNIQLO的迅銷（06288）發布2021年可持續發展報告。主席柳井正在網上記者會上提到，新冠疫情危機正在改變社會，企業應轉變運作模式，改善環境及資源運用，否則世界將步向終結。迅銷股價昨升0.3%，收報67.5元。
日本門店採綠色能源
集團表示，在未來20年可持續發展策略上，為回應氣候變化，將於今年底前，制定包括供應鏈的長遠溫室氣體減排目標；在2021年之後，日本部分門店將引入可再生能源，而在歐洲的60間門店在去年底前已轉為採用可再生能源。
另外，集團自2006年起推出的回收舊衣計劃RE.UNIQLO，把舊衣轉贈給難民及其他有需要人士。近年，集團在計劃下研究把舊衣物料循環再造，推出新產品，未來亦會加快發展，包括加入更多物料作循環再造，以及在產品開發上參考客戶反饋，例如可重用口罩。
推女性管理層計劃
在人力資源上，集團會檢視供應鏈中合作夥伴的勞工合規情況，並作出培訓；亦會推動消除日本職場對在職女性的偏見，推行集團的女性管理層計劃。
柳井正稱，不少人會對疫情的出現感到悲觀，肺疫改變了人的生活模式，但亦帶來扭轉的機會，呼籲各國聯合起來，企業及個人都要有正面的思考，讓地球轉危為機，建立更好的社會。他提到，成衣行業亦能對環境作出正面回應，例如製造耐穿的日常服裝產品。
Fast Retailing Sustainability Report 2021 - 'OUR PATH TO A POSITIVE WORLD'
資料來源：信報財經 (2021年2月3日)
7、金管局：還息不還本再延90天 企業客難周轉 貿易融資貸款添彈性
金管局聯同「銀行業中小企貸款協調機制」宣布，延長「預先批核還息不還本」計劃下貿易融資貸款還款期90天，理由是新冠疫情反覆，經濟活動持續受影響，部分客戶資金周轉仍然困難。除了有需要的企業客戶可再獲延長貿易融資還款期90天，其他合資格企業客戶在去年11月至今年1月底新取用的貿易融資貸款亦可獲延長90天。
考慮到貿易融資屬短期性質，相關貿易大部分已完成交付，為平衡客戶的特殊情況和銀行風險管理的需要，協調機制同意，同一筆貿易交易的貸款若自原貸款日起累積展期270天或以上，銀行可採取彈性安排，就該筆貸款考慮以其他更適合安排來協助客戶，譬如分期攤還。
的士小巴新貸研增至30年期
就小巴業界反映16座小巴升級至19座小巴尋求新融資遇到困難，協調機制同意銀行在處理有關再融資申請時可提供更大彈性。金管局再次釐清，在不違反審慎風險管理原則下，銀行毋須硬性遵從85%貸款比率上限的規定，但相關新批貸款用途應限於購置新車。至於的士小巴和其他非專營巴士新造貸款，銀行表明會積極研究在未來兩年暫時延長新批的小巴貸款年期上限至30年，以及延長非專營巴士貸貸年期上限至10年。銀行又同意按照「預先批核還息不還本」計劃的原則，處理以個人名義敍造的小巴的士與商用汽車貸款還息不還本和展期要求。
滙豐發言人矢言，該行會積極配合新公布的措施，繼續因應客戶的情況提供協助。截至去年底，該行所批出的企業「還息不還本」和其他延長還款等個案，共涉及逾2300億元貸款金額。
港元存款總額按年升6.2%
另外，金管局統計顯示，去年12月存款總額按月下跌0.9%，其中港元存款和外幣存款分別減0.4%和1.4%。整體存款及港元存款按年分別上升5.4%及6.2%。局方解釋，存款變動受多項因素影響，包括利率走勢、市場集資活動等，存款按月出現波動屬正常現象。存款總額於今年首3周有所回升。
去年12月人民幣客戶存款按月上揚0.5%，至7216億元人民幣，創2016年5月以來新高，連同人民幣存款證餘額，整體人民幣資金池為7572億元人民幣，微漲0.08%。
12月貸款與墊款總額下滑0.4%，其中在港使用的貸款，包括貿易融資，沒有明顯變動，香港境外使用的貸款按月則跌1.5%。全年貸款增長1.2%。而去年第四季在港使用的貸款按季減少5.3%，主要由對證券經紀的貸款帶動。
資料來源：信報財經 (2021年1月30日)
8、ASOS 購4服裝品牌涉31億
英國網上服裝零售商ASOS周一發聲明表示，已同意出資2.95億英鎊（約31.4億港元），向去年12月申請破產保護的零售集團Arcadia Group，買入4個知名服裝品牌，包括Topshop、Topman、Miss Selfridge和HIIT。交易將以全現金方式進行，並包括總值3000萬英鎊（3.19億港元）的存貨。
ASOS的收購並不包括上述4個品牌相關的任何商店，意味大約70間門店要關門。不過ASOS行政總裁巴頓（Nick Beighton）表示，考慮允許倫敦Oxford Circus的Topshop旗艦店繼續通過第三方安排繼續經營，但尚未就此作決定。
英網商搶佔實體服裝市場
