The World Trade Organization (WTO) condemned yesterday for China's restrictions on exports of raw materials. The complaint was filed in 2009 by the United States, the European Union and Mexico, who felt the measures taken by Beijing to limit its sales abroad discriminatory. The Middle Kingdom is, indeed, the world's largest producer of gold, iron, lead, manganese, phosphates, and many raw materials for industries worldwide.

The United States, including steel manufacturers complained of a drop in Chinese exports of bauxite, 102,346 tonnes in 2005 to 39 665 tonnes last year, welcomed a "significant victory". And Europe welcomed a "strong signal" against the "unfair restrictions."

China, which can still appeal, has seen its arguments based on the protection of the environment that leads to not want to happen too, swept away by the WTO. And most importantly, she finds herself in a very difficult position on another issue, that of "rare earth".

These lands, in fact some 17 metals essential for high-tech industries and armaments, is the challenge of a global battle. The Chinese, who have 36% of the world, ahead of the Russians (22%), Americans (13%) and Australians (5%), in fact, provide more than 95% of world production, about 120 000 tons per year.

REE under

This near-monopoly position allows China to make rain or shine on the market, including push up prices of rare earths, which jumped 300% since 2008.And, as with other raw materials at its disposal, it jealously control the export and continues to reduce its quota from year to year.

China justifies its position by saying that it does not deplete its resources and its own industrial need these minerals. She encourages other countries to produce more. But in the eyes of the United States, Europe and Japan, this policy is simply discriminatory.

For several months they threaten, again, to complain to the WTO, they have not already done so. The decision yesterday by the organization they now opens the door wide to attack. At the same time, they seek to secure their supplies with, including the stockpiling of reserves. The United States and Japan already have.Europe thinks, as she thought to recycle some waste electrical and electronic equipment.

Unless the real future of rare earth or in the bottom of the ocean. The Japanese have discovered in the Pacific samples suggesting that there would be considerable deposits, a thousand times greater than on land. A new El Dorado 80 to 100 billion tons, according to Japanese scientists. But must still be sure you can use them profitably.

AntiSec movement, for "anti-security", would he struck again? The hackers who target sites of multinational corporations and state agencies are threatening this time the giant apple. In a tweet issued Sunday, the Anonymous group of hackers published a link to a document containing 26 IDs and passwords. According to the pirates, this is the contents of an Apple server to collect online surveys.

"It is not too strong, but still" hackers announce his tweet before providing a link to the document hacked. "# Apple could also be a target. But do not worry, we're busy elsewhere. # AntiSec "More than the document itself, which contains little information, so it's a threat contained in the forward message Anonymous.

The tweet group of hackers claiming AnonymousIRC attack. DR

The damage is done. Although the cucumber is more pronounced as carrier of the bacterium E. Slayer coli (EHEC), the bill is very heavy for the French vegetable growers. Consumers stay still images as well as tomato salad and a time alleged by Germany.

"Nothing in a week, we estimate our losses to 3 million euros," said Friday afternoon at Figaro Angelique Delahaye, president of Vegetables in France. She just finished consolidating losses estimated at national level by some 3,000 growers of cucumbers and tomatoes. "We're going to report these figures in the service of the Ministry of Agriculture in the context of the experts meeting in Brussels next Tuesday," she says.

Half of the losses on the production of cucumbers and half the tomatoes."We lost earlier this week a program to supply 500 600 tons of tomatoes to 1.10 euro per kilo from the German central purchasing or 550,000 to 660,000 euros less," says Pierre Diot, president of the AOP (Association producer organization) cucumbers and tomatoes, producer Mordelles, west of Rennes.

Brittany produces half of the tomatoes of the Hexagon, 30% from the Deep South and the rest of the Nantes region. "After a week of total absence of trade in vegetables, we are angry because we have no alternative but to destroy our production," said Louis Vinet representing growers Nantes, tripling affected no fax cash advance.

