Supportive macroeconomic policies, improved financial conditions fuelled by optimism about the potential impact of new technologies and rising Al-enabling investment have helped underpin demand, cushioning the headwinds from elevated policy uncertainty and rising barriers to
trade.

The full effects of higher tariffs have yet to be felt, but are becoming increasingly visible in spending choices, business costs and consumer prices, especially in the United States. Global trade growth moderated in the second quarter. There are also signs of weakening labour demand, as job openings have fallen back to their prepandemic levels of 2019.

The Outlook highlights a range of risks, including further increases in trade barriers. Weaker-thanexpected growth, lower-than-expected returns from net Al investment, or upside inflation surprises could all trigger widespread risk repricing in financial markets, given stretched asset valuations and optimism about corporate earnings.

Central banks should remain vigilant and react promptly to shifts in the balance of risks to price stability. Provided inflation expectations remain well anchored, policy rate reductions should continue in economies in which inflation is projected to moderate or remain subdued.

The high price volatility of crypto-assets and the growing interconnectedness of non-bank financial institutions with the traditional financial system also raise financial stability risks.

Fiscal discipline is needed to ensure longerterm debt sustainability and maintain the ability to react to future shocks. Stronger efforts to contain and reallocate spending, improve public sector efficiency and optimise revenues will be important for debt burdens to remain manageable. Spending and tax choices should focus on the need to strengthen sustainable economic growth while targeting support towards those in need.

Source: IMF, World Economic Outlook Update, July 2026

Note: For India, data and projections are presented on a fiscal year (FY) basis, with FY 2025/26 (starting in April 2025) shown in the 2025 column. India's growth projections are 7.0 percent for 2026 and 6.4 percent for 2027 based on calendar year.

China's Manufacturing PMI Drops to 50 in May

he purchasing managers' index (PMI) for China's manufacturing sector stood at 50 in May 2026, down 0.3 percentage points from the previous month, official data showed.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below 50 reflects contraction.

This sector saw sustained expansion in manufacturing output and a softening in market demand in May. The production subindex came in at 51.2, while the new orders index stood at 49.9, according to data jointly released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing.

The development momentum of new growth drivers continued to improve in May,said Huo Lihui, a chief statistician at the NBS, explaining that the PMI for high-tech manufacturing and equipment manufacturing stood at 52.9 percent and 52.1 percent, respectively, up 0.7 and 0.3 percentage points from the previous month.

The PMI for high-tech manufacturing, notably, has remained in the expansion zone for 16 consecutive months, with related sectors maintaining sound growth momentum, and the leading role of new growth drivers continuing to emerge, Huo said.

Huo noted that the PMI for large enterprises was at 51.1 percent in May, an increase of 0.9 percentage points from April, and has remained in the expansion zone since the beginning of this year.

China's NEV Output, Sales Report Steady Growth in May

hina's new energy vehicle (NEV) output and sales posted double-digit year-on-year growth in May, industry data showed recently.

NEV output rose 22.4 percent year on year to 1.554 million units, while sales increased 14.4 percent to 1.496 million units, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM).

NEVs accounted for 56.9 percent of total new car sales in May, further climbing from the previous month.

Overall, automobile output and sales in May stood at 2.616 million and 2.629 million units, expanding on a monthly basis but falling slightly year on year, with the decline narrowing further.

In the first five months, auto output and sales totaled 12.235 million and 12.207 million units, with NEV output and sales reaching 5.841 million and 5.802 million units, up 2.5 percent and 3.5 percent year on year.

Industry insiders noted that the domestic market has seen surging NEV demand in contrast to cooler fuel-car sales. Chen Shihua, deputy secretary-general of CAAM, attributed the trend to high oil prices that raise the operating costs of fuel cars and highlight NEVs' economic appeal.

Domestic automakers'deep investment in innovation has driven rapid iteration of new NEV models to meet diverse consumer needs, he added.

Vehicle exports continued to surge. In May, China exported 930,000 vehicles, up 68.7 percent year on year, including 446,000 NEVs, which more than doubled from a year earlier. In the first five months, vehicle exports reached 4.059 million units, up 63 percent, with NEV exports at 1.833 million units, also more than doubling

The strong overseas performance of China's NEVs reflects the upgrading and rising comprehensive strength of China's auto industry, underpinned by policy guidance and industrial synergy, Chen said.

"China has a complete and efficient NEV supply chain with prominent scale effects and strong risk-resistance capability," he said. "At the same time, smart features such as in-car systems, autonomous driving, and cabin interaction are iterating rapidly, continuously adapting to overseas user needs and boosting product competitiveness."

China's NEV Passenger Car Exports More than Double in May

hina's exports of new energy passenger vehicles (NEVs) surged 112.6 percent from a year earlier in May, reaching a total of 424,000 units, industry association data showed.

In April, exports rose 4.4 percent compared with April 2026 and accounted for 54.1 percent of total passenger vehicle shipments abroad, up 9.5 percentage points from a year earlier, according to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA).

Battery electric vehicles accounted for 59.3 percent of NEV exports, down from 66.1 percent a year earlier. Small-sized A00 and A0-class electric cars made up 53.8 percent of battery electric vehicle exports in May, compared with 50.7 percent in the same month last year.

Exports have become the main engine of growth for China's auto sector, as weak domestic consumption continues to weigh on the broader market. Chinese carmakers have pushed deeper into markets such as Latin America and Europe, helping offset softer demand in the Middle East and keeping export volumes growing strongly, the CPCA said.

Supported by China's mature electric vehicle supply chain and the growing competitiveness of its NEV brands, exports have continued to expand across both premium and mass-market segments, supporting overall industry stability.

The CPCA noted that momentum for a broader recovery in China's auto market will remain limited in June, with the industry expected to maintain a modest recovery trend.

Gem-Year Industrial Forecasts Sharp Profit Surge for First Half of 2026

eading fastener manufacturer Gem-Year Industrial released its half-year earnings forecast for 2026, projecting a substantial rise in first-half performance with year-on-year growth in net profit attributable to parent company peaking at nearly 88%, alongside steady improvement in core business profitability.

According to the forecast, net profit attributable to shareholders of the listed company for the first six months of 2026 is estimated to range from RMB 185 million to RMB 220 million. Compared with RMB 117 million recorded in the same period last year, this represents a year-on-year increase of 57.67% to 87.50%, translating to an incremental profit of RMB 67.67 million to RMB 103 million.

Meanwhile, the quality of core operations continues to improve. Nonrecurring gain-adjusted net profit is expected to hit RMB 160 million to RMB 190 million, growing 40.36% to 66.67% year-on-year, versus RMB 114 million in the prior-year period.

Gem-Year Industrial outlined key drivers behind the anticipated strong earnings growth. Benefiting from fulfilled orders in its rail transit segment, the company secured bulk supply contracts for multiple high-speed railway routes during the reporting period. Robust sales growth of railway fastener products formed the primary pillar of profit expansion.

In addition, the company capitalizes on growth momentum within the new energy vehicle industry by expanding its presence in the niche market of new energy vehicle fasteners, delivering steady revenue growth for relevant product lines.

On internal operations, the firm keeps advancing refined management. It optimizes product mix and implements cost control initiatives. Coupled with lower inventory costs, these measures have driven a notable year-on-year improvement in core business profits

Asset restructuring further lifted profitability. To revitalize assets, optimize resource allocation, boost asset operational efficiency and cut redundant administrative expenses, Gem-Year Industrial completed the transfer of 100% equity in its wholly-owned subsidiary Quanzhou Gem-Year Logistics Co., Ltd., recognizing corresponding investment gains that further bolstered first-half earnings.

With long-standing expertise in high-end fasteners, Gem-Year Industrial supplies products widely deployed in high-speed railways, urban rail transit, automobile manufacturing and other key sectors.

The upbeat half-year earnings forecast underscores the company's entrenched leading position in the traditional rail transit market and validates the growth potential of its emerging new energy vehicle business. Supported by internal cost optimization and asset restructuring, the group's overall profitability and operational quality maintain an upward trajectory.

Global Investors Bullish on China's Tech Sector

G lobal investors remain optimistic about China's technology sector, citing attractive market valuations and continued advances in artificial intelligence, while stressing that careful stock selection remains key.

The UBS Chief Investment Office stated that China's policy support is accelerating rotation within the technology sector. It noted China's plans to invest roughly 2 trillion yuan ($295 billion) over the next five years to build a nationwide network of Al data centers, with the goal of sourcing at least 80 percent of its core infrastructure, including Al chips, from domestic suppliers.

"This should support demand in areas such as semiconductor equipment, foundry services, packaging and testing, as well as servers, memory and networking equipment," the UBS statement read.

"We believe this suggests that the current trend is more likely to be a structural uptrend rather than a mere cyclical rebound."

Within the global Al landscape, UBS is bullish on Chinese semiconductor equipment manufacturers and semiconductor companies — its top two priority sub-sectors within the Chinese technology sector — followed by hardware. The bank believes these sectors should continue to benefit from increased investment in Al infrastructure and the policy-driven trend toward domestic substitution.

In a report released on June 19, Standard Chartered's wealth solutions global chief investment office said it favors China for the valuation re-rating potential.