美國研究公司Sanford C. Bernstein分析師謝爾曼（Aneesha Sherman）表示，ASOS這次明顯是趁實體零售商陷入困境之際搶佔服裝市場份額，以推動歐美市場的業務增長。
英國多家實體零售商抵不住疫情衝擊，淪為網上零售商的收購目標。ASOS的對手Boohoo上周宣布出資5500萬英鎊（約5.853億港元）收購被疫情拖垮的百年老牌百貨公司Debenhams。
資料來源：信報財經 (2021年2月2日)
9、法國設計師品牌AMI被紅杉中國基金控股，為後者首個國際並購項目
法國設計師品牌 AMI 有了新的控股股東：紅杉資本中國基金（Sequoia Capital China，下文簡稱“紅杉中國”）。據悉，紅杉中國已經收購了該品牌的多數股權。交易具體條款未予披露。
AMI 由法國設計師 Alexandre Mattiussi 創立于 2011年，總部位於法國巴黎，是一家年輕的時裝品牌，代表著一種輕鬆、真實、親和的奢華時尚方式，傳遞青春洋溢、酷勁十足、隨性瀟灑的巴黎風尚。
據紅杉中國1月7日發佈的官方新聞稿，這是紅杉中國的首個國際並購專案。作為控股股東，紅杉中國將透過 “科技賦能消費”的豐富經驗及全球創業創新平臺資源，成為 AMI 觸達新一代消費者、升級數位化管道、深化長遠發展的有力後盾。
創始人 Alexandre Mattiussi 將繼續以總裁兼創意總監的身份領導AMI，在創意審美方面擁有絕對的話語權。同時，首席執行官 Nicolas Santi-Weil 也將繼續負責商務範疇的所有工作。
《華麗志》曾在2020年1月報導了 AMI 正在尋求外部投資人的消息，當時知情人士透露， AMI 正在與包括家族基金、戰略投資方和私募基金等潛在投資者就品牌未來的發展進行商談（詳見：法國新銳男裝品牌 Ami 尋求新投資方，去年銷售額大增60%）。
Alexandre Mattiussi 出生于1980年，曾就讀于巴黎杜佩爾時裝設計學院。畢業後曾在法國奢侈品牌 Dior（迪奧）、Givenchy（紀梵希）和美國設計師品牌 Marc Jacobs 工作，他在自己30歲時正式成立了個人品牌，“AMI”是法語朋友的意思，也是Alexandre Mattiussi 的首字母組合。2013年，他成為了首個獲得法國 ANDAM 時尚大獎的男性設計師。
AMI 從男裝起家，設計師 Alexandre Mattiussi 將品牌的核心風格定位于輕鬆、舒適、充滿小趣味的“法式男裝”，以辨識度極高的“Ami de Cœur”（意為：真心的朋友）標識作為品牌符號，這個符號（下圖）最初源自於 Alexandre 在童年時期給朋友寫卡片或留言時上的簽名。
2018年，AMI 首次涉足女裝，發佈以“menswear for women”為特色的女裝產品，2019年，品牌正式推出女裝業務，目前已擁有完整的男裝線與女裝線。
創立十年以來，AMI 憑藉著年輕化的內核，以及數位化與創新化的發展路線，在世界各地站穩腳跟，並在此過程中，吸引了忠誠度和購買力極高的受眾群體。
據悉，AMI 2020年的銷售額同比增長50%以上，達到5000萬歐元。值得注意的是，AMI 在全球均衡發展，主要市場包括美國、法國、英國、義大利、德國、中國和韓國。目前，AMI 在巴黎、東京、倫敦以及中國的上海、北京、成都共開設有7家品牌專賣店，在全球擁有約360個零售網點。
據 AMI 首席執行官 Nicolas Santi-Weil 透露，AMI的數位管道發展較快，該品牌約27%的銷售收入來自直營數字業務。如果計入與 Matchesfashion、Ssense 等時尚電商合作的批發業務，那麼預計有40~45%的銷售額來自線上。預計2020年電商銷售額增幅達到101%。
AMI 最初的投資方為法國國家投資銀行（Bpifrance）。2013年，Nicholas Santi-Weil 成為首席執行官，開始將品牌大力推向市場。在被紅杉中國戰略投資之前，Alexandre Mattiussi 與 Nicolas Santi-Weil 是品牌最大的股東。(另外，據英國私募基金 Neo Investment Partners 的網站披露，AMI 也是其投資組合之一，該基金也是英國高級時裝品牌 Victoria Beckham, 義大利奢侈皮具品牌 Valextra 的投資方)
拓展中國市場
AMI 對中國市場並不陌生。事實上，中國已是 AMI在全球的第三大市場，僅次於法國和美國。
作為一個線下擴張十分謹慎的設計師品牌，AMI 在品牌成立5年之際就在中國香港開設了首家門店（目前該店也關閉），如今在其全球7家門店中，中國占到了3家，分別位於上海、北京和成都。2019年10月，AMI還在上海舉辦了品牌的首次海外時裝秀。