Salads down 20%

However, it is too early to assess damage on sales of salad, vegetable of which the French are especially fond of this heat – they consume nearly 7 pounds per year -."The production is spread among a multitude of gardening and it is more difficult to gather the numbers," says Angelique Delahaye.

The only certainty in Rungis, Ile de France, the second producing region of the Hexagon salads, "salads sold volumes dropped 20% in a dynamic market, however, except of course the cucumbers fall of 80%," says Michel Lemelin, president of the union of wholesale fruit and vegetable market of Rungis.

In this difficult context, French producers can always relativize their misfortune by saying that the situation is worse elsewhere. Particularly in the Iberian Peninsula. The Spanish Federation of Producers exporting fruits and vegetables (FEPEX) estimated losses on Tuesday "to about 200 million euros per week" for the entire sector, citing a "domino effect" affecting other Spanish products."All fruits and vegetables were impacted by Spain. Fortunately in France strawberries, zucchini, eggplant and continue to sell, "relativize Angelique Delahaye.

To break this cycle, the European Ministers of Agriculture are scheduled to meet around 17 June in Luxembourg for a special meeting on the subject.

Doubts seize the oil markets on Thursday. On the New York Mercantile Exchange (Nymex), the price of a barrel of light sweet crude for June delivery broke down the psychological barrier of $ 100. It closed at 99.80 dollars, a plunge of 9.44 dollars compared to the previous day (-8.64%). Prices had not changed at these levels since March 16, when the uprisings in the Arab world and worry about the nuclear crisis in Japan had made prices soar.

The downward trend is the same on the Intercontinental Exchange in London where a barrel of Brent North Sea crude for June delivery was trading session at 112.55 dollars, more than 6 dollars less than Wednesday.

U.S. job fears

This acceleration of the decline reflects the concerns of increasingly sharp operators on the health of the U.S. economy.The bad macroeconomic indicators are linked in recent days across the Atlantic, suggesting that the recovery is too fragile. The last, fell on Thursday, did only exacerbated tensions. On the eve of the publication of the monthly report on employment, investors learn that new jobless claims in the United States increased sharply during the last week of April, 474,000 applications for allocations, while economists s 'expecting a decline. The day before, the numbers of firm ADP showed that job creation in the private sector in the United States slowed in April, well below forecasts of economists.

These announcements point to a decline in oil demand in a context of high oil prices.In addition, a continued rise in U.S. oil inventories, which should have been starting to fall a few months of the summer of large displacements.

In this context, the sharp rise in the dollar makes things worse. Thursday disappointed by the decision of the ECB not to raise interest rates next month, traders got rid of their euros. Result: the single currency, which was worth $ 1.49 yesterday, falling almost 2% to 1.4547 dollar. A situation which penalizes the purchase of dollar-denominated crude and thus rendered less attractive.

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Union leaders had expected that the 1 May 2011 be a little raw. It is clear they have struggled to mobilize. In Paris, the procession was attended by 12,000 people Sunday, against 21,000 in 2010, told AFP the police headquarters. Organizers say 30,000 people joined them.

The secretary general of the CFDT Francois Chereque was present at the head of the cortege left shortly before 15 hours instead of the Republic, like that of Luke Berille UNSA and FSU Secretary General Bernadette Groison. The general secretary Bernard Thibault of the CGT, which was also manifest, was ultimately unable to move "because of major back problems," said his entourage told reporters.

Leaders of the Left also participated in the parade: Francois Hollande Olivier Besancenot through Eva Joly, Jean-Luc Melenchon or Marie-George Buffet.The spokesman of the Socialist Party, Benoît Hamon, the number two party, Harlem Desir, or members Bruno Le Roux, Sandrine Mazetier and President of the Ile-de-France, Jean-Paul Huchon were also behind the banner PS.

The leader of the Socialist Party, Martine Aubry, has, meanwhile, marched in Lille. "We do not have to be in the streets to celebrate International Labour Day," said the first secretary of the PS about the sparse parades, saying that employees would demonstrate "in 2012 at the ballot box."

