Challoumi Exports Secure Market Access Amid Afthodis Piretos Concerns

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 26, 2026

Veterinary Authorities Assure Safety

Cyprus Veterinary Services have confirmed that Challoumi production remains safe despite the detection of 11 cases of foot-and-mouth disease in areas including Livadia, Oroklini, Aradippou, and Troulloi. According to officials, the situation does not affect the international trade status of the product.

Director Christodoulou Pipi said in an interview that consultations with industry stakeholders and international partners indicate that existing safeguards remain effective.

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Global Markets Endorse Trade Continuity

Following discussions with authorities and trade partners in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, officials said these markets do not plan to impose restrictions on Cypriot Challoumi imports.

The decision is based on scientific assessments of the production process, which includes high-temperature treatment that reduces viral risk.

Science-Backed Confidence In Challoumi

Veterinary Services data indicate that the manufacturing process, particularly the use of elevated production temperatures, supports the product’s safety profile for export markets.

As a result, Challoumi continues to meet trade requirements even as disease-control measures remain in place for other livestock-related products.

Modified Import Protocols In The United Kingdom

In parallel with these positive developments for Challoumi, the United Kingdom has initiated strict preventive measures for other animal products. Issued under the directive (OVS Note) of February 23, 2026, these new guidelines include:

Ban on Live Animals: Importation of virus-susceptible live animals such as bovines, swine, and small ruminants is halted.
Restrictions on Meat: Imports of raw meat and meat products lacking the mandated thermal treatment are prohibited.
Feed Import Limitations: There is a suspension on the import of silage and straw from Cyprus.

These measures reflect the UK’s commitment to maintaining both public and animal health standards while recognizing the exceptional production process of Challoumi. The clear distinction in regulations underscores the product’s continued eligibility for trade.

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Mercedes-Benz Posts Higher Profit Despite China Slowdown

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 29, 2026

Mercedes-Benz reported stronger-than-expected second-quarter results, lifting its shares on Tuesday despite mounting pressure from Chinese automakers and a weaker outlook for sales and revenue.

The earnings provided a boost for Europe’s auto sector, where manufacturers continue to grapple with tariffs, softer demand and intensifying competition from Chinese rivals. Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have all accelerated restructuring efforts in response.

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Cost Discipline Lifts Quarterly Profit

Mercedes-Benz shares rose as much as 5.9% following the results before trimming gains to trade 3.5% higher by 1118 GMT. The company reaffirmed its profit margin guidance for its core passenger car business after reporting an adjusted return on sales of 4.0% for the second quarter, above market expectations and within its 3% to 5% target range.

“In an environment where some automakers are ringing alarm bells on their competitive positioning, Mercedes delivered a clear and confident message,” Morningstar analyst Rella Suskin said.

Second-quarter operating profit increased 22% to €1.5 billion ($1.7 billion), despite a 3% decline in revenue. Lower administrative and research and development costs, together with strong performances from the financial services and vans divisions, supported earnings, while the results also included a €131 million gain related to the planned sale of leasing subsidiary Athlon.

China Remains The Key Pressure Point

Despite stronger profitability, Mercedes continues to face a challenging market environment. Sales in China fell 30% during the second quarter, prompting the company to abandon earlier expectations for stable car sales and group revenue. It now expects both to decline slightly from a year earlier.

BMW also lowered its outlook in June following a deeper-than-expected slowdown in China, highlighting the pressure facing Germany’s premium carmakers. At the same time, Mercedes said Chinese manufacturers are increasingly expanding into European markets, although Chief Executive Ola Kaellenius said their focus remains on higher-volume segments rather than the premium market.

“But that is not a reason to sit back and be relaxed,” he said.

Manufacturing Shift Continues

Mercedes is also reshaping its manufacturing footprint. The company said its German factories will undergo a more aggressive push toward leaner production, although it declined to provide further details while talks with labour representatives continue. Production is also being expanded in lower-cost Eastern European locations, including Hungary, where the company is increasing capacity at its Kecskemet plant, as well as in Poland.

Chief Financial Officer Harald Wilhelm said the full-year margin for the passenger car division is expected to come in at the lower end of the company’s guidance range, reflecting a higher share of electric vehicle sales in Europe, which remain more expensive to produce and continue to weigh on profitability.

“We must continue to work flat out to reduce costs so that we can remain competitive on the prices of our products,” Kaellenius said.

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