而在線上，作為一家數位化進程較快的品牌，AMI 於2020年8月在天貓開設了品牌的官方旗艦店。
本次合作以雙方的共同目標和願景為基礎，紅杉中國將提供支援和資源，説明提高 AMI 的發展速度、穩固其市場份額，實現其長遠的目標。紅杉中國將繼續支持 AMI 充分利用其不斷增長的直營和其他電商管道，加快部署零售網路。
紅杉中國創始人及執行合夥人沈南鵬表示：“我們很高興能與AMI合作。在 Alexandre Mattiussi 的領導下，這一頂尖的設計師品牌有著全球性的影響力，強大的創意文化，並進行了積極的數位化探索。這是我們與全球奢侈品零售行業先鋒合作的一大里程碑，是紅杉中國並購業務中堅實的一步，我們會幫助這些品牌快速實現數位化轉型，並深入滲透到本地市場中去。”
AMI 的首席執行官 Nicolas Santi-Weil 表示，他們的目標是找到一個在尊重品牌創意 DNA和創業精神前提下，能夠將其業務提升到更高水準的合作夥伴。“紅杉中國的全球影響力和數位化經驗加上AMI的創造力和活力，必將產生令人驚歎的成果。我們有著共同的目標，那就是為我們的品牌故事增添新的維度。”
紅杉中國專注於科技/傳媒、醫療健康、消費品/現代服務、工業科技四個方向的投資機遇。在過去的16年中，它與大約600家中國公司建立了合作夥伴關係。
值得關注的是，2019年底，紅杉資本中國基金宣佈成立“紅杉時尚科技產業股權投資基金”，過去一年，紅杉中國在時尚領域的投資包括：快時尚跨境電商全速線上、女性內衣品牌 Ubras、中國新銳護膚品牌 UNISKIN 優時顏等。
資料來源：https://finance.sina.com.cn (2021年1月8日)
10、買波鞋似睇科幻電影？Nike柏林店互動展示牆加強零售體驗
網上購物雖然逐漸成為主流，但實體店仍然有其吸引力。運動品牌 Nike 最近在德國柏林概念店採用不少科技元素，建立 3 大互動購物體驗，為實體店增值。
（1）大型互動購物展示牆
互動展示牆可多點觸控，並可以多人同步使用。展示牆同時連接 Facebook、Instagram 和 YouTube 上的實時動態，以及國際與當地足球隊的排名和分數，讓顧客可即時獲取最新賽事資訊。消費者可用手拖曳、放大觀看牆上資訊，也可以拍照。如想要牆上資料或照片，透過 RFID（射頻識別）連接手機，資訊就會傳送到手機。
（2）大型互動展示桌
展示桌透過後端連接後台 ERP（企業資源規劃）系統，顧客將鞋子放在桌上，就會出現該產品的資訊，如：產品介紹、設計概念、顏色、尺寸、店內庫存等，顧客也可以同時放上兩對鞋子，根據鞋子尺寸和顏色進行比較。
（3）直立式電子顯示板
為了讓消費者有更方便購物體驗環境，店內的直立式的電子顯示板連接品牌電貿網站。消費者可以在屏幕搜尋和訂購產品，並查看各門市資訊與網上庫存情況，同時可直接在屏幕上結帳。付款完成後，系列會打印單據，後端系統同時通知店內員工備貨，消費者離開時再憑票券取貨。
資料來源：香港經濟日報 (2021年2月3日)
11、Coup will prompt re-evaluation of Myanmar sourcing
Tough American government sanctions against Myanmar, and a re-evaluation of Myanmar as a stable sourcing partner are among potential repercussions of the recent coup……
Read More: https://www.just-style.com/analysis/coup-will-prompt-re-evaluation-of-myanmar-sourcing_id140657.aspx
Source: www.just-style.com (5 Feb 2021)
12、Japan's Kirin to end joint beer ventures in Myanmar
Brewer seeks to sever ties with military-linked company as 'matter of urgency'
TOKYO -- Japan's Kirin Holdings announced it will terminate its two joint ventures in Myanmar, becoming the first Japanese company to denounce the military coup that took place earlier this week.