Attendance was up for the parade FN

In the regions, the mobilization was also low.In Marseille, among 2000 people by 5000 according to police and organizers, marched through the streets between 1200 and 3500 people in Toulouse between 2200 and 3300 in Lyon, between 2200 and 3000 in Bordeaux between 1200 and 3000 in Strasbourg between 700 and 1000 in Lille and between 450 and 1000 in Rennes.

It was also shown to Pau (800 to 1200), in Angoulême (500), Besancon (500 to 1000), Brest (250 to 300), Nancy (700 people according to the unions) and as at Dunkirk, in Orléans and Caen.

These figures were more than expected from a trade union unity has disintegrated somewhat. "The character of this holiday is both less said, the day falls on a Sunday," observes Marcel Grignard, number two of the CFDT.In 2009 the protesters were much more likely because of the crisis, and in 2010 the fear of the pension reform, just before its unveiling, had been a factor in turnout.

On the other hand, the parade of Marine Le Pen Paris, focusing on the workers and popular classes, has mobilized more than expected among 3200 people according to police and 20,000 according to the FN (against 2000 and 8000 according to the police according to the FN last year).

"May 1st, we are the popes of the earth"

Besides purchasing power – the secretary general of the CFDT, Francois Chereque, called on Europe 1 radio on Sunday increased the minimum wage beyond the 2% rise tentatively scheduled on July 1 – the themes that defended Unions are talking years' support for the Arab peoples who rise to the dignity and freedom, "and" equal rights "between French and foreign workers in response to" national preference "advocated by the National Front , a rise in the opinion polls.

Winks comedy peppered some processions. "May 1st, we are the popes of the earth", alluding to the beatification of John Paul II. But also slogans in opposition to the FN, as in Rennes' French workers, immigrants, same bosses, same battles. "

The player has to use default in the articles of figaro.fr.maj1

It is an umbrella of a particular kind enough since, in addition to a shower of rain or hail, it can withstand a launch pavers, bowls or other knives, but also to fire or acid. The "Parapactum, presented this morning at the salon in Paris Made in France, has been adopted by the Security Group of the President of the Republic. It is manufactured by True Cherbourg, a small set of twelve fifteen years ago in the Cotentin.

Contrary to what might suggest images of film, it did not exist previously manufacturing umbrellas in Cherbourg. Moreover, the quarantine of French specialists of the time, there are only four. The vast majority of four million items purchased each year in France are imported from China.

Former photographer and businessman, Jean-Pierre Yvon has decided to fight against the current.He chose the beginning of the invasion of China staged a French manufacturer, in Cherbourg, financed by selling the family mansion.

"At Cherbourg, it's raining, windy, says that original contractor. I wanted to do the "Burberry" umbrella, emphasizing quality over volume. He sells between 10,000 and 15,000 pieces per year for a turnover of almost one million euros no faxing payday loans. The beautiful work, handmade, sold between 100 and 350 euros each. But that does not return to the slightest breeze.

More than a year of research

The Real Cherbourg has its supporters, faithful regulars Bon Marché in Paris or a dozen other retail outlets in France and Japan. The brand already fitted to the Elysee in golf umbrellas.It is therefore natural that Jean-Pierre Yvon, joined by his son Charles, a graduate in physical sciences, has answered the call for bids for the Technical Centre for Homeland Security to develop a model for protecting dignitaries.

It has invested around 200,000 euros and received support from OSEO. The Parapactum took more than a year of research and has been tested to withstand winds of 168 km / h in the wind tunnel of the Institute of Aeronautical Engineering St. Cyr l'Ecole. There were risks: "Every time I showed a prototype, he refused to open or broke it," says Jean-Pierre Yvon. The special materials used, developed with companies who work for the defense, are top secret. A dozen copies have already been ordered by the authorities. Price: between 6000 and 12,000 euros, depending on options (types of materials).

The German publisher Axel Springer has gained control over 95% of the company of small ads on the Internet Seloger.com from the extension of its tender offer (OPA) announced the Authority Financial Markets (AMF), confirming a report from Reuters. "It (score) Stalinist," said one of those people.

