{"id":91123,"date":"2025-09-23T03:57:07","date_gmt":"2025-09-23T03:57:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gl-open.com\/?p=91123"},"modified":"2025-12-18T06:08:34","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T06:08:34","slug":"2025-calendar-week-39","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gl-open.com\/newsletter\/2025\/2025-calendar-week-39\/","title":{"rendered":"2025 Calendar Week 39"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p><!-- divi:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ember271\">Made-in-China Supercar Breaks World Speed Record at 496 km\/h<\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/divi:heading -->\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><!-- divi:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p id=\"ember272\">On September 22, in Papenburg, Germany\u2014home to one of the world\u2019s premier high-speed proving grounds\u2014Chinese automaker BYD made history. Its Yangwang U9 Xtreme reached an astonishing 496.22 km\/h, setting a new world speed record for production cars and eclipsing Bugatti\u2019s Chiron Super Sport 300+, which had held the crown since 2019 with 490 km\/h.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/divi:paragraph -->\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><!-- divi:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p id=\"ember273\">The driver behind the record-breaking run was veteran racing legend Mark Basseng, describing the experience :&#8221;<em>When you\u2019re close to 500 km\/h, you\u2019re covering more than 130 meters every second. The white lines on the track blur into one, the wind noise feels almost aggressive, and even the smallest steering input could send you off course.\u201d<\/em> His words painted a vivid picture of the razor\u2019s edge between control and chaos at such extreme speeds.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/divi:paragraph -->\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><!-- divi:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p id=\"ember274\">For BYD, known globally as a leader in electric vehicles and mass-market innovation, the Yangwang U9 Xtreme represents a very different ambition: to push the limits of engineering and enter the rarefied world of hypercars. The record marks not just a victory for the brand, but also a symbolic moment for China\u2019s auto industry\u2014demonstrating that domestic manufacturers can compete head-to-head with century-old European marques in a field once thought to be untouchable.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/divi:paragraph -->\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><!-- divi:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ember276\">Art or Ecological Misstep? Fireworks Spectacle on the Plateau Draws Scrutiny<\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/divi:heading -->\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><!-- divi:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p id=\"ember277\">On September 19, outdoor brand Arc\u2019teryx teamed up with Chinese artist Cai Guoqiang to stage a fireworks art display titled <em>Ascending Dragon<\/em> on the ridge of Chaqiong Gangri Mountain in Shigatse, Tibet Autonomous Region. The display began at 4,600 meters and rose to 5,050 meters, creating the impression of a dragon soaring skyward across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.licdn.com\/dms\/image\/v2\/D5612AQGWuI3NoG8EDQ\/article-inline_image-shrink_400_744\/B56Zlw4ImpJ0AY-\/0\/1758535392046?e=1767830400&amp;v=beta&amp;t=RYQs2we_HDyPLpNwK78vdbZxEBfQ3XdKkKP981hcu7A\" alt=\"Article content\" \/><\/p>\n<p><!-- divi:image --><\/p>\n<p><!-- divi:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p id=\"ember279\">The spectacle, however, quickly drew public scrutiny after videos circulated online, with the hashtag climbing to the top of Weibo\u2019s trending list. While some viewers debated its artistic and cultural significance, the sharpest criticism centered on the potential ecological damage to one of China\u2019s most fragile environments.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/divi:paragraph -->\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><!-- divi:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p id=\"ember280\">In response, the Shigatse municipal Party committee and government launched an on-site investigation, promising follow-up measures based on the findings.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/divi:paragraph -->\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><!-- divi:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p id=\"ember281\">On September 21, Arc\u2019teryx issued a public apology, pledging to \u201caccept all criticism\u201d and commit to remedial actions once environmental assessments are complete. Cai Guoqiang released a parallel statement, acknowledging planning oversights and vowing to cooperate with third-party institutions and local authorities to evaluate and mitigate any ecological impact. He further promised to contribute to restoration efforts if damage is confirmed.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/divi:paragraph -->\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><!-- divi:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p id=\"ember282\">The incident highlights a growing tension between large-scale cultural displays and China\u2019s mounting emphasis on environmental stewardship, particularly in ecologically sensitive regions like the Tibetan Plateau.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/divi:paragraph -->\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><!-- divi:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ember284\">Xiaomi Issues Recall for 117,000 SU7 EVs Over Assisted Driving Defect<\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/divi:heading -->\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><!-- divi:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p id=\"ember285\">China\u2019s market regulator announced on September 19 that Xiaomi will recall 116,887 SU7 electric vehicles to address a defect in their assisted driving system. The recall covers standard-edition models manufactured between February 6, 2024, and August 30, 2025, according to the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR).<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/divi:paragraph -->\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><!-- divi:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p id=\"ember286\">The issue lies with the L2 high-speed navigation assist function, which in rare cases may fail to properly detect, warn, or respond in extreme scenarios. \u201cIf the driver does not intervene in time, the risk of collision may increase,\u201d SAMR said.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/divi:paragraph -->\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><!-- divi:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p id=\"ember287\">Xiaomi will roll out an immediate over-the-air software update to correct the problem, avoiding the need for vehicles to return to dealerships.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/divi:paragraph -->\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><!-- divi:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p id=\"ember288\">The National Technical Center for Product Recalls confirmed that, to date, no casualties or traffic accidents have been reported in connection with the defect. Still, the move underscores how safety remains a critical test for newcomers in China\u2019s fast-growing EV market \u2014 where software-defined cars are both an opportunity and a liability.