China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has emphasized the need to refine comprehensive policies for regulating hog production capacity and to implement effective measures aimed at fostering a reasonable rebound in pig prices. The remarks were made during a recent industry development symposium. Minister Han Jun stated that responsibilities at all levels must be strictly enforced to ensure the reduction of production capacity is achieved, adjusting the breeding sow inventory to a reasonable level. Efforts will coordinate capacity control, market guidance, and industrial upgrades to mitigate cyclical fluctuations in the hog sector and promote its sustainable, high-quality development.
On April 18, the countdown to the 9th China International Import Expo reached 200 days, with preparatory work advancing steadily. The corporate exhibition is intensifying its recruitment focus around six future industries highlighted in the country's 15th Five-Year Plan. Nearly 800 enterprises from over 70 countries and regions have already signed up, booking approximately 280,000 square meters of exhibition space, accounting for more than 75% of the planned area. The Hongqiao International Economic Forum is currently designing its themes and topics, having held working meetings and conducted consultations with the United Nations.
The National Climate Center recently issued an updated forecast regarding the El Niño phenomenon, predicting that conditions will develop by May and evolve into a moderate or stronger El Niño event during the summer and autumn. Experts from the center noted that it is still too early to conclusively state that this year will "break high-temperature records," but they highlighted a significant increase in associated risks.
According to the Guangzhou Municipal Office of Financial Affairs, from the beginning of 2025 through the end of March, a total of 77 scientific innovation bonds were issued in the Guangzhou area, raising 105.91 billion yuan. Meanwhile, statistics released by Chengdu Customs on April 18 showed that in the first quarter of the year, the total value of Sichuan's goods trade imports and exports reached 258.2 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 0.7%. In March alone, foreign trade volume hit 98.25 billion yuan, up 7.9%, marking the highest monthly figure in 15 months. Imports during the quarter grew 11.3%, exceeding 100 billion yuan for the first time in the same period historically, reaching 111.21 billion yuan.
According to China Railway Nanning Group, on April 17, the first day of the Guangxi "San Yue San" holiday, the railway network transported a record 874,800 passengers, setting a new single-day record for passenger volume.
Internationally, the Director of the International Monetary Fund's European Department, Alfred Kammer, warned on April 17 that if energy supply disruptions resulting from Middle East conflicts persist, economic growth in the European Union would slow in 2025 and 2026, while inflation would rise. He indicated that tighter monetary policy could push the EU economy "close to recession."
On the same day, former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that unless a long-term agreement to end the war is reached with Iran by April 22, he may not extend the ceasefire, suggesting that the U.S. might "start dropping bombs again." He made these comments to reporters aboard Air Force One, adding that the U.S. would continue its blockade of Iranian ports.
Iranian media reported on April 18 that a military spokesperson declared Iran had restored its previous level of control over the Strait of Hormuz due to the U.S. "repeatedly breaking its commitments." The spokesperson stated the strait is now under the strict management and control of Iranian armed forces. Following negotiations, Iran had agreed in good faith to allow a limited number of tankers and commercial vessels to pass in an orderly manner. However, the U.S. was accused of continuing "maritime plunder under the pretext of a blockade."
The U.S. Department of Energy's Strategic Petroleum Reserve Project Management Office announced on April 17 that it would lend more than 26 million barrels of crude oil from the reserve to nine oil companies. This marks the third release of reserves by the Trump administration since the start of U.S.-Israel-Iran hostilities on February 28, aimed at stabilizing oil prices.
The U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control issued a general license on April 17, extending temporary relief measures on sanctions against Russian oil. The authorization permits transactions involving the sale, delivery, and unloading of Russian crude or petroleum products that were already loaded, valid from April 17 to May 16, Eastern Time. The U.S. had previously prohibited such activities under domestic laws or executive orders. A similar license was issued on March 12 to mitigate the impact on energy markets from disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian media also reported on April 18 that the country's civil aviation authority announced the reopening of part of its airspace and several airports. Eastern air routes have been reopened to international flights, and airport operations will gradually resume to provide passenger services to the Iranian public.
Citing data from Eurostat, TASS reported on April 17 that the European Union's imports of Russian natural gas totaled 1.7 billion euros from January to February 2026, a 50% decrease compared to the same period in 2025. Purchases of Russian pipeline gas amounted to approximately 693 million euros, while liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports were around 1.007 billion euros.
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