The success of this operation means that SeLoger.com may soon bid farewell to the Exchange. Indeed, the French stock exchange law authorizes the issuer of a tender offer to delist its target if he can control at least 95% of its capital at the end of its range. The results of the extension of the tender offer to 38.05 euros per share is expected to be formally announced Wednesday by the Financial Markets Authority (AMF).

A company owning more than 95% of another listed company for the possibility to via IPO Squeeze (OPRO), to redeem all shares on the market. Investors then have the obligation to tender their shares to the offer as opposed to a takeover bid. This procedure is also called "squeeze out". Specifically, the delisting occurs most often in the form of a Public Buyout Offer (OPR) followed by a takeover of Squeeze (OPRO, which will compensate the shareholders of the company low fee cash advance.

The delisting is not excluded

Axel Springer has not formally ruled out making a "squeeze-out on SeLoger.com, but also said he has nothing against the act of keeping one of its acquisitions listed, as is still the case for Aufeminin, another French star net bought by the German publisher.Out a group of stock and raise its stake to 100% allows the shareholder to make a tax consolidation and reassembling easier dividends to the parent.

For its part, SeLoger.com announced Monday that he expected a double digit growth of its key financial indicators in 2011 thanks to record levels of hearing and that he intended to double its dividend . After a fierce battle market, Axel Springer was able to convince management and major shareholders of SeLoger.com. After his first offer, the publisher of the German tabloid Bild controlled nearly 75% stake in the company.

(With agencies)

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The bosses have morale, but are somewhat less optimistic in February than in January. The business climate index fell two points on the month at 106 points, according to Insee. A level still above the long-term average (100). The business sentiment remains "somewhat favorable in the retail trade" (105 points), but "hesitant" in the building (99 points), according to the National Institute of Statistics.

"Only the services sector is this month a further improvement in its business climate," says the National Institute of Statistics. In one-point increase every month since December, rising to 104 points in February. Entrepreneurs in the services believe they have created more jobs in recent months and have revised upwards their employment prospects.

In industry, the bosses are somewhat less optimistic than the previous month, the index lost 2 points to 106.The balance of opinion remains "well above its long-term average," said INSEE. "The order books are down overall, while remaining at a proper level, it has been noted. However, manufacturers benefit from strong exports.

U.S. stock markets failed to bounce back Tuesday. In the wake of a meeting for nothing, they have evolved in the red all day before closing in negative territory. The Standard & Poor's 500 and Nasdaq 100 down 0.32%, respectively, to 1328 points and 2804 points to 0.46%. For its part, the Dow Jones fell back from 0.34% to 12,227 points.

This reflects the gloom battery indicators mixed, published during the session:

– In January, import prices surged due to a further rise in energy costs. They rose 1.5%, almost almost twice the consensus forecast (0.8%).

– The index of homebuilder sentiment has emerged unchanged in February at 16, as in January and in line with analysts' expectations.And for the fourth consecutive month, according to data released Tuesday by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and Wells Fargo Bank.

– In addition, Empire State index measuring industrial activity in New York came out slightly below expectations, despite a faster rise in February. He climbed to 15.4 against 11.9 in January, its highest level since June, but 1inférieur the 15.5 expected by analysts.

– U.S. business inventories rose slightly more than expected in December, while sales rose 1.1%, announced Tuesday the Commerce Department.

– Meanwhile, retail sales began the year with great enthusiasm after the sharp increase in fourth quarter 2010. The 0.3% increase recorded between January and February is the lowest in seven months, and well below the 0.5% expected by analysts.

– The United States has also attracted less net capital flows to long-term in December: 65.9 billion, after 85.1 billion in November.

On the foreign exchange market, the euro was still up against the dollar on Tuesday, buoyed by the German figures reassuring despite persistent pressure from concerns about the fiscal health of fragile area euro.À the close, the euro was worth 1.3483 dollars, after falling in the day from Monday to 1.3428 dollars, the lowest since three weeks.