The military's actions were "against our standards and Human Rights Policy," the brewer said in a statement on Friday. "We have no option but to terminate our current joint venture partnership with Myanma Economic Holdings Public Company Limited. ... We will be taking steps as a matter of urgency to put this termination into effect."
The Japanese company holds the majority stakes in Myanmar Brewery and Mandalay Brewery, which are co-owned with MEHL, an entity that serves as a welfare fund for Myanmar's military.
"We decided to invest in Myanmar in 2015, believing that, through our business, we could contribute positively to the people and the economy of the country as it entered an important period of democratization," Kirin said.
Kirin acquired its 55% stake in Myanmar Brewery for $560 million in 2015, to secure a foothold in the growing Southeast Asian market. It transferred a 4% stake to MEHL in 2017.
Foreign companies that invested in Myanmar have received pressure from human rights groups for doing business in the country. Activists have called for Kirin, in particular, to end its joint ventures that profit the military even before Monday's coup.
A UN mission investigating atrocities against the Rohingya people in Myanmar reported in 2018 that doing business with MEHL and Myanmar Economic Corp., another military-owned entity, posed "a high risk of contributing" to human rights violations. In June last year, Kirin commissioned an independent auditor to review MEHL's finances and governance. However, the brewer said in January that the probe was "inconclusive" in determining the beneficiaries of MEHL's profits.
Human Rights Watch said Kirin's announcement is "a long awaited but welcome move."
"Other foreign companies with ties to the Myanmar military should follow in Kirin's footsteps in an urgent and transparent manner," Teppei Kasai, Asia program officer for the organization, said.
Source: https://asia.nikkei.com (5 Feb 2021)
13、H&M to Open First Arket China Store Despite Closing 350 Sites This Year
Pandemic lockdowns weighed on Hennes & Mauritz‘s fourth quarter sales, as the company reiterated plans to close 350 and open 100 stores this year while forging ahead with recycled materials. It’s also planning to open the first Arket store in China later this year, making the lifestyle label’s varied wares available to consumers in and visitors to Beijing.
In a Nutshell: The Swedish fashion giant will open an Arket store in the Chinese capital in the fall after testing the waters with a store on Tmall as well as a WeChat miniprogam. “The new store gives us an opportunity to welcome people into our world and invite them to experience the rich diversity of our collections—from beautifully-made fabrics and fashion designs to nature-inspired interiors, sustainable childrenswear and contemporary Swedish cuisine,” said Pernilla Wohlfahrt, managing director of Arket.
Meanwhile, H&M says 1,800, or 36 percent, of its roughly 5,000 global stores are closed, which are likely to trim net sales by 23 percent for the first two months of fiscal Q1 2021.
The company said it has also streamlined its invoice and payment process and based on 2020 purchasing volumes, expects to free up around 10 billion Swedish kronor ($1.20 billion) in 2021. It also has a framework in place to issue sustainability-linked bonds to finance an accelerated transition to recycled materials. “The H&M group’s goal is for 100 percent of the materials used in the products to be recycled or come from other more sustainable sources by 2030. By 2025 at least 30 percent are to be recycled materials,” said H&M, which has a stable BBB credit rating from Standard & Poor’s. “The group is continuing to monitor the bond market; if the need and the right market conditions arise, the group intends to issue a first bond,” it added.
H&M said a deal with banks means it can pay suppliers earlier than an invoice due date, an offer extended to all suppliers. The program has been “well received in the markets where it has been implemented to date [and that m]ost suppliers have chosen to take part. This could improve the working capital of both the H&M group and the product suppliers.”
