China’s nanotechnology patents top the world: white paper
A staff member works at a nanotechnology company at the Suzhou Industrial Park in Suzhou, East China“s Jiangsu province, Nov 12, 2024. BEIJING – China accounts for 43 percent of…
The Cannabis Retailers Survival Guide: Managing Overhead, Margins, Employees, and Vendors
Executive Summary (TL;DR) Cannabis retail is a low-margin, high-compliance business across the U.S. Winners design for regulatory fit first—zoning, buffers, local authorization/zoning compatibility letters, conditional approvals, and accessibility—then optimize labor,…
EU Strips Putin of Trade Funding, Annihilates Deficit with Russia
From an all-time high trade deficit with Russia to zero in just three years. Said and delivered After Russia invasion, imports from Ukraine fell off a cliff, while Russian exports…
Introduction to Hydrocarbon Extraction
Executive Summary (TL;DR) Hydrocarbon extraction (butane/propane blends) is the dominant method for premium concentrates because it preserves terpenes and yields diverse textures (shatter, badder, live resin). Success hinges on real…
Yiwu factories net early orders for World Cup merchandise
People shop at the Yiwu International Trade Market in Yiwu, East China“s Zhejiang province, May 16, 2025. HANGZHOU – Even with nearly a year to go before the 2026 World…
Cannabis Startup Guide: From First Idea to First Sale
Executive Summary (TL;DR) Treat cannabis as a compliance-first, capital-intensive industry. Your first job is regulatory fit: confirm zoning, buffers, local authorization (zoning compatibility letter), and—if required—CUP (Conditional Use Permit) before…
Hong Kong’s crop of green bonds, ESG funds flourishes under mainland China’s climate push
Hong Kong was responsible for nearly half of the green bonds issued in Asia in 2024 and saw a surge in sustainability-related funds, as strong demand from regional mainland governments…
Consumer Trend Changes: Impacts on Cannabis Business Operator Business Models and Product Offerings
Executive Summary (TL;DR) Consumer trends are reshaping margins and mix. Value-tier growth, convenience formats (pre-rolls, vapes), and low-dose occasions (beverages/edibles) require SKU rationalization, price-pack architecture, and disciplined promotions. Real estate…
UBTECH plans Middle East mega factory after $1 billion Infini Capital deal · TechNode
Chinese tech firm UBTECH Robotics announced Monday that it had signed a $1 billion strategic financing agreement with global investment firm Infini Capital. Under the agreement, Infini Capital’s high-tech fund…
Youdao expands beyond education with AI-powered products
Youdao CEO Zhou Feng delivers a keynote speech at the company“s product launch ceremony. Youdao, the online education arm of Chinese tech firm NetEase, is widening its business horizons with…