"China continues to be attractively valued, as tech innovation there keeps up with Al developments. The country's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) has identified 'Al plus' as a priority, empowering all sectors of the economy," said David Leung, head of wealth solutions at Standard Chartered China.

"At the same time, China's successful shift toward renewable energy in recent years, combined with ample energy capacity, provides a reliable energy supply for data centers — which consume vast amounts of electricity — thereby giving the country a competitive edge in the Al race," Leung added.

Standard Chartered is shifting to a more pro-risk stance in China, given the broader market re-rating potential. Technology and communication services remain overweight, driven by domestic chip self-reliance and Al monetization.

According to the report, utilities have been upgraded to neutral on improving power demand dynamics and policy support.

Chinese Taiwan Fastener Exports Drop Below 90,000 Tonnes in May 2026

atest industrial statistics show that amid sluggish global industrial demand, mounting trade barriers imposed by Europe and the United States, and intensifying industrial chain competition, fastener exports from Chinese Taiwan have sustained a downward trend. Cumulative exports saw a sharp year-on-year decline in the January-April period, with shipments slumping further in May, leaving the industry facing severe operational headwinds.

Statistics reveal that Chinese Taiwan exported a total of 363,000 tonnes of fasteners from January to April 2026, representing an 11.15% year-on-year drop. Monthly breakdowns show March

exports hit 95,990 tonnes valued at US$352 million, with export volume plummeting 21.46% year-on-year and export value falling15.67% year-on-year. Though March shipment volume and value edged up month-on-month from February driven by short-term restocking demand from downstream clients, the upward blip failed to reverse the full-year downward trajectory.

By product category, shipments of core standard fasteners including bolts, nuts, self-tapping screws and wood screws all registered year-on-year contractions. Only copper fasteners recorded a more than 20% year-on-year price hike, partially offsetting revenue pressures across the sector.

Market conditions deteriorated further in May, with monthly fastener exports falling to 89,000 tonnes, slipping below the 90,000-tonne threshold. Combined data puts cumulative fastener exports from Chinese Taiwan at 452,000 tonnes for January-May 2026, reflecting sustained contraction in purchasing appetite among overseas end-users and persistently weak shipment momentum across the industry.

Multiple adverse factors are weighing heavily on export performance. First, steep US steel and aluminium tariffs continue to deal a heavy blow to the sector. The United States has long remained Chinese Taiwan's top export destination for fasteners, accounting for over 40% of total export tonnage. Heavy tariffs enforced under Section232 have forced US importers to draw down inventories and shift purchase orders to Mexico, India, Southeast Asia and other regions, diverting massive volumes of standard fastener orders away from Taiwan, China.

Second, demand across European markets has shrunk markedly. A rising number of corporate bankruptcies in core EU industrial economies such as Germany have drastically dampened procurement willingness in fastener downstream sectors including machinery manufacturing, automotive production and construction.

Furthermore, competition among global fastener manufacturers has intensified. Fastener producers in mainland China have captured mid-to-low-end European and American markets leveraging complete supply chains and cost advantages, while newly built fastener production capacity in India and Southeast Asia continues to come online and siphon off overseas orders. Coupled with persistently high costs of international energy and wire rod raw materials, manufacturers' profit margins on orders have been squeezed relentlessly, leading producers to curtail shipment volumes voluntarily and drag down overall export figures.

Faced with the grim industry outlook, the Taiwan Fastener Industrial Association (TiFl) has put forward a roadmap for industrial transformation as a response. Association officials stated that the sector must break free from cutthroat competition centred on low-priced standard fasteners and prioritise the development of high-value special fasteners for electric vehicles, aerospace, medical equipment and other fields. Meanwhile, enterprises should diversify their global market footprint to reduce over-reliance on the European and American markets. They also need to accelerate the digitalisation of manufacturing and upgrade to eco-friendly production lines to comply with non-tariff barriers such as EU carbon border adjustment mechanisms and environmental regulations, bolstering long-term global competitiveness.

Industry analysts comment that there are no clear signs of a near-term recovery in European and American demand, and various trade restrictions will remain in place for the foreseeable future. As such, export pressures on Taiwan, China's fastener industry will linger in the short run. Accelerating industrial upgrading toward high-end products and expanding global market reach will stand as the core avenues for the sector to overcome its challenges.

Saudi Vehicle Imports Surge to 1.9mln in 2 Years, with China Emerging Leading Supplier

he Saudi Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority data showed that vehicle imports to Saudi Arabia reached around 959,403 units by 2025.

Saudi Arabia imported approximately 1.9 million vehicles over the last two years, with China emerging as one of the leading suppliers to the Saudi automotive market.

These developments coincide with the country's ongoing efforts to enhance the value of its local supply chain and reduce dependence on vehicle imports, according to Al-Arabiya.net report.

The Saudi Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA)data showed that vehicle imports to Saudi Arabia reached around 959,403 units by 2025, further expanding the Kingdom's already substantial automotive market, which ranks among the largest globally.

The data also revealed that vehicle imports to Saudi Arabia reached approximately 942,118 units in 2024, with China identified as the leading source of vehicles imported into the Kingdom during the past two years.

In a related development, ZATCA reported that Japanese vehicle imports ranked second after China, followed by India, Thailand, and South Korea. The United States occupied sixth place, reflecting a notable decline in the presence of American vehicles within the Saudi automotive market.

The Saudi automotive market continues to maintain its global standing, ranking among the top 20 markets worldwide. According to a government report, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries account for more than half of the Kingdom's car sales.

Saudi Arabia has implemented a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening the flexibility of its supply chain and reducing reliance on imported vehicles. Central to these efforts is the establishment of the King Salman Automotive Complex within the King Abdullah Economic City Special Economic Zone, dedicated to automotive manufacturing activities.

The complex serves as a major hub for both local and international automotive companies, notably hosting the factory of Seer, the Kingdom's first electric vehicle brand, and Lucid Motors, which inaugurated its first international factory in King Abdullah Economic City in 2023.

South Korea Launches Anti-Dumping Probe Into Chinese Alloy Steel Wire Rods

n May 7, 2026, the Korea Trade Commission issued an official notice (Case No. 23-2025- 10), announcing the launch of an anti-dumping investigation targeting alloy steel wire rods originating in China, following an application filed by two local manufacturers: SeAH Besteel Co., Ltd. and SeAH Changwon Specialty Steel Co., Ltd.

The dumping investigation covers the period from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, while the injury investigation spans January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2025.

The products under investigation refer to rolled or forged alloy steel bars and rods excluding iron, carbon steel and stainless steel. They fall under the following Korean HS tariff codes:

7214.10.0000, 7214.30.0000, 7214.91.0000, 7214.99.1000, 7214.99.9000,

7215.10.0000, 7215.50.0000, 7215.90.0000,

7228.10.0000, 7228.20.0000, 7228.30.1000, 7228.30.9000,

7228.40.1000, 7228.40.9000, 7228.50.0000, 7228.60.9000.

Unless an extension of up to two months is granted separately, a preliminary determination is expected to be issued within three months from the date of case initiation.

All interested parties are required to complete response registration within three weeks from the release date of the notice.

South Korean Auto Supplier to Open First U.S. Facility in Alabama

outh Korean automotive supplier Kamtec Auto USA announced plans to open its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Auburn, Alabama. The company expects the $9.2 million project, which will provide advanced technical components for engine control and electric management in hybrid vehicles, to create about 50 jobs over the next three years.

Kamtec will initially operate from a leased facility in Auburn before relocating into a new manufacturing facility that Seohan Auto USA plans to build. Established in 2001, Kamtec is an affiliate of the Seoul-based Seohan Group, which has operated in Auburn since 2007.

"This is a win for Alabama and a great example of how automotive manufacturers in our state create opportunities for our communities by capturing follow-up investments by their suppliers,"Alabama Secretary of Commerce Ellen McNair said.

Kamtec Auto USA President Chang-Yeong Seo said Auburn's proximity to Hyundai Motor's plant in Montgomery and Kia's plant in West Point, Georgia, will allow the company to manufacture and supply its products locally for the U.S. market.

"We look forward to partnering with Auburn University to identify talent for our technical positions,"Seo said."We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of the City of Auburn and the State of Alabama. Our goal is to contribute to the balanced, sustainable growth of our customers, partners, employees and the communities in which we operate."

Makita Group Announces the Acquisition of Panasonic Group' s Power Tool Business

Dower tool maker Makita announced that it plans to acquire the power tool business of fellow Japanese manufacturer Panasonic.

Panasonic created a new division, known as Electric Works Company, to house its power tool business prior to the sale. Under the agreement, Panasonic will transfer all shares of the power tool business to Electric Works, then transfer those shares to Makita Corporation.

Pending regulatory approval, Makita will acquire all product development, manufacturing and sales of Panasonic's power tool products business, including factory and construction fastening equipment and factory-related loT solutions. The segment includes some 31,000 employees.

Transaction details were not disclosed.

Panasonic

Panasonic has been in the power tools business since 1979 and launched Japan's first cordless power tool that year. The company is also responsible for the first impact driver equipped with a brushless motor in 2004, an impact driver with a torque control function in 2008, and a torque measurement impact wrench in 2021. In recent years, the business has focused on the electrical construction market while expanding into the assembly and manufacturing market.