And as it continues to integrate digital and stores, the company said it will move ahead with closing 350 locations in 2021 while opening 100. Of note, most closures will affect established markets, while new stores will arrive in growth hubs. In addition, a franchisee will open the first H&M store in Panama in the second half of the year. The company said it renegotiated a large number of store leases last year; about one-quarter of store leases will be renegotiated or exited annually. Last year, it closed 187 stores and opened 129.
“The H&M group stands strong after all the challenges brought by the pandemic. Thanks to much-appreciated collections, rapid and profitable online growth and strict cost control, the company succeeded in ending the year in profit and in a strong financial position,” said CEO Helena Helmersson.
“Our measures to mitigate the negative effects of ongoing restrictions and closures are continuing,” she added, despite the “highly challenging” environment.
Net Sales: Net sales for the fourth quarter ended Nov. 30 fell 15 percent to 52.55 billion Swedish kronor ($6.31 billion) from 61.69 billion Swedish kronor ($7.40 billion). Online sales rose by 50 percent in local currencies during the quarter.
A strong recovery at the quarter’s start was “significantly slowed” by new restrictions and lockdowns amid Covid’s second wave. About 20 percent H&M’s stores were closed during the period.
The company said gross margin for the quarter was 52.1 percent.
For the year, net sales fell 20 percent to 187.03 billion Swedish kronor ($22.45 billion) from 232.76 billion Swedish kronor ($27.94 billion) in 2019. For the year, online sales rose by 38 percent in local currencies, representing 28 percent of the group’s total sales for the full year.
Earnings: Profits for the quarter fell 41 percent to 2.49 billion Swedish kronor ($298.3 million) from 4.21 billion Swedish kronor ($505.5 million) in the year-ago period.
Liquidity at the end of the quarter was “very good,” with cash and cash equivalents totaling 16.54 billion Swedish kronor ($1.99 billion), up from 12.312 billion Swedish kronor ($1.48 billion) a year ago, it said.
H&M said it will increase digital investments to foster online-offline integration this year. It plans to increase sales in local currencies by 10 to 15 percent each year. With 1,800 stores closed in the current quarter due to the pandemic, H&M said the cost of markdowns in relation to sales is expected to increase by 1 to 1.5 percentage points in the first quarter, compared with the same year-ago quarter. “The ongoing restrictions, along with the many temporary store closures, will have a substantial negative impact on the first quarter,” it said.
For the year, profits plummeted nearly 91 percent to 1.243 billion Swedish kronor ($149.2 million) versus 13.443 billion Swedish kronor ($1.61 billion) a year ago.
CEO’s Take: “The recent years’ transformation initiatives and investments, focusing on the digital, have been especially important for managing the crisis and this work is continuing at full speed. Customers want to meet us where, when and how they choose—in the stores, on our websites, on digital marketplaces and on social media. They are showing us clearly that they appreciate a convenient and inspiring experience in which the channels interact and strengthen each other. We are continuing our initiatives for digital growth, integration of the channels and optimization of the store portfolio. Speed and flexibility will be even more important going forward, particularly in the supply chain, to ensure the best customer offering and increase availability in all channels,” Helmersson said.
H&M’s focus remains on developing “strong, unique brands in order to always offer the best combination of fashion, quality, price and sustainability,” she continued. “The percentage of recycled and sustainable materials in the collections is consistently increasing and our brands are offering an ever-growing range of services for a more sustainable lifestyle. Together with our transformation initiatives this will help increase our resilience and adaptability and will contribute to sustainable and profitable growth for the H&M group.”
Source: www.sourcingjournal.com (29 Jan 2021)
14、‘Destructive’ Covid Lockdowns Weigh on Ralph Lauren in Q3
Ralph Lauren Corp. on Thursday reported third-quarter results, reflecting progress on restructuring initiatives as the company turns focus on realigning its real estate footprint.
In a Nutshell: An over 20 percent increase in global digital commerce sales, with double-digit growth across all regions, and a 19 percent increase in average unit retail in the quarter reflects growth in the “next generation” customer base that the company has been targeting, and more full-price selling.
“For more than 50 years we have stayed true to a set of values that define us—among them timelessness, quality, perseverance and optimism,” Ralph Lauren, executive chairman and chief creative officer, said. “And in this period of great challenge and change, it is these values that are enabling us to authentically and deeply connect with our consumers around the world.”
“Despite the disruptions and uncertainty we faced throughout our third quarter, our teams continued to elevate our brands and effectively engage with consumers around the world—delivering better than expected gross and operating margins through the holiday period, and continuing to meaningfully improve our digital profitability,” added president and CEO Patrice Louvet.
