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Shanghai sees surge in imported fruit sales ahead of Spring Festival

China

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China

Shanghai sees surge in imported fruit sales ahead of Spring Festival

2025-01-04 18:24 Last Updated At:21:37

As the Spring Festival approaches, Shanghai's imported fruit market is experiencing a surge in sales, marking the start of its peak season.

The Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar New Year, falls on Jan. 29 this year. The holiday atmosphere gradually builds during the last lunar month of the year, with consumption surging across many fields as people prepare for the grand traditional festival.

A surge in demand for imported fruits like Chilean cherries has turned one wholesale market into a hub of activity, with vendors working 16-hour days to process the constant stream of orders.

"This year, the supply of Chilean cherries is abundant, and prices are slightly lower compared to previous years. Approximately 3,000 tons are supplied daily, and the sales peak is expected to last until the Spring Festival," said Wang Xianjian, a market management staff member.

In addition to cherries, the sales of imported citrus fruits, grapes, blueberries, and other items are also on the rise. Foreign suppliers are now a common sight in these markets, working closely with local vendors to ensure that their products are readily available to customers.

"It's amazing. In this market you can sell over 100 containers per day. So, our idea is to keep growing in the future and to provide to China more and more," said Victor Villagra, a Chilean merchant.

Shanghai sees surge in imported fruit sales ahead of Spring Festival

Shanghai sees surge in imported fruit sales ahead of Spring Festival

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New York imposes first ever congestion pricing plan in U.S.

2025-01-06 14:25 Last Updated At:14:37

A congestion pricing plan covering Lower and Midtown Manhattan in New York took effect on Sunday, making the New York City the first U.S. city to implement such a plan.

Vehicles will be tolled once a day for entering the congestion relief zone with the amount depending on the type of vehicle, time of day, whether any crossing credits apply, and the method of payment with discounts and exemptions applicable to certain drivers or vehicles, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) said in a statement posted on the official website.

During rush hours, namely 05:00 to 21:00, on weekdays, cars and light commercial vehicles will be charged 9 U.S. dollars. The fee will drop to 2.25 U.S. dollars during regular time period.

For New York City taxis and rideshare vehicles that either enter, exit, or travel within the congestion zone, the fare will be passed on to passengers, ranging from 0.75 to 1.50 U.S. dollars. The plan also offers discounts for low-income drivers, while vehicles for individuals with disabilities, emergency vehicles, buses, and certain government vehicles will be exempt from the fee.

The tolls would be adjusted upward in 2028 and 2031 as regulators phase out 40 percent of discounts offered at the beginning.

It is estimated that the congestion pricing plan would drive down the number of vehicles entering the congestion relief zone by 10 percent. The MTA is expected to add one billion U.S. dollars of revenues each year to fund its capital spending plan of as much as 15 billion U.S. dollars, according to the MTA statement.

New York imposes first ever congestion pricing plan in U.S.

New York imposes first ever congestion pricing plan in U.S.

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