Panasonic said it is making the move to focus on its electrical equipment and digital technologies businesses. The company said it faced challenges making investments at the scale and speed required to grow the power

tools unit. The company said it believes the best way to accelerate growth is to combine Makita's operational capabilities with the combined technological prowess of Panasonic and Makita.

Panasonic plans to complete the establishment of the successor company, the transfer of the business, and the share transfer procedures during its 2027 fiscal year, which ends March 31, 2027.

In the fiscal year that ended March 31, 2025, Makita reported a consolidated revenue of ¥753.1 billion, about 4.7 billion. During the same period, Panasonic's power tools business reported a little more than ¥1 trillion in consolidated revenue, or about7.1 billion USD.

GTRI Seeks Withdrawal of Fastener Quality Norms Amid MSME Concerns

he Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has urged the government to withdraw Quality Control Orders (QCOs) on fasteners, warning that the regulations are increasing costs, reducing supply, and disrupting manufacturing operations without delivering clear quality benefits.

According to GTRI, the current framework imposes a rigid 'one-product-one-licence' model on an industry that operates with high product variation and small-batch production, creating duplication, delays, and compliance challenges.

Critical Input Across Multiple Sectors

Fasteners, including bolts, nuts, screws, washers, rivets, and studs, are used across sectors such as automobiles, construction, machinery, electronics, railways, aerospace, and infrastructure.

While they account for less than 1 percent of production costs, shortages can disrupt assembly lines and delay projects.

GTRI has warned that the QCO regime is already affecting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) output and may create wider supply bottlenecks across key sectors.

Compliance Costs Rise For Manufacturers

Under the current norms, manufacturers require separate Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for multiple product variants based on size, grade, and coating, significantly increasing compliance costs.

The President of Fastener Manufacturers Association of India, Narinder Bhamra suggests expenses of Rs 80,000 to Rs 1 lakh per licence, Rs 22,000 to Rs 25,000 for each variant test, and Rs 30 lakh to Rs 40 lakh for in-house laboratory facilities.

Foreign Suppliers Exit Amid Regulatory Burden

The GTRI report noted that several foreign suppliers have exited the Indian market due to rising compliance requirements, enabling certified suppliers to raise prices and contributing to shortages of specialised fasteners.

Shaunak Rungta, Central Executive Committee Member, Federation of Indian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (FISME), said certain specialised products such as drywall and chipboard screws are not currently available in India, leaving manufacturers with limited sourcing options. He added that despite recommendations from the Gauba Committee to remove the QCO and findings from the Directorate General of Trade Remedies that found no evidence of dumping from China, the policy remains in place.

Trade Curbs May Hurt Make In India Push

India exported fasteners worth USD 882.3 million while importing USD 1.13 billion worth of specialised fasteners, highlighting a two-way trade pattern based on manufacturing capabilities rather than import dependence. GTRI said unrestricted and efficient trade in fasteners is critical, as regulatory bottlenecks for such low-cost but essential inputs could raise manufacturing costs and impact India's competitiveness under the 'Make in India' initiative.

Malaysia Shifts EV Strategy: From Import Market to Local Manufacturing Hub

M in ml cm market

Against the backdrop ofaggressive price cuts and global overcapacity, the government has tightened its investment framework for EV manufacturers, requiring export-oriented output, deeper local assembly including body, paint, and trim operations, and a minimum on-the-road price for locally assembled EVs, so that foreign investment delivers tangible industrial value rather than just volume sales.

EU Carbon Price to Rise to E185 by 2035, Pushing Steel and Aluminum Carbon Costs Higher

loombergNEF's latest forecast suggests that carbon prices under the EU Emissions Trading System could surge to around E185 per ton by 2035. The average price is projected at about E86 per ton in 2026 and E142 per ton by 2031, indicating that carbon pricing will become a major cost driver for high-emission industries such as steel and aluminum.

The EU is tightening emission caps and cutting free allowance allocations for hard-to-abate sectors covered by CBAM, including steel, cement and aluminum, which will sharply raise carbon-cost exposure for these products. In 2024, iron and steel alone accounted for around 70% of CBAM-covered imports, primarily sourced from China, Turkey, India and the UK.

If companies fail to verify and report their actual emissions and instead rely on the European Commission's conservatively high default values, import costs for steel from certain countries could rise by tens of percentage points; in extreme cases, these default obligations may approach E500 per ton by 2030-equivalent to the steel product price itself-forcing exporters to strengthen carbon inventory and secure EU-recognized certifications to remain competitive in the European market.

Würth Continues on Growth Trajectory

he Würth Group is building on its successful 2025 fiscal year: In a still challenging economic environment, the globally operating Würth Group generated sales of EUR 10.9 billion in the first six months of 2026. This corresponds to sales growth of 4.3 percent (currency-adjusted: + 5.2 percent). The Group's operating result even outperformed expectations, reaching EUR 515 million and thus standing 8.4 percent above the previous year's level (2025: EUR 475 million).

"It is encouraging that we have been able to maintain the growth momentum from the first four months of 2026. This shows that our sales approach is the right fit for our customers: Our field sales representatives provide personal advice on complex requirements, while digital solutions make procurement even easier for our customers. Through this approach, we deliver efficiency and real added value to our customers at every level—from a single product delivery to hands-on operational support. Despite disrupted supply chains, our 4.5 million customers worldwide can rely on us. Würth delivers," said Robert Friedmann, Chairman of the Central Management Board of the Würth Group, commenting on the positive result.

Sales remains the key driver of the Würth Group's success. Around 44,000 of its current 86,700 employees worldwide work in this area. This means Würth has kept its number of employees stable since the end of 2025. At the same time, e-business continues to gain importance, accounting for 25.3 percent of the Würth Group's total sales volume.

The economic environment remains challenging: Rising energy prices, geopoliticaluncertainty,and subdued industrial activity, especially in Germany, are acting as a drag. Globally, however, the Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) is signaling moderate growth at 52.2 points—an environment from which the Würth Group benefits thanks to its global presence. The Electronics eiSos and Chemicals units in particular are developing very dynamically. The fastening technology segment (Arnold Group) is also showing signs of recovery. Further positive growth momentum is coming from regions outside Germany, particularly in Eastern Europe and South America.

Orderintake in recent months provides confidence that the Group's successful business performance will continue throughout the remainder of the year."We have the scale, the international footprint, and the financial stability to demonstrate our competitive strength even in a demanding environment.

However, the economic development in the second half of the year will depend on the reliability of geopolitical signs of easing and the stability of key trade routes. These factors will determine future planning certainty and the companies' willingness to invest,"said Friedmann.

The Group currently employs more than 86,000 people in over 400 companies with more than 2,800 shops across 80 countries. The Group generated sales of EUR 20.7 billion and an operating result of EUR 970 million in the 2025 fiscal year. With around 8,000 employees, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG in Künzelsau, Germany, is the largest single company in the Würth Group.

Bossard Sales for the First Quarter 2026 Up 0.6%

he Bossard Group's sales developed positively in an economically stabilizing but geopolitically tense environment. Despite the appreciation of the Swiss franc, which had a negative impact on sales development, sales in the first quarter of 2026 increased by 0.6 percent to CHF 284.9 million (prior year: CHF 283.3 million). In local currency, a promising growth of 6.5 percent was recorded.

The positive development in demand was evident in all three market regions and contributed to a further stabilization of business performance in the first quarter. The current geopolitical tensions have so far not materially affected the Bossard Group's business activities, enabling to maintain consistently high deliverability. Thanks to its globally diversified procurement and distribution structure, the Group was able to respond in a targeted manner to changing geopolitical conditions.

Stabilization in Europe

In Europe, the Group achieved sales growth of 0.4 percent to CHF 177.9 million in the first quarter (in local currency: +2.7 percent). In addition to the economic stabilization already observed in the second half of 2025, the aerospace, railway, electronic and mechanical engineering sectors recorded positive growth rates.

Stable growth in America

In the first quarter, sales in America increased by 1.8 percent to CHF 60.8 million (in local currency: +15.6 percent). The growth observed since the third quarter of the prior year continued. The mechanical engineering and medical technology sectors, as well as agricultural machinery and electromobility, had a positive impact on sales development. Conversely, the significant appreciation of the Swiss franc against the US dollar had an adverse effect on sales performance.

Continued demand dynamics in Asia

In Asia, sales declined by 0.4 percent to CHF 46.2 million, while in local currency sales increased by 11.1 percent. This indicates that the broad-based, double-digit sales growth in local currency recorded over the past two years has persisted. In India, Bossard continued to benefit from the "Make in India" initiative, and in Malaysia, capacity expansions by global manufacturers - particularly in the semiconductor and electronics industries – had a positive impact. The appreciation of the Swiss franc against Asian currencies also resulted in a negative currency effect in this region.

Outlook

The future development of the economic environment is currently difficult to predict. The latest economic trends give reason for cautious optimism. Still, increasing geopolitical uncertainties and trade policy tensions continue to keep the market environment volatile, with impacts that cannot yet be foreseen. Under these conditions, Bossard expects a subdued level of economic demand in the first half of 2026. The Group continues to adhere to the communicated medium-term financial targets and to the consistent implementation of Strategy 200.

Vossloh to Supply Railway Project in Tanzania

ossloh is supplying turnouts and fastening systems for the construction of a new railway line in Tanzania. The route will connect the city of Dar es Salaam on the east coast with Lake Victoria in the interior of the country. Vossloh has been awarded the contract for sections 3 and 4. The value of the contracts amounts to approximately 30 million euros.