In a conference call, Louvet said strong sales in Asia were offset by Covid-related impacts in Europe. Sequential improvement in North America and Asia was led by digital channels, with sales in Mainland China rising more than 40 percent versus last year’s figures. He said the company also launched its Hong Kong digital flagship in time for the holiday selling period. In many ways, however, the recent lockdowns, particularly in Europe, were “more destructive” than the first two waves of the pandemic, he added.
The company has been strengthening its brand, while bolstering its marketing capabilities. It also has scaled its retail offerings globally as it continued to prune offerings that didn’t resonate as well, while fine tuning cost structures. The company drove stronger performance in under-developed categories, including outerwear and fleece, along with gift assortments.
“Our brand awareness and purchase intent have accelerated since the start of the pandemic,” Louvet said, noting that the strongest growth came from consumers under the age of 35 and women.
Having simplified for greater agility, Louvet said Ralph Lauren’s next stage involves realigning and increasing global efficiency, which will help start Fiscal 2022 with important foundations in place.
While the pandemic remains a challenge, Ralph Lauren continues to “focus on what we can continue in this dynamic context,” said Jane Nielsen, chief financial officer.
As for stage two, she said the company will be reducing its North America corporate office footprint by up to 30 percent, and plans reductions in other corporate offices overseas. It will be closing up to 10 retail locations globally, depending on discussions with landlords. In addition to lease renegotiations, which will help drive brick-and-mortar profitability, Nielsen said the company also plans to consolidate North America distribution center operations to drive efficiencies, with an eye toward faster average delivery rates and an increased focus on connected retail.
Net Sales: Net revenue for the quarter ended Dec. 26 fell 18 percent to $1.43 billion from $1.75 billion.
Sales in North America were down 21 percent to $715.4 million, while retail comparable store sales fell 21 percent. A 30 percent decrease in brick-and-mortar sales was partially offset by a 9 percent increase in digital commerce. North American wholesale sales slumped 22 percent.
Sales in Europe tumbled 28 percent to $315.6 million. In retail, comparable store sales were down 38 percent, while wholesale revenue dropped 17 percent. Digital sales rose 68 percent in the quarter.
Sales in Asia climbed 14.0 percent to $329.6 million. Comparable store sales ticked up 3 percent, while sales in physical stores grew 1 percent and digital commerce saw gains of 54 percent.
Inventories shrank 4 percent at the end of the quarter. The company said it also “successfully managed peak holiday period logistics despite industry-wide shipping constraints, supported by solid inventory and capacity planning and agility with over 99% on-time delivery rate for Christmas.”
For the nine months, net revenues plunged 36 percent to $3.11 billion from $4.89 billion.
Earnings: Net income for the quarter fell 64 percent to $119.8 million, or $1.61 a diluted share, from $334.1 million, or $4.41, in the year-ago quarter. On an adjusted basis, diluted earnings per share was $1.67, excluding restructuring charges and one-time events.
Wall Street was expecting adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.63 on revenue of $1.47 billion.
The company said it expects financial results for both its fourth quarter and full year Fiscal 2021 to be adversely impacted by the pandemic and a “prolonged demand recovery.”
For the fourth quarter, revenues are expected to decline in the mid-to-high single digits to last year, reflecting a sequential improvement from the first three quarters of the fiscal year. The guidance reflects government-mandated lockdowns and other Covid-related restrictions across the company’s key markets, especially in Europe and Japan. Ralph Laurent said it expects capital expenditures in the range of $130 million to $140 million for the fiscal year, down from a projected $175 million to $200 million at the start of the year. The difference was due to the company’s decision to postpone or reduce certain IT, store and infrastructure projects in the midst of Covid, it said.
For the nine months, the company posted a net loss of $47.0 million, or 64 cents a diluted share, against net income of $633.3 million, or $8.13, a year ago.
CEO’s Take: “We remain focused on emerging from this period in a position of strength as we invest in key areas like our digital transformation, while taking a disciplined approach with expenses and ensuring we have the right resources, footprint and brand portfolio to support future growth and value creation,” Louvet said.
Source: www.sourcingjournal.com (4 Feb 2021)
15、New Details Reveal How Much Simon, Brookfield Are Paying for JCP Rent
Simon Property Group and Brookfield Asset Management are paying an initial annual base rent of $156.6 million for JCPenney leases.
The two mall operators were the mass retailer’s largest landlords at the time bankrupt J.C. Penney filed its Chapter 11 petition in May last year.
