Amid optimism towards recovery of the global steel market, Taiwan-based China Steel Corp. (CSC), the island’s largest steelmaker by size, is widely expected by market observers to raise its nominal prices of domestically-sold steel for Q4 on August 26, when the firm will announce new prices. The reported expectation for higher steel prices to be charged by CSC in Q4 than in Q3 makes sense, giv...

The U.S.-based Garden Media Group, a gardening market research firm, has issued its 2014 Garden Trends Report that pulls together findings from global market research firms, consumer media and experts within the home and garden industry to summarize several trends among consumers in the country, including growing concerns about responsible food waste management; increasing willingness to grow ed...

With occasional reports of food shortage resulting from climate change and tainted foods as well as people more aware of the importance of healthy lifestyle and food, edible gardening or growing one's own fruits and vegetables has emerged as a focal point for consumers and backyard gardeners in developed countries, a trend confirmed by not just market observers, but also European governments. ...

Lighting has always been regarded indispensable in any worthwhile gardening setting, especially when “Garden-tainment” has emerged as the latest trend among consumers who are looking for new ways to jazz up social activities in residences. The term "Garden-tainment" is coined by market observers to depict the consumer trend for moving parties outside from the home, as well as a way to person...

Gardening is increasingly associated with a healthy lifestyle, according to the "2015 Garden Trends Report” issued by Garden Media Group that says “People (in the U.S.) see both outdoor and indoor spaces as extensions of themselves and are making conscious decisions to use plants and garden products as tools to increase their overall well-being, lead a sustainable lifestyle and make positive impa...

Mainly used on farms to minimize labor input and raise efficiency, irrigate, harvest and help enhance profits, with smaller versions also used for gardening and landscaping, agricultural machinery and equipment continue to gain popularity all over the world, especially when crop production has become an exigent issue among global governments amid the steadily growing global population, particular...

While many people, especially in developing nations, may raise eyebrows at news of seemingly extravagant treatment of pets in the West, with dog owners willing to pay for pet lodging during their absence and even workouts at a gym for pets, the existence of such markets and the prospect of their further growths remains promising in many countries, especially in developed countries as the U.S., wh...

Outdoor furniture was once generally regarded as inexpensive furnishings with monotonous, frumpy styles and often distasteful tones, but no longer. Today alfresco furniture can have the same features as indoor furniture, mostly thanks to ever more consumers' changing lifestyles and entertaining habits, which inspire them to turn outdoor spaces into living areas as lavish, relaxing as indoor space...

Alongside the rising trends of leisure gardening, outdoor socializing in gardens, and outdoor activities, consumers are inevitably looking for ways to decorate and add chic to their gardens and backyards, which will also fuel growth of the segment for various garden ornaments, accessories and decorative hardware. Among the notable gardening trends identified by Garden Media Group, a garden mar...

Impacted by steadily shrinking exports and local economy battered by a slowing Chinese economy, recent upheavals in the Chinese stock market, dropping oil and commodity prices, Taiwan’s industrial production index (IPI) continuously dropped by 1.35 percent year-on-year (YoY) to 106.42 in June, albeit having inched up only 0.02 percent over May, according to the latest report issued by the Ministr...