Markets

TotalEnergies and CMA CGM are partnering in a 50/50 JV to develop LNG bunkering in Rotterdam. The JV includes a new 20,000 m³ LNG bunker vessel by 2028 and aims to offer seamless logistics in the ARA region. TotalEnergies will supply CMA CGM with up to 360,000 tons of LNG annually from 2028-2040, supporting CMA CGM’s Net Zero Carbon goal and dual-fuel LNG-powered fleet expansion. The collaboration will enhance LNG delivery and operational efficiency, furthering decarbonization in maritime transport.

China dominates global watermelon production, accounting for 60% of global output. This contrasts sharply with South Korea, where watermelons are considered a luxury. Recent heatwaves in South Korea have caused watermelon prices to surge, reaching approximately $22 USD each, a 36.5% increase year-over-year. Analysts predict further price increases, highlighting the disparity in watermelon affordability and availability between the two countries and raising questions about trade and climate change impacts on agricultural markets.

A social media storm erupted after Wei Miaomiao, wife of Jiangxi RunTian Mineral Water’s founder Huang Angen, alleged “family scandals” involving multiple wives and children. She also claimed connections to pre-IPO companies. RunTian has since disavowed any ties to Huang and Wei. Investigations revealed Huang exited RunTian a decade ago and the company underwent restructuring, becoming state-controlled. Wei claims the dispute centers on unpaid debt from a 2014 restructuring agreement, leaving Huang labeled a defaulter with millions in debt. RunTian Beverage’s business license was revoked in 2020.

A 158-year-old British transportation firm, Knights of Old (KNP), has ceased operations after a ransomware attack stemming from a weak employee password. Hackers encrypted critical data, demanding a £5 million ransom which KNP couldn’t afford. Despite having cyberattack insurance, the damage was catastrophic, with all data, servers, and backups compromised. The UK’s NCSC is working to combat the rising threat of ransomware, which averages around £4 million in demands for UK companies. The incident resulted in approximately 700 job losses.

PayPal unveils “PayPal World,” a platform connecting global payment systems and digital wallets, starting with PayPal and Venmo interoperability, linking nearly two billion users. Launch partners include Mercado Pago, NPCI, Tenpay Global. It allows users to pay international businesses with their local wallet and currency, and businesses to reach a broader audience with existing infrastructure. The tech-agnostic platform supports future wallet expansion and agentic shopping with AI.

China has officially recognized “Rural Collective Economic Managers” as a new profession, crucial for rural revitalization. Tencent’s “WeVillage Common Prosperity Village” project, which focuses on cultivating “Village CEOs,” aligns with this new role. This project, in collaboration with China Agricultural University, has trained approximately 66,000 individuals across 309 counties. These managers are tasked with unlocking village resources, boosting collective income, and driving rural prosperity using tools like WeChat, fostering digital empowerment and new rural development models. Tencent aims to continue supporting this role’s development.

Silver Elephant Mining (SILEF) sold 3,000,000 Oracle Commodity Holding Corp shares on July 18th and 21st, 2025, generating $60,035. This reduces their stake in Oracle from 31.45% to 28.56% non-diluted (22.27% fully diluted). Proceeds will fund general operations. Silver Elephant retains the option to adjust its Oracle portfolio based on market conditions. They still holds 29,700,110 Oracle shares after the sale.

The United States has announced its withdrawal from UNESCO, effective December 31, 2026. This is the third time the U.S. has exited the organization. The U.S. State Department cited concerns over UNESCO’s “divisive” agendas, overemphasis on UN goals, and misalignment with U.S. foreign policy priorities. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed regret. Previous U.S. withdrawals occurred in 1984 and 2018, with a rejoining in 2003 and again in 2023 before this latest decision.

A recent incident in China highlights safety concerns surrounding low-speed electric vehicles (LSEVs). A parked EV, not recently charged, spontaneously combusted inside a home, resulting in its complete destruction. Online commentators identified the vehicle as a potentially substandard “Old Man’s Joy,” a type of LSEV known for lacking proper manufacturing standards and safety features. The incident underscores the need for stricter regulations in China’s rapidly expanding EV market to protect consumers from unsafe products.

First Northern Community Bancorp appoints Richard A. Bedoya to its Board of Directors, effective July 17, 2025, replacing Foy McNaughton. Bedoya brings 30+ years of experience in automotive and agriculture, including roles at DuPratt Ford Auburn and Dixon Bee Company. President Jeremiah Smith cites Bedoya’s business acumen and community ties as ideal assets. Bedoya expresses enthusiasm to contribute to the bank’s growth. First Northern Bank, operating since 1910 with 14 branches, is known for personalized banking and expertise in various types of lending.