The Makutupora-Tabora and Tabora-Isaka sections cover a distance of 424 kilometers. For these sections, Vossloh is supplying approximately 130 turnouts and 840,000 sleeper sets for rail fastening. The turnouts will be manufactured in Ystad, Sweden, while the fastening systems are delivered from Vossloh's “Factory of the Future" in Werdohl, Germany.

The line is being built by the construction group Yapi Merkezi on behalf of the Tanzania Railways Corporation. It is part of a comprehensive project to establish an electrified standard-gauge rail system in Tanzania. The aim is to significantly reduce travel times and, in the long term, connect neighboring countries to strengthen regional trade.

"This ambitious rail project is a driver of development for East Africa," says Oliver Schuster, CEO of Vossloh AG. "We are proud to contribute to this important undertaking."

Italy's Poggipolini Acquires Majority Stake in Aero Fasteners

POGGIPOLINI

talian company Poggipolini Group has acquired a majority stake in Aero Fasteners, an Indian company specialising in the manufacturing of fastening systems for the aeronautics, space and defence sectors, the companies said in a statement.

The deal marks Poggipolini Group's official entry into Indian aerospace and defence manufacturing ecosystem. It will expand the group's footprint in the Asia-Pacific region.

"India is a strategic market in our long-term growth journey, as it allows us to serve even better our customers who are increasingly investing in the country, in line with theMake in India policy promoted by the Government of India," said Michele Poggipolini, chief executive officer, Poggipolini Group.

The partnership will focus on strengthening local capabilities to design and manufacture advanced engineered products entirely in India, according to a statement issued by the company.

The statementadded that exports will continue to represent a key pillar of growth, while the partnership will also support the rapid expansion of India' sdomestic aerospace sector.

"This collaboration will not only strengthen our technological and manufacturing capabilities but will also position us as a key player in the global aerospace supply chain," said Jasmer Lather, managing director, Aero Fasteners.

US Launches Countervailing Duty Probe Into Carbon & Alloy Steel Wire

he U.S. Department of Commerce announced the initiation of a countervailing duty investigation on carbon and alloy steel wire rods imported from Algeria, in response to a petition filed by five domestic steel producers: Charter Steel, Commercial Metals Company, Liberty Steel USA, Nucor Corporation and Optimus Steel, LLC.

The investigation covers goods classified under the following U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes: 7213.91.3011, 7213.91.3015, 7213.91.3020, 7213.91.3093, 7213.91.4500, 7213.91.6000, 7213.99.0030, 7227.20.0030, 7227.20.0080, 7227.90.6010, 7227.90.6020, 7227.90.6030,

U.S. official trade data shows that the value of U.S. imports of carbon and alloy steel wire rods from Algeria reached approximately$15.62 million in 2025.

U.S. May 2026 U.S. Cutting Tool Shipments Totaled $239.8M

Chipments of cutting tools, measured by the Cutting Tool Market Report, a collaboration between AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology and the U.S. Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI), totaled $239.8 million in May 2026.

The value of shipments decreased 7.4% from April 2026 but was up 15.2% from May 2025. Year-to-date shipments totaled $1.2 billion, up 16.8% from the same period in 2025.

The number of units shipped decreased for the second consecutive month after rising in February and March.

"Shipments dipped in May compared to the previous two months, which were very high and broke records, but were still very strong in nearly all categories reported," said Jack Burley, chairman of AMT's Cutting Tool Product Group and president of Big Daishowa, a cutting tool manufacturer. "Carbide-based tools, such as drills and end mills, showed some noticeable increases in cost per unit – a clear indication that the carbide crisis, due to the lack of raw material, has increased costs for users. The demand on the metal cutting industry to increase output has strained the already scarce supply of tungsten. I don't think we have reached the peak of higher prices for new tools yet, and this may be the right time for users to evaluate their efficiency and improve tool life."

Eli Lustgarten, president of ESL Consultants, said: "Shipments of cutting tools kept their robust upward trend in May, though it was driven by cost, reflecting material pricing and supply issues in the industry. Manufacturing activity continues to show strength, with a favorable outlook for machined-part demand among construction machinery, defense, and aerospace manufacturers. While inflation is still running hot, recent soft jobs data and falling oil prices will hopefully provide enough cushion for the Federal Reserve to keep rates steady. The U.S. economic and manufacturing outlook for the second half of 2026 looks to continue to improve, barring any geopolitical shocks."

Automation Fuels Strong Start to 2026 Manufacturing Technology Orders

ew orders of metalworking machinery, measured by the U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report published by AMT-The Association For Manufacturing Technology, totaled 593.6 million in April 2026. This was a 12.5% decline from a surprisingly strong March 2026, but a 33.2% increase from April 2025. Over the first four months of 2026, manufacturing technology orders totaled2.19 billion, a 28.9% increase over 2025.

While the value of machinery is showing strong growth, the number of units sold continues to grow at a slower pace. Average order values increased faster than inflation since the end of

the 2020 pandemic recession. The gap between average order value growth and machine tool inflation has widened in the first few months of 2026, indicating that, although some pricing pressures persist across the industry, a significant portion of the order value growth is due to additional automation being added to orders of increasingly sophisticated machinery.

Contract machine shops have generally fallen behind the market in recent years, with orders for manufacturing technology growing more slowly. That trend seems to have reversed in recent months as order growth in 2026 largely matches the market's pace. Aerospace manufacturers increased orders modestly in April 2026; however, for the second time this year, the value of orders increased more slowly than the number of units. This could indicate that aerospace manufacturers are beginning to buy less sophisticated machinery to quickly boost capacity.

The current upswing in demand for manufacturing technology began in September 2024, when interest rates began to decline, heightened political uncertainty began to subside, and IMTS 2024 opened in Chicago. Since then, capacity utilization for machinery manufacturers has steadily trended upward. With order activity already elevated and customer preferences turning toward more sophisticated machinery, the manufacturing technology industry needs to closely monitor capacity constraints to avoid a similar expansion in delivery times to that seen during the order frenzy following the recovery from the COVID-19 recession through IMTS 2022.

U.S. Machinery Industry Maintains Steady Growth in Q1

rom January to March 2026, the value-added output of the five major sectors within the machinery industry all registered year-on-year growth. General equipment manufacturing rose by 7.8%, special-purpose equipment manufacturing by 7.7%, automobile manufacturing by 5.1%, electrical machinery and equipment manufacturing by 7.3%, and measuring instrument manufacturing by 7.7%.

In terms of fixed-asset investment, general equipment manufacturing saw a 12.5% year-on-year increase; investment in special-purpose equipment manufacturing edged down by 0.4%; automobile manufacturing posted a 4.8% rise; electrical machinery and equipment manufacturing grew by 0.8%; and measuring instrument manufacturing gained 0.6%.

Among representative machinery products for the January-March period of 2026:

• The cumulative output of metal-cutting machine tools reached 210,000 units, up 3.4% year on year;

• Industrial robot output hit 238,000 sets, surging 33.2% year on year;

• Total generating unit output stood at 84.09 million kilowatts, a 15.1% year-on-year increase;

• Cumulative solar cell output amounted to 172.9 million kilowatts, falling 12.4% year on year.

Teks® Expands Metal Roofing Line with New Standing Seam Roofing Screw

eks®, a long-established innovator in metal fastening solutions, has formally announced the introduction of its Teks Standing Seam Roofing Screw, a fastener engineered specifically to meet the performance and installation demands of modern standing seam metal roof systems.

While standing seam roofing is valued for its clean appearance, durability and long service life, many installers still rely on generic fasteners sourced through metal panel suppliers, often without features designed for standing seam attachment. The new Teks Standing Seam Roofing Screw addresses that gap with a dedicated solution focused on precision, consistency and installation efficiency.

Teks Standing Seam Roofing Screws are designed expressly for attaching metal standing seam panels to wood decking and framing, delivering the precision these systems require. Compatible with both flanged and clip based standing seam systems, the screw features a low-profile pancake head that provides a flush finish, helping prevent dimpling or panel deformation while preserving the clean, modern aesthetic that define standing seam metal roofs

Installation efficiency is further supported by a sharp point tip that allows for fast starting in wood substrates and a coarse thread design that provides strong holding power for roofing applications.

Brighton Best International Buys 37 Acres in Logan Township

ndustrial investment activity continues to gain traction in South Jersey as a major supplier secures land for a new build-to-suit facility.

Brighton Best International purchased a 37-acre site at 200 Crossroads Boulevard in Logan Township for $23.5 million. The company plans to develop a 190,000-square-foot warehouse at the site.

The property was acquired from Greek Real Estate Partners, along with joint venture partners Advance Realty Investors and Torchlight Investors. Greek's inhouse construction team will lead development of the new facility.

Brighton Best International supplies fasteners, screws, and bolts to distributors nationwide. The company plans to relocate its Sayreville, New Jersey operations approximately 85 miles south to the new Logan Township facility. As a result, the move will support expanded inventory capacity and continued growth along the East Coast.

The building is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2027. Once delivered, it will occupy the final developable parcel within Logan North Industrial Park, a 2.5 million-square-foot master-planned industrial campus.