A regulatory filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday stated that the PropCo transaction, in which 160 store leases and six distribution centers owned by bankrupt J.C. Penney Co. Inc. would be sold to first-lien lenders as part of the asset sale, has been completed. The sale of OpCo, the operating business of JCPenney to Simon and Brookfield, was completed in December.
The filing documented lease agreements for the 160 stores and one for the six distribution centers (CD), which cumulatively form the governing master leases between the PropCo and OpCo components.
According to the filing, the master leases have an initial term of 20 years, followed by five option periods of five years each. The store leases have an initial annual base rent in the amount of $121.2 million, while the DC agreement has an initial annual base rent of $35.4 million, both subject to adjustments.
The two mall operators have said they believe that JCPenney is a good investment, although not everyone agrees on the retailer’s chances of survival. And some industry watchers point to co-tenancy clauses as the main driver for their investment in JCPenney, though Simon has publicly downplayed these stipulations.
Large retailers such as JCPenney serve as traffic-driving anchor tenants. Other tenants nearby, specialty chains, pay different rates depending on the type of anchor tenant in a particular wing. These merchants tend to want to be clustered with brands of a similar ilk because of the demographic that’s attracted to that overall store base.
The risk for landlords is that when an anchor tenant folds up its tent, the specialty chains that have a co-tenancy clause could elect to pack it up, too, leaving a swath of stores empty in one part of a mall. And with the Covid pandemic still hanging around, it might not be so easy to secure new, quality tenants. While not a problem for A-rated malls and most in the B category, that’s a scenario that has quickly shifted the fortunes of malls lower on the totem pole.
No doubt mall operators have been keeping close tabs on their retail tenants. Specialty chains have also been reviewing their store networks, many with plans either to renegotiate existing leases up for renewal or to relocate elsewhere.
For Simon and Brookfield, paying rent for JCPenney is a risk, but it also just might buy it enough time to maintain the status quo until they and their mall operator peers can figure out what a shopping mall in a post-Covid world should look like that would resonate with consumers.
Source: www.sourcingjournal.com (2 Feb 2021)
16、YKK uses AI 'brain' to visualise CO2 absorption
Japanese fastener manufacturer YKK Corporation has launched an experimental trial involving the use of an AI-powered ‘brain’ to visualise CO2 absorption at its Kurobe Manufacturing Center in Toyama……
Read More: https://www.just-style.com/news/ykk-uses-ai-brain-to-visualise-co2-absorption_id140651.aspx
Source: www.just-style.com (4 Feb 2021)
17、Garment manufacturers remain hardest hit by Covid-19
Garment manufacturing continues to be the industry most severely affected by fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, with new research suggesting 86% of businesses have seen a drop in orders……
Read More: https://www.just-style.com/news/garment-manufacturers-remain-hardest-hit-by-covid-19_id140606.aspx
Source: www.just-style.com (29 Jan 2021)
18、Alibaba Still Sparks 37% Growth Despite Antitrust Scrutiny
Amid heavy antitrust scrutiny, Alibaba Group reported a strong third quarter with revenue growth of 37 percent year over year to 221.1 billion yuan ($33.9 billion), beating Bloomberg analyst estimates of a 33 percent increase and showing the continued strength of its retail and logistics operations.
Alibaba’s core commerce business, which includes the company’s Taobao, Tmall and Tmall Global marketplaces, international businesses such as Lazada and AliExpress, its grocery stores, on-demand delivery platform Ele.me and its Cainiao logistics network, accounted for 89 percent of revenue, at 195.54 billion yuan ($30.0 billion) for the fiscal third quarter, up 38 percent year over year.
In a Nutshell: The e-commerce giant focused on the success of its annual 11.11 Global Shopping Festival, casually known to many as Singles Day, highlighting that the 250,000 brands and 5 million merchants that participated generated 498.2 billion yuan ($74.1 billion) in gross merchandise value (GMV) a 26 percent increase from last year. At its peak, the Alibaba Cloud service processed 583,000 orders per second.
During the 11-day event, 470 brands achieved more than 100 million ($15.2 million) in sales. Additionally, there were approximately 30 million new product launches, with GMV for new products growing by 35 percent year over year. In China, Cainiao and its partners processed over 2.3 billion orders during the festival while continuing to improve delivery time to enhance consumer experience.
The full quarter saw growth for its retail marketplaces, with annual active consumers reaching 779 million by the end of 2020, an increase of 22 million over the prior quarter. Mobile monthly active users reached 902 million, an increase of 21 million over September 2020.