Marriott will split into two listed companies

Marriott International, 1.15%, to 41.47 dollars

The hotel group said Monday after trading its intention to split into two publicly traded company, with one side of the other hotels and timeshare operations.The new entity specializing in timeshare brands will use the Marriott and Ritz-Carlton, while Marriott International will focus on the activities of hotel accommodation, including franchisees. In 2010, the timeshare industry has posted a turnover of 1.5 billion made on 71 sites with over 400,000 multi-owner and approximately 10,000 employees. After paying a special dividend, the Marriott family should hold 21% stake in each of the two companies split. The group also reported a quarterly profit increase, the economic recovery accompanied by an increase in business travel.Net income for the fourth quarter was $ 173 million or 46 cents per share, against 106 million or 28 cents per share, a year earlier.

Fedex: 2.13%, to 95.99 dollars

The group messageriea lowered its targets for the current quarter The group now expects earnings per share and 90 cents entre70, fork down 25 cents.The group says that performance-cons by harsh climatic conditions and rising fuel prices explain this.

Chevron: -0.66%, to 96.31 dollars

The oil company was fined a total sum of $ 9.5 billion for pollution caused by Texaco (bought by Chevron) in the Ecuadorian Amazon, "said plaintiffs' counsel in revising upward the amount .

NYSE Euronext: -3.35% to 38.13 dollars

Also note, while boards of directors of the exchange group NYSE Euronext and Deutsche Börse in talks for a merger, may announce an agreement soon on Tuesday, the press reported a possible offer by the Chicago Mercantile cons Exchange (CME), the world trade in raw materials.

Genzyme: + 3.53%, to 74.30 dollars

The series Sanofi Aventis / Genzyme continues.A merger agreement between the French laboratory and the American biotechnology should be signed shortly. Sanofi, however, should extend its offer a third time on Genzyme and continue along its negotiation. The expiry of the offer is midnight New York time on Tuesday or Wednesday 6:00 pm Paris time. In Paris, the title of Sanofi-Aventis rose slightly from 0.13% to 49.99 euros

It is time for calm in Italy. The automaker Fiat has confirmed that Saturday's willingness to invest 20 billion euros into the country, the government said in a statement following a meeting between the president and managing director of Fiat, John Elkann and Sergio Marchionne , and Silvio Berlusconi.

Fiat has "confirmed the government's intention to pursue development objectives of the group, which forecast an increase of production in this country of 650,000 to 1.4 million cars a year, a goal supported by an investment of about $ 20 billion euros, "the statement said.The government was ready for its part, to help Fiat to develop in "the best conditions for competitiveness."

The meeting, also attended the Italian ministers of Economy and Industry, and officials of the Piedmont where the headquarters of the manufacturer, was intended to calm the anxiety provoked by the statements of the Sergio Marchionne about a possible tie-Chrysler Fiat. "Fiat and Chrysler? In the next two or three years we can see a single entity. It could be based here in the U.S., "he had launched in last weekend during a visit to San Francisco.

Headquarters, the debate could resurface in 2014

Fiat now owns 25% stake in Chrysler and the two partners hope to produce 6 million vehicles in 2014, against less than 4 million now installment payday loans.The possibility of a merger had already been considered. But the evocation of a head office based in the United States has created a chill in Italy, forcing the CEO of the manufacturer to return immediately to his remarks. By phone, he assured the Minister Maurizio Sacconi of Labor that no transfer of headquarters was expected "either today or tomorrow." He reiterated that the hypotheses only referred to "possible future scenarios."

To dispel any misunderstanding, the Fiat management has, however, of clarifying strategies with government and local authorities on Saturday. "All the controversies are now closed," then found Paolo Romani, the Minister of Industry. "Fiat is a big multinational that grows in the world but still with a heart of Italy." The mayor of Turin Sergio Chiamparino, was more cautious.He said Fiat had confirmed its "Italian character" but "in a changing dynamic that requires daily work to ensure that this does not change." In fact, as the president of the province of Turin, Antonio Saitta, the conditions that the city remains the headquarters of the group "will be discussed in 2014."

(With AFP)

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