Notably, entitlements and approvals for the project are already in place. This allows construction to move forward efficiently and reduces development risk.

Initially, discussions between the parties focused on a build-to-suit lease. However, Brighton Best International later pursued a purchase. Ownership remained flexible throughout negotiations, allowing the transaction to evolve without disrupting the long-term vision for the park.

The site offers strong logistical advantages. It is located approximately two miles from the Commodore Barry Bridge and provides convenient access to the Port of Philadelphia and Philadelphia International Airport. In addition, the property sits along Route 322 with direct connectivity to Interstate 295.

Packer Fastener Adds Indiana Distribution Hub

acker Fastener announced that it has opened a new distribution center in suburban Indianapolis - expanding the company's footprint to a ninth state.

The fastener and industrial supply distributor said that the nearly 40,000-square-foot facility in Lebanon, Indiana, would bring the company's inventory and support services closer to its contractor and manufacturing customers in the region — particularly those in renewable energy, power generation, data centers and other rapidly growing sectors.

Packer, which operates five locations in its native Wisconsin, has expanded to eight additional states over the past six years, including new facilities in Illinois, Minnesota, lowa, Kansas, Ohio, Georgia, Mississippi and, as of this week, Indiana.

"We're expandingstrategically to markets that are growing quickly to supply a more localized inventory," Packer Fastener CEO Terry Albrecht said in a statement. "That means our partners get what they need and stay on schedule."

Fastener Manufacturer MW Components Sold in $950M Deal

astener, spring and metal component manufacturer MW Components has been sold to a firm in the U.K. in a deal worth about $950 million, its former owner announced Thursday.

Rosebank Industries disclosed an agreement to acquire MW and another company — food process equipment provider CPM — from New York private equity firm American Securities LLC earlier this year. Charlotte-based MW provides engineered, mission-critical parts to a range of industrial end markets, including electronics, semiconductors, energy, aerospace and defense, medical and agriculture.

Rosebank said at the time that the companies fit its “Buy, Improve, Sell" model, and that it hoped to improve their operating margins by 6 to 7 percentage points through “restructuring, simplification and operational initiatives."

American Securities officials noted that MW completed nine bolt-on acquisitions since its investment in the business in 2017. MW also overhauled its digital and e-commerce capabilities during that span, including the rollout of a proprietary rapid quoting software platform.

"We are proud of the growth MW Components achieved during our partnership," Michael Fisch, American Securities' founder and CEO, said in a statement. "Working closely with Tom Amato and the broader management team, the company strengthened its leadership position, expanded into strategic end markets, and built differentiated operational and commercial capabilities that position the business for continued success in this next chapter with Rosebank."

Auto Supplier BorgWarner Unveils $100M Expansion in North Carolina

orth Carolina Governor Josh Stein announced a $100 million investment from automotive supplier BorgWarner, which is expected to add 378 jobs in Henderson County. The company will use the funds to vertically integrate operations.

Last October, the company announced a nearly $75 million investment to build an advanced manufacturing facility in Hendersonville. The expansion project will add 140,000 square feet to BorgWarner's current site.

New positions with the company will include technicians, logistics personnel and production staff. While salaries will vary, the average annual salary will be 67,047, which exceeds the Henderson County average of54,118.

BorgWarner's expansion will be facilitated, in part, by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) that was approved by the state's Economic Investment Committee earlier today.

Over the 12-year term of the grant, the project is estimated to add 1 billion to the state's economy. Using a formula that accounts for the new tax revenues generated by the new jobs and capital investment, the JDIG agreement authorizes the company's potential reimbursement of up to3,685,500 over 12 years.

According to the governor, state payments are made only if the company meets incremental job-creation and investment targets.

The project's projected return on investment of public dollars is 88 percent, meaning for every dollar of potential cost to the state, the state receives $1.88 in state revenue

Because BorgWarner, which is based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, chose a site in Henderson County, classified by the state's economic tier system as Tier 2, the company's JDIG agreement also calls for moving as much as $409,500 into the state's Industrial Development Fund-Utility Account. The Utility Account helps rural communities finance infrastructure upgrades.

Dallas Fastener Supplier Acquired by Private Equity

exas private equity firm Rox Capital Partners announced that it has acquired Dallas threaded fastener manufacturer Interstate Threaded Products and, in turn, will make the business the foundation of its newly launched industrial fastener platform.

ITP, founded 50 years ago, provides fasteners to the industrial, construction, infrastructure, power generation, telecommunications, agriculture and other sectors, Rox officials said. The firm said that it would grow its new fastener business through both acquisitions and "organic growth initiatives," and that

ITR President Rick Stone would continue to lead the company through “its next phase of growth."

Terms of the ITP purchase were not disclosed.

"ITP has built an outstanding reputation over more than five decades by delivering exceptional products and service to its customers," Rox Managing Partner Mark Sparrow said in a statement. "The company's strong market position, loyal customer relationships and commitment to operational excellence make it an ideal fit for Rox."

Fastenal Daily Sales Climb Nearly 15% in May

astenal saw double-digit jumps in sales, earnings and profit in the second quarter of the year, but its margin numbers were uneven amid "unfavorable price/cost," company officials said.

The Minnesota fastener and industrial supply distributor reported $2.39 billion in net sales between April and June, an increase of 14.7% compared to the same period in 2025. The company credited "improved customer contract signings since the first quarter of 2024, product pricing, and a modest improvement in industrial production in the first half of 2026;" product pricing, officials said, contributed about 290 basis points to the overall sales jump.

Fastenal's sales increased across both OEM and MRO categories and across all end markets, with the strongest growth in its largest segment: an 18.1% increase in heavy manufacturing on a daily average basis.

The company's gross profit increased 12.8% year over year to 1.06 billion in the quarter, while operating income rose to501.8 million and net income climbed to $382.8 million — increases of 15.1% and 15.9%, respectively.

Its operating margin, however, was flat at 21% after its expense leverage offset headwinds in gross margin, which fell by 70 basis points to 44.6%. Gross margin, the company said, was affected by "unfavorable net price/cost of approximately 40 basis points," as well as "smaller headwinds" from customer mix, transportation costs driven by fuel inflation, and timing-related factors in customer rebate activity.

"Customer mix continued to shift toward larger customers, consistent with our strategic focus," Fastenal officials said in the company's earnings statement. "While these relationships typically carry lower gross margins, they generate higher absolute profit dollars and are accretive to operating margin through fixed-cost leverage, higher volumes and operating efficiencies."

Fastenal also released its latest monthly sales results for June later; the company's net sales were up 20.5% overall and 15% on a daily average basis. "

Wesco to Acquire Data Center Services Company

esco has reached an agreement to acquire a Singapore-based provider of cooling and lifecycle services for data centers, company officials announced.

Wesco officials said that the addition of Newark Engineering Group would bolster its presence in Southeast Asia, as well as its overall capabilities in data center cooling and lifecycle operations. Newark's advanced thermal management systems are utilized in Singapore as well as Indonesia and Malaysia.

The transaction, expected to close in the third quarter of the year, is valued at 136 million. Newarkgenerated approximately60 million in revenue in 2025, Wesco officials said.

"Newark provides integrated, turnkey cooling solutions with strong partnerships and a blue-chip customer base that includes global technology and Fortune 500 companies," Wesco Chairman, President and CEO John Engel said in a statement. "This acquisition expands our participation in the data center value chain, particularly in engineered cooling and lifecycle services and provides a strong growth platform in Southeast Asia."

Hilti Sales Grow by Mid-Single Digits in Local Currencies in the First Four Months of 2026

n the first four months of the current year the Hilti Group increased sales by 4.7 percent in local currencies. Due to the ongoing appreciation of the Swiss franc against all major currencies, the negative currency effect rose to 6.2 percentage points. In Swiss francs, total sales reached CHF 2068 million (-1.5%).

In the Americas, the Hilti Group increased sales by 9.6 percent in local currencies. In Europe, given the continued soft construction market, growth was at 0.8 percent in local currencies. In the Middle East / Africa region, sales grew at a double-digit rate (+17.5% in local currencies). Asia/Pacific recorded growth of 6.6 percent in local currencies in what remained a heterogeneous environment.

For 2026, the Hilti Group expects low to mid-single-digit sales growth in local currencies in the current uncertain global environment.

Hilti stands for innovation and direct customer relationships. With more than 34,000 team members around the world, and business activities in over 120 countries, we contribute to making our customers' work more productive, safer and more sustainable. We do this with our hardware, software and service offering.

With roughly 300,000 customer contacts each day, many ideas come directly from our customers. If there is a challenge for which no Hilti solution exists, one will be developed. This is why we invest approximately 7 percent of sales each year in research and development. From product development to manufacturing, logistics, sales and services, we cover the entire value-added chain.

Founded in 1941 by brothers Eugen and Martin Hilti, our company builds on strong roots and continuity. This long-term commitment has supported us in becoming a reliable partner for our customers and a trusted brand that they choose to work with. With our defined purpose of “Making Construction Better", we are committed to developing products and solutions that drive productivity, sustainability, and safety in the construction industry with our values of integrity, courage, teamwork and commitment at the base of everything we do.

Grainger Reports 10% Increase in Sales and Stronger Profit, Margins

Gu als f nd ann i its las quare despite nging goplial

The MRO giant reported $5.02 billion in second-quarter sales, an increase of 10.3% compared to the second quarter of 2025.