Tmall’s online physical goods GMV, excluding unpaid orders, grew 19 percent year-over-year during the December quarter, supported primarily by rapid growth of the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and home furnishing categories, while growth of the consumer electronics category accelerated year over year.
The year-over-year growth rate of Taobao’s online physical goods GMV, excluding unpaid orders, was “robust” for the quarter, primarily driven by solid growth of the apparel and accessories, home furnishing and consumer electronics categories. Alibaba did not break out full growth numbers for Taobao, but noted that its Taobao Live livestreaming platform generated 400 billion yuan ($62 billion) throughout the 2020 calendar year.
And Tmall Global, Alibaba’s marketplace for international brands and merchants entering the China market online to build brand awareness, saw its number of brands and merchants grow over 60 percent year over year. Purchases of products warehoused and shipped from overseas by Tmall Global saw “triple-digit” year-over-year GMV growth.
The company attributed the jump to its innovation in cross-border logistics solutions, since brands that do not have a physical presence in China can now store inventory in Alibaba-operated warehouses located in their home markets. Tmall Global facilitates exports to China when orders are placed.
On the logistics front, Cainiao deployed more than 200 international chartered cargo flights in December for its AliExpress business, which resulted in improved fulfillment efficiency for AliExpress orders and a reduction of average delivery time by 3.5 days on orders from China to international markets.
Ele.me, Alibaba’s last mile delivery service, has seen the number of registered merchants grow 30 percent year over year.
The success comes at a strenuous time for Alibaba, which is facing escalating pressure from Chinese regulators over its business practices.
In December, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) opened an investigation into Alibaba over monopolistic practices, citing that its main issue was a practice that forces sellers to choose one of two dominant e-commerce platforms, rather than being able to work with both.
Alibaba Group stated it is fully cooperating with the SAMR, and has established a task force with leaders from its relevant business units to conduct internal reviews.
Alibaba founder Jack Ma, whose negative comments towards regulators was seen as a factor behind their canceled IPO of Alibaba’s financial technology affiliate Ant Group, hadn’t been seen in public since making the criticisms in late October. He reappeared in a short video in January as part of a philanthropic event published by Chinese state media.
Ma was not mentioned in the earnings release, but the company provided an update on Ant Group, saying it was in the process of developing its “rectification plan,” which will need to go through “relevant regulatory procedures.” Meanwhile, prominent Chinese financial news outlet Shanghai Securities News declined to include Ma on a list of influential tech personalities, further snubbing the business icon.
Alibaba says Ant Group’s business prospects and IPO plans are subject to substantial uncertainties.
In the December quarter, net cash provided by operating activities was 103.2 billion ($15.8 billion), an increase of 7 percent compared to last year. Free cash flow increased by 23 percent to 96.2 billion ($14.7 billion) in the period.
Net Sales: For the quarter, total revenue was 221.1 billion yuan ($33.9 billion), an increase of 37 percent year-over-year over the 161.5 billion yuan ($25 billion) generated last year.
The Cainiao Network saw year-over-year revenue growth of 51 percent to 11.4 billion yuan ($1.7 billion), primarily due to the increase in volume of orders fulfilled. Cainiao had positive operating cash flow during the quarter.
Outside of Alibaba’s core operations, cloud computing was profitable for Alibaba for the first time, with the segment’s revenue jumping 50 percent to 16.1 billion yuan ($2.5 million).
Net Earnings: Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders was 79.4 billion yuan ($12.2 billion), and overall net income was 78 billion yuan ($11.95 billion).
Adjusted EBITDA increased 22 percent year over year to 68.4 billion yuan (10.5 billion). Diluted earnings sits at $4.42 per American depositary share (ADS), while adjusted diluted earnings per ADS was $3.38, an increase of 21 percent year over year.
CEO’s Take: “China was the only major economy to achieve positive GDP growth last year. Thanks to the rapid recovery of China’s economy, Alibaba had another very healthy quarter,” said Daniel Zhang, chairman and CEO of Alibaba Group. “We achieved another successful 11.11 Global Shopping Festival by stimulating consumption, satisfying consumer demands and supporting the business recovery of merchants in response to the impact of the pandemic. Our cloud computing business continues to expand market leadership and show strong growth, reflecting the massive potential of China’s nascent cloud computing market as well as our years of investment in technology. Looking ahead, we are confident that we will continue to create value for our customers, lead with innovation and make our contributions to society.”
Source: www.sourcingjournal.com (2 Feb 2021)