The company's quarterly gross profit of 1.98 billion was up 13% year-over-year, and its operating earnings of807 million were up 19%. Net earnings attributable to Grainger came in at $570 million, an increase of 18.3%.

Gross margin and operating margin were also up 100 basis points and 120 basis points, respectively, to 39.5% and 16.1%.

Grainger officials said that sales were up 13.7% on a "daily, organic constant currency basis," which normalized for currency factors and the company's departure from the U.K. market. Sales were up by 11.9% in its larger High-Touch Solutions - N.A. division due to volume growth and price inflation "as tariff costs are passed." Its Endless Assortment segment posted a 13.5% increase in sales amid "strong performance" by both its MonotaRO and Zoro operations.

The company said that its margin numbers benefited from Grainger's departing the U.K., and that gross margin, in particular, was helped by tariff refunds that reduced its cost of goods sold by $43 million.

The company raised its annual outlook heading into the second half of the year; it now expects full-year sales of between 19.4 billion and19.7 billion, which would translate to annual growth of 8.4% to 10%.

"Sales remained strong and core operating profitability was in line with expectations," Grainger Chairman and CEO D.G. Macpherson said in a statement. "Looking ahead, we are increasing our outlook to reflect our strong first half performance and the continued momentum we are seeing across the demand environment."

Hillman to Acquire Kanebridge in $315M Deal

illman Solutions Corp., a leading provider of hardware products and merchandising solutions, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Kanebridge Corporation ("Kanebridge"), a leading master distributor of industrial fasteners for a purchase price of $315 million, subject to customary adjustments for cash, indebtedness, working capital and transaction expenses.

Kanebridge supplies more than 44,000 commercial and military-grade fastener SKUs to distributors throughout the U.S. and Canada from its warehouses in Illinois and California, selling exclusively to distributors in commercial and industrial channels. Kanebridge prides itself on maintaining industry-leading fill rates, its proprietary digital ordering platform, FasNet™, which enables same-day shipping, and its long-standing relationships with industrial and specialty distributors. These capabilities have made Kanebridge a critical partner for its customers for over 50 years.

Consistent with Hillman's disciplined acquisition framework, the transaction is expected to be accretive to Hillman's margins and earnings. Hillman anticipates cost synergies from Hillman's sourcing and distribution expertise, sales synergies coming from cross-selling opportunities, and material tax benefits from the transaction.

Jon Michael Adinolfi, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hillman, commented, "Kanebridge gives us an immediate and credible foothold in the industrial channel, which we've identified as one of our biggest growth opportunities. Their master distributor model, capabilities-driven platform, and long-standing distributor relationships make it a great fit for us. This acquisition follows the same disciplined, accretive approach to M&A that has built Hillman over the past 60 years, and we're looking forward to welcoming the Kanebridge team to Hillman.'

Following completion of the acquisition, Kanebridge will operate as part of Hillman's commercial & industrial business, led by Chris Martin, EVP, Commercial & Industrial.

Martin added: "Like Hillman, Kanebridge has decades of expertise taking great care of customers, maintaining strong fill rates, and providing a long tail of specialty fastener SKUs.Kanebridge's focus on the U.S. industrial market complements Hillman's existing industrial presence in Canada, broadening our combined reach across North America. The Kanebridge platform makes a great addition to our Commercial & Industrial business."The acquisition advances Hillman's Industrial growth strategy, outlined at its recent Investor Day.

The acquisition expands Hillman's

addressable market opportunity in industrial by1 billion, bringing the total TAM to3 billion. Kanebridge's master distributor model will leverage Hillman's global "dual faucet" sourcing expertise and extensive breadth of SKUs. Kanebridge gives Hillman an immediate, scaled platform to serve long-tail, high-specification fastener requirements across industrial and specialty distribution channels, while creating new cross-sell opportunities across Hillman's existing C&l, Pro and DIY customer base.

The transaction has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies and is subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions. The Company expects to fund the transaction with a combination of cash from the balance sheet, borrowings under its existing asset-based revolving credit facility, and an add-on to its existing First Lien Term Loan, which the Company intends to raise through the capital markets.

Treace Launches SuperBiteTM Compression Screw System to Open a New Chapter in Foot Orthopaedics

reace Medical Concepts, Inc. , a medical technology company driving a fundamental shift in the surgical treatment of bunions and related midfoot deformities, today announced the successful completion of the first cases utilizing its SuperBite™ Compression Screw System.

SuperBite™ screws are engineered to deliver advanced compression through a variable thread pitch and optimized headless design, with its self-drilling and countersinking features enabling rapid screw insertion. The screw implants also incorporate a beveled head design with smoothed edges, making them ideal for both minimally invasive and traditional open surgical approaches. The SuperBite™system offers comprehensive screw diameters ranging from 2.5mm to 7.0mm to address a broad range of foot & ankle surgical applications across the forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot.

Anne Holly Johnson, MD, of Hospital for Special Surgery (New York, New York) and a member of Treace's Surgeon Advisory Board, performed the first cases with the new SuperBite™™screws. She commented, "My first cases with the SuperBite™ screws were very successful. I was impressed with the streamlined insertion and great compression. Compression screws are the most common fixation used in foot and ankle surgery, and I plan to use the SuperBite™screws in many different fusion and osteotomy applications.'"

"The launch of SuperBite™ represents an important milestone in the expansion of our market-leading bunion & midfoot technology portfolio,"said John T. Treace, CEO and Chairman of Treace. "SuperBite™allows our direct sales team to more fully service our 3,300+ surgeon customers technology needs, not only in the procedures they perform with us today, but also a significant volume of incremental procedures throughout the foot and ankle where compression screws are utilized. We believe SuperBite™screws will expand our addressable market, accelerate our case volumes, and grow our customer share of wallet, all while further advancing our position as a 1-stop-shop for our customers."

Full commercialization of the SuperBite™™ Compression Screw System is anticipated in the third quarter of 2026. Along with its other expected 2026 product launch, the SpeedXM™Midfoot Fusion System, the two products are expected to increase Treace's total addressable market by an estimated $300 million.

Ramset Launches Cobra+ IFS Insulation Fastening System in U.S. Market

Damset, a leading provider of powder-actuated tools and fasteners for residential and commercial remodeling, has launched the Cobra+ IFS Insulation Fastening System in the U.S.

Built on the proven Cobra+ platform, the system is designed to simplify and speed insulation installation to concrete. The Cobra+ IFS delivers consistent fastening performance, high power and improved ergonomics for fastening rigid insulation boards.

The Cobra+ platform is engineered for durability and reliable penetration into concrete and steel while reducing noise and improving user comfort. With the IFS configuration, contractors can fasten insulation in a single step, eliminating adhesive cure times, reducing installation steps and removing the need for bracing.

"By eliminating adhesives, predrilling and bracing, Cobra+ IFS fundamentally changes how insulation is installed on concrete," said Praveen Dandu, product manager at Ramset. "Installers can fasten insulation in a single step and move on immediately, which reduces labor time, keeps jobsites cleaner and delivers consistent results, even in demanding conditions.'

A standard Cobra+ tool can be converted to an insulation fastening system in less than three minutes using the IFS Conversion Kit (PN 16900), which includes a dedicated piston, barrel and buffer. The system is compatible with common rigid and semi-rigid insulation materials, including extruded and expanded polystyrene, stone wool and polyurethane foam.

"Contractors have asked for a faster, cleaner way to fasten insulation to concrete without sacrificing holding power or thermal performance," Dandu said. "The Cobra+ IFS system delivers one-step fastening with the proven power of Cobra+, along with improved ergonomics and reduced noise to help crews work efficiently and comfortably."

Fastener Supplier Index Industries Acquires Illinois Manufacturer

outhern California fastener supplier Index Industries has acquired an Illinois plastics manufacturer, company officials announced.

WTS Solutions, located in Hinckley, Illinois, provides custom-formed thermoplastic materials for the industrial fabrication market. Index said that the addition of WTS — and its press forming and proprietary pattern development operations — would advance its efforts to add more vertically integrated manufacturing.

Index Thermoplastics, one of the company's three brands, supplies the "custom sheath and holster industry."

"This acquisition isn't simply about adding equipment; it's about bringing another critical manufacturing process under one roof," Index Industries President and CEO Shane Bearly said in a statement. "We believe the future belongs to companies that control more of their supply chain, innovate faster, and continually add value beyond distribution."

WTS founder Paul Warren, the company said, would support Index under a consulting role, including helping with technology transfer, process development, pattern creation and manufacturing initiatives. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"After spending years developing this process, it was important to find a company that would continue building on what we've created,"Warren said. "Index has been our primary partner for many years and understands both the technology and the market."

Endries Acquires Kentucky Fastener Supplier

ndries International announced recently that it has acquired Blue Chip Engineered Products, a Kentucky supplier of engineered fasteners and components.

The Wisconsin fastener and Class C components distributor said that Blue Chip's fasteners, stampings and electronic hardware would enhance Endries' position in “key industrial and high-specification markets," including the automotive, medical device and lighting sectors.

"Blue Chip's legacy of customer-focused service models, combined with its custom engineered fasteners, complements our existing capabilities and enhances the value we deliver to customers," Endries President and CEO Dan Crociata said in a statement.

Blue Chip will continue to operate its facility in Erlanger, Kentucky, and founder Ken Sanker will lead its day-to-day operations as general manager. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. "By combining our expertise in engineered fasteners and custom components with Endries' global scale and supply chain capabilities, we will expand our offerings, strengthen our ability to serve customers and create new opportunities for growth,"Sanker said.

U.S. Army Tests Show that IperionX Titanium Fasteners Outperform Grade 8 High-strength Steel

perionX announced that, based on independent tests conducted by the U.S. Army's DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center and Westmoreland Mechanical Testing & Research, its titanium alloy fasteners outperform high-strength SAE Grade 8 steel fasteners. Test results show that the coupler, made from Ti-6Al-4V (6Al-4V) titanium alloy, achieves a torque to yield value of 563\~615 ft-Ibf (foot- pounds), approximately 20% higher than Grade 8 steel fasteners of the same specification. Additionally, in some tests, titanium alloy fasteners showed no yielding within the initial testing range set by the U.S. Army, demonstrating superior strength performance.

In tensile testing, the titanium alloy coupler's yield strength reaches 135-137 ksi, with a maximum tensile strength of 152 ksi. This not only surpasses the typical performance of aerospace-grade titanium alloys but is also comparable to, or even surpassing, steel fasteners. In addition to high strength, titanium alloy fasteners also offer advantages such as reducing weight by 40\~45% and offering excellent corrosion resistance, making them highly applicable in defense, aerospace, and industrial fields.

IperionX stated that these test results validate the effectiveness of the company's patented titanium processing technology and further support the establishment of a complete domestic titanium supply chain in the United States. In the future, the company will continue to expand its capacity for high- performance and cost-competitive titanium alloy components to meet the needs of defense and other critical industries.

Global Event Calendar (H2 2026)

Fastener/Auto Parts/Building/Hardware/Industrial Exhibitions

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For further show information, please contact China Fastener Info:

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LÂN TH 22

TRIN LÃM VÀ HI THÀO QUC T VÊ KHÍ CHÍN XÁC VÀ SÀN XUT H TO

The 22nd International Precision Engineering and Manufacturing Exhibition & Conference

ORGANISER Đn V h

INCORPORATING Phi Hp Cùng

informa markets

METROLOGY VIETNAM

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ĐĂNG KÝ CÁ NHÂN Individual Pre-Registration

24-27

INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR INDONESIA

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LÂN THÚ 11

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The 11th International Precision Engineering and Manufacturing Exhibition & Conference

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KOREA 2O26 METALWEEK

Fastener & Wire Industrial Exhibition

28(Wed.)\~30(Fri.), October, 2026
10:00 AM \~ 5:00 PM Exhibition Center 1, KINTEX, S. Korea

METAL / K-TECH INSIDE SHOW / TOOL TECH+SMART WELDING AUTOMATION FAIR (32,167 )

Materials

Powder/
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Pipe

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Power Hand Tools &
Accessories/
Locks & Fittings /
Fasteners & Fittings /
Automotive Supplies &
Accessories/DIY/
Hardware Processing &
Manufacturing Equipments
/ Safety Equipment &
Product

India's wire and cable market is growing rapidly

Exhibit - To gain visibility, build connections and shape the future.

CATALYSING GROWTH IN INDIA'S WIRE & CABLE INDUSTRY

The Union Budget 2026 strengthens Government's vision for a Vikasit Bharat 2047 with sustained push on infrastructure, defence, urban and rural development, logistics and high-speed rail networks will boost demand for specialized steel products.

Exhibitor Profiles

Wire manufacturing and finishing machinery

Cable manufacturing machinery

Fastener manufacturing machinery

Spring manufacturing machinery

Second-hand machinery

Process technology tools

Fibre - Optics

Coil Winding

Mesh Welding

Auxiliary process technology materials

Materials, special wires and cables

Measuring and Control technology

Test engineering

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HANNOVER MESSE 2026: China-Germany Fastener Trade Shows Resilience

total of 110,000 visitors from all over the world took part in the world's leading trade fair for the manufacturing industry. The quality of the encounters and the dynamic atmosphere in the halls clearly show: the technologies are in place, the approaches have been tested, and now it is a matter practicing them consistently.

Despite the difficult conditions in general, the trade fair once again presented highly international characteristics. Around 40 percent of guests came from abroad. The countries contributing the most guests were China, Brazil, the United States, Japan, and South Korea.

China Fastener Info participated in Hannover Messe 2026 with its flagship English-language sourcing guide, Fasteners & Auto Parts (FAP), marking the launch of its 172nd global promotional campaign. Throughout the exhibition, the team actively connected with international buyers, effectively promoting high-quality Chinese fastener manufacturers and serving as a vital platform for fostering industrial and trade cooperation between China and Europe.

The promotional campaign delivered outstanding results, generating strong interest from global purchasers. Numerous buyers visited the China Fastener Info booth, exchanged business contacts, and expressed concrete intentions for future cooperation, further strengthening international business connections within the fastener industry.

Notably, the upcoming 25th Fastener Trade Show Suzhou & NEV Parts Exhibition scheduled for October 21-23, 2026 at the Suzhou International Expo Center, China, attracted significant attention from overseas visitors. Many companies indicated their plans to attend the event, reflecting the growing international recognition of China's fastener manufacturing clusters, supply chain capabilities, and highly specialized trade exhibitions. This strong market response underscores the increasing global influence and competitiveness of China's fastener industry.

Innovations that bring the future within grasp

HANNOVER MESSE this year clearly demonstrated that artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, and energy infrastructure are at the heart of the industrial future and are key technologies for transforming industry

Products and solutions that companies presented include Al-supported production systems and tools that can automate processes and predict failures; humanoid robots that have already mastered complex motion sequences and will work in production and service in the future; and new solutions for energy efficiency and grid expansion that pave the way to a carbon-neutral industry.

A Review of China-Germany Fastener Trade

Drawing on the industry perspective offered by Hannover Messe, China-Germany bilateral fastener trade continues to demonstrate three distinctive characteristics: stable trade surplus, structural differentiation, and deep mutual dependence. Trade volume and industrial collaboration have continued to strengthen, reflecting the growing integration of the two countries'manufacturing supply chains.

1. China's Fastener Exports to Germany: Rising Volume with Stable Pricing, Strengthening Cost-Performance Advantage

In 2025, China's fastener exports to Germany reached USD 551 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 8.8%. Germany remained China's fourth-largest export market for fasteners worldwide, following the United States, Vietnam, and Russia.

The average export price stood at approximately USD 1,900 per ton, reflecting a trend of higher shipment volumes, relatively stable pricing, and a slight decline in average unit value, further highlighting the competitiveness of Chinese products in terms of cost-performance.

2. Germany's Fastener Exports to China: High Value-Added Products with Strong Technological Advantages

Germany's fastener exports to China were estimated at approximately USD 500 million in 2025, representing a year-on-year decline of 5-8%. Both export volume and value decreased, largely due to the accelerating substitution of imported products by domestic Chinese manufacturers.

Germany remained China's third-largest source of imported fasteners, after Japan and the United States. The average export price ranged between USD 4,500 and USD 5,000 per ton, approximately 2.3 to 3.1 times higher than the average price of Chinese fasteners exported to Germany, reflecting Germany's significant premium in technology, certification, and advanced materials.

Outlook: Closer Industrial Integration and Stronger Automotive Supply Chain Ties

As global industrial activity continues to recover and supply chains undergo restructuring, China-Germany fastener trade is expected to maintain a pattern characterized by a narrowing trade surplus, deeper two-way industrial cooperation, and increasingly integrated automotive supply chains. The complementary strengths of both countries are likely to further reinforce bilateral trade and long-term industrial collaboration.

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Architect'26 Reinforces Its Position as ASEAN's Largest Building Technology Exposition

Co., Ltd., Architect'26 was held from 28 April to 3 May 2026 at Challenger Hall, IMPACT, Thailand.

The exposition featured a wide range of exhibitions and special activities, alongside the participation of nearly 1,000 leading Thai and international brands, showcasing comprehensive innovations in design and construction across a total exhibition space of 75,000 square meters.

An additional 5,500 square meters was allocated for exhibitions and activities organized by the Association, bringing together contributions from four professional architectural organizations: the Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage, the Thailand Interior Designers'Association (TIDA), the Thai Association of Landscape Architects (TALA), and the Thai Urban Designers Association (TUDA). The exhibition also included works from more than 120 architectural firms and over 40 educational institutions nationwide. With its extensive exhibitions, seminars, and comprehensive product and service offerings, Architect'26 attracted over 325,000 trade visitors, architects, designers, developers and industry professionals from Thailand and overseas during the six-day exhibition.

For this year's exhibition, China Fastener Info, as a supporting media partner, distributed its flagship English-language sourcing guide, Fasteners & Auto Parts (FAP), throughout the venue, officially launching its173rd global promotion campaign. Through targeted outreach to Southeast Asian buyers, the company actively promoted high-quality Chinese fastener manufacturers

and facilitated cross-border business connections between China and Thailand.

During the exhibition, China Fastener Info also organized a delegation of Chinese fastener enterprises to visit the event. The delegation conducted in-depth exchanges with Thai and international exhibitors as well as industry professionals across various exhibition halls. Particular attention was given to emerging trends and technological innovations in sustainable building materials, smart construction equipment, and advanced fastening solutions, providing valuable insights into future market demands in Thailand and the wider ASEAN region.

Through comprehensive market research, the delegation gained valuable insights into the latest developments, supplydemand dynamics, and purchasing preferences within Thailand's construction and building materials sector. These efforts enabled participating companies to identify targeted cooperation opportunities in building materials and fasteners, particularly amid the ongoing upgrading of Thailand's infrastructure and real estate markets.

The next edition, Architect'27, will take place from 27 April to 2 May 2027 at Challenger Hall, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Thailand, continuing its role as ASEAN's premier platform for architectural innovation, building technologies, and industry networking.

The 15th Edition of Automechanika Kuala Lumpur Concludes As Successful Platform for Cross-border Collaboration and Advanced Technologies

a clear message: Malaysiais a high-value, futureready automotive hub. The event fostered dynamic interactions through elevated business exchanges, educational opportunities, memorable automotive culture, and entertainment experiences. The exhibition stands in high regard across ASEAN as a premier meeting point that provides a platform for cross-border collaboration. Across 12,538 sqm of exhibition space, the fair welcomed 317 exhibitors from 16 countries and regions showcasing OEM and aftermarket solutions across the passenger, commercial vehicles, motorcycle and logistics sectors. Additionally, 16,523 visitors demonstrated international confidence in the region and the opportunities that arise when global networks connect.

As a VIP delegation attending this year's exhibition, the China Fastener Info group received a warm welcome from the event organizers. Representativesof the organizers accompanied the delegation throughout the visit, first guiding them to the grand opening ceremony before taking them on an in-depth tour of the major exhibition halls. Along the way, they provided detailed introductions to the exhibition highlights, key exhibitors, and the latest developments in the ASEAN automotive market.

For this exhibition, China Fastener Info served as an official media partner, continuing its commitment to overseas trade promotion. At the event, CFI distributed its Fasteners & Auto Parts (FAP), marking the 174th stop on its global tour. The initiative helped connect with buyers from Southeast Asia, promote high-quality Chinese fastener manufacturers, and build an efficient bridge for bilateral trade and business cooperation between China and Malaysia.

Robust international and local participation

The 2026 edition of Automechanika Kuala Lumpur put a spotlight on Malaysia's growing influence in the global market alongside its local reach, attracting exhibitors from 16 countries and regions. A notable 36 percent of exhibitors represented ASEAN markets, highlighting the region's expanding manufacturing footprint

This international and local diversity was mirrored in the attendee profile,with visitors from 58 countries, and regions key buyer groups and delegations from major markets like China, Korea, and Myanmar. Top 10 visiting overseas countries and regions included China, Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, Australia, Brunei, the Philippines, Korea, and Vietnam. Locally, participation spanned East and West Malaysia, drawing heavy attendance from premier automotive hubs including the states of Selangor, Johor, Penang, Sarawak, Pahang, Perak, and Kedah. (Both lists are in descending order.)

Visitors covered the entire supply chain, from carmakers, importers, and manufacturers to service providers, distributors, and e-commerce players. Among them, were key decisionmakers from global and regional brands, including BMW, Bosch, Chery, Lazada, NEXUS, Niterra, Perodua, Petronas, Shopee, Toyota, Valeo, and more.

Accelerating regional cooperation and business growth across the supply chain

The show emphasised the development of upstream enterprises, such as raw material suppliers like Nickel Industries, as well as downstream companies offering customising products, such as JP Origin and KW. Across halls 1 to 6, buyers acknowledged the comprehensive display of products, services and technologies for Automotive Mobility Solutions, Parts & Components, Electrics & Electronics, Diagnostics & Repair, Accessories & Customising, Body & Paint, Car Wash, and Oils, Lubricants & Fuel.

More key exhibitors included Ace Lubricants, Aptronics, Aquarama, Brembo, DENCO, Durocom, Excelsia, FM, KOVAX, Launch, Leoch Battery, Moiboo, Pinaco, Schmaco, Stellantis, Tampoi, Tan Chong, TecAlliance, TUHU, Vanli, Xtriton, Yonming, and more.

The next edition of Automechanika Kuala Lumpur will take place from 8 to 10 April 2027. The show is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. For more information, please visit www.automechanika-kl.com

METALTECH & AUTOMEX Marks 30-Year Milestone As Manufacturing Enters A New Era

O rganised by Informa Markets Malaysia, the 30th edition of METALTECH & AUTOMEX opened from 20 – 23 May 2026 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), bringing together over 1,500 brands and an expected 20,000 trade visitors from 53 nations at a defining moment for global manufacturing.

Held under the theme "Powering Industrial Excellence, Redefining Smart and Sustainable Manufacturing," this year's edition comes at a time when manufacturers across the region are facing rising input costs, energy price volatility, supply chain disruptions, and accelerating technological change – challenges increasingly viewed as structural rather than cyclical.

Malaysia's manufacturing sector continues to demonstrate resilience despite a more volatile global environment. In 2025, the sector contributed 22.5% to national GDP, attracted over RM131 billion in investments, and employed nearly 2.5 million Malaysians.

Over the past three decades, METALTECH & AUTOMEX has evolved from a local trade exhibition into a leading regional marketplace for manufacturing technologies, industry collaboration, and cross-border partnerships. Participation from more than 20 territories, including Germany and South Korea, reinforces the exhibition's role as a gateway for technology exchange and industrial growth across Southeast Asia.

This year's exhibition showcases solutions across automation, robotics, advanced machinery, and digital manufacturing, reflecting the industry's continued shift towards smarter, more efficient, and increasingly sustainable operations.

With continued investment, policy support, and industrial expansion, Malaysia is strengthening its position as a competitive and future-ready manufacturing destination in Southeast Asia. As it enters its fourth decade, METALTECH & AUTOMEX continues to serve as a key catalyst for industrial innovation, business collaboration, and manufacturing transformation across the region.

During the exhibition, China Fastener Info (CFI), a leading provider of trade and business services for the fastener industry, embarked on its 175th global tour. At the event, the CFI team distributed its magazine Fasteners & Auto Parts (FAP) to buyers from across Southeast Asia. Through this global outreach, CFI promoted high-quality, cost-effective Chinese fasteners and auto parts, bridged the information gap between global buyers and Chinese suppliers, and connected Chinese manufacturers directly with overseas end-users.

From a trade-structure perspective, the production costs for standard low- and mid-range fasteners in Malaysia are generally higher than those in China. As a result, the country relies heavily on imports of Chinese screws, nuts, rivets, non-standard fasteners, and fastener manufacturing equipment. With its well-established industrial supply chain and highly competitive products, China has consistently accounted for a major share of Malaysia's fastener imports.

In recent years, Malaysia's imports of Chinese fastener raw materials,finished products, and automated manufacturing equipment have continued to grow. At the same time, Malaysia exports specialty alloy fasteners and precision components to China, creating a mutually complementary and increasingly balanced bilateral trade relationship.

The next edition of METALTECH & AUTOMEX is scheduled to take place from 5 - 8 MAY 2027 at the same venue. For more show information, please visit www.metaltech.com. my.

EU Fastener Trade Statistics during 2023-2025

Compiled by China Fastener Info

similar articles, of iron or steel.

Global Auto Parts Market Insights and Forecast (2026-2035)

Source: www.businessresearchinsights.com

he global auto parts market is valued at USD 2592.92 Billion in 2026 and steadily progressing to USD 3614.67 Billion by 2035 with a CAGR of 3.7% from 2026 to 2035.

Auto parts are components or accessories that are used in the construction, repair, or enhancement of vehicles. Engine Parts include components such as pistons, crankshafts, camshafts, valves, cylinder heads, gaskets, and timing belts or chains. Transmission and Drivetrain parts enable power transfer from the engine to the wheels. Examples include clutches, gears, drive shafts, differentials, and axles.

Brake System parts help in slowing down or stopping a vehicle. They consist of brake pads, brake rotors, brake calipers, brake lines, and the master cylinder. Suspension and Steering Parts ensure a smooth and controlled ride. They include shocks, struts, control arms, ball joints, tie rods, and steering racks. Electrical parts manage the electrical system of a vehicle. Examples include the battery, alternator, starter motor, spark plugs, ignition coils, and wiring harnesses. Fuel System Parts are responsible for delivering fuel to the engine. They consist of the fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel filter, and fuel tank. Cooling System components help regulate the engine temperature. They include the radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan, and hoses.

Latest Trends

Growing Demand for Electric Vehicles to Fuel Market Growth

With the growing popularity of electric vehicles, there has been an increased demand for EV-specific auto parts. These include electric drivetrains, batteries, charging infrastructure, and other related components. As more countries and manufacturers embrace electrification, the demand for these parts is expected to rise. The development of autonomous vehicles has also influenced the market. Sensors, radarsystems, LiDAR technology, and other components required for autonomous driving are in demand. As self-driving technology advances, there is an increasing need for sophisticated parts that support these systems. The parts industry has seen a shift towards online platforms and e-commerce. Consumers are increasingly purchasing auto parts through online retailers and marketplaces. This trend offers convenience, a wider range of options, and competitive pricing. Additionally, some traditional brick-and-mortar stores are expanding their online presence to cater to this growing demand.