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/divi:paragraph -->\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><!-- divi:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ember290\">iPhone 17 Launch: Scalpers, Queues, and the \u201cOrange Pro Max Premium\u201d<\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/divi:heading -->\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><!-- divi:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p id=\"ember291\">On September 19, Apple rolled out the iPhone 17 series, and Guangzhou\u2019s Tianhuan Plaza Apple Store turned into a scene familiar to past launches: A long queue, scalpers at the doors, the Pro Max orange edition grabbing all the buzz.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/divi:paragraph -->\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><!-- divi:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p id=\"ember292\">Although the store normally opens at 10 a.m., customers were allowed to queue from 8 a.m. By then, lines already looped around the building. At the exit, resellers swarmed anyone carrying Apple bags, offering quick mark-ups. One common pitch: <em>\u201cWill you sell for an extra 600?\u201d<\/em> Many scalpers left with multiple devices in hand, even some foreigners flown in for the trade.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/divi:paragraph -->\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><!-- divi:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p id=\"ember293\">The star of the launch? The iPhone 17 Pro Max in orange, particularly the 256GB version. Scalpers were adding an 800 yuan premium, while the standard iPhone 17 saw little secondary market demand. As one reseller put it: <em>\u201cWe don\u2019t inflate prices for the basic version.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/divi:paragraph -->\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><!-- divi:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p id=\"ember294\">Apple\u2019s own data shows pre-orders were stronger than last year\u2019s iPhone 16 series, with the Pro Max leading again. Production of the 17 Pro Max in Q3 2025 rose about 60% year-on-year, yet delivery times remained unchanged \u2014 a sign that demand is keeping up with the ramped-up supply.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/divi:paragraph -->\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><!-- divi:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p id=\"ember295\">The frenzy highlights a paradox in Apple\u2019s China story. Market data shows its overall share has slipped, with Huawei reclaiming the top spot. Yet the queues and resale premiums suggest Apple still commands aspirational power among high-end Chinese consumers. In a hyper-competitive smartphone market, that brand pull \u2014 embodied in a bright orange Pro Max \u2014 remains one of Apple\u2019s strongest assets.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/divi:paragraph -->\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><!-- divi:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ember297\">Arnault Walks Nanjing Road as LVMH\u2019s $44B Revenue Shrinks, $6B Profit Slumps<\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/divi:heading -->\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><!-- divi:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p id=\"ember298\">On September 16, Shanghai shoppers on Nanjing Road were treated to a surprise sight: Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of LVMH, strolling along the city\u2019s iconic shopping street. It was his third consecutive year making the trip to China, a market long seen as a barometer for global luxury demand.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.licdn.com\/dms\/image\/v2\/D5612AQG-HQh4SThLpQ\/article-inline_image-shrink_400_744\/B56Zlw4h87I0AY-\/0\/1758535495734?e=1767830400&amp;v=beta&amp;t=ArcO4PlZeAyAb0sfDzQftrC5e409CszI8W6nc9ui29E\" alt=\"Article content\" \/><\/p>\n<p><!-- divi:image --><\/p>\n<p><!-- divi:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p id=\"ember300\">The timing, however, underscored how much has changed. In 2023, when Arnault last visited, he was still the world\u2019s richest man with a $211 billion fortune. Back then, China was buoying global luxury\u2019s expansion. But by 2024, the tide had shifted: the number of global luxury consumers fell from 400 million in 2022 to 350 million, with total spending slipping 1\u20133% to $1.63 trillion.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/divi:paragraph -->\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><!-- divi:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p id=\"ember301\">That slowdown has left even giants feeling the strain. LVMH\u2019s revenue fell 4% year-on-year to $43.8 billion in the first half of 2025, while net profit tumbled 22% to $6.26 billion.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/divi:paragraph -->\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><!-- divi:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p id=\"ember302\">Amid this backdrop, Arnault\u2019s itinerary included a stop at Laopu Gold inside Shanghai\u2019s IFC Mall, where he lingered over pendants, gourds, and crosses, calling the designs \u201cexquisite and interesting.\u201d It wasn\u2019t the first time LVMH executives have taken a closer look at local jewelry players: in June, another senior executive visited Laopu Gold\u2019s Beijing store.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/divi:paragraph -->\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><!-- divi:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p id=\"ember303\">Deputy CEO Stephane Bianchi later acknowledged what\u2019s become increasingly visible on the ground: \u201cChinese consumers are showing growing interest in domestic brands.\u201d While he didn\u2019t name names, insiders point to explosive demand for Chinese jewelry labels\u2014an unmistakable signal that global titans are now carefully watching their once upstart rivals.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/divi:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Made-in-China Supercar Breaks World Speed Record at 496 km\/h &nbsp; \u00a0 On September 22, in Papenburg, Germany\u2014home to one of the world\u2019s premier high-speed proving grounds\u2014Chinese automaker BYD made history. Its Yangwang U9 Xtreme reached an astonishing 496.22 km\/h, setting a new world speed record for production cars and eclipsing Bugatti\u2019s Chiron Super Sport 300+, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":91126,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ember271\">Made-in-China Supercar Breaks World Speed Record at 496 km\/h<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"ember272\">On September 22, in Papenburg, Germany\u2014home to one of the world\u2019s premier high-speed proving grounds\u2014Chinese automaker BYD made history. Its Yangwang U9 Xtreme reached an astonishing 496.22 km\/h, setting a new world speed record for production cars and eclipsing Bugatti\u2019s Chiron Super Sport 300+, which had held the crown since 2019 with 490 km\/h.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"ember273\">The driver behind the record-breaking run was veteran racing legend Mark Basseng, describing the experience :\"<em>When you\u2019re close to 500 km\/h, you\u2019re covering more than 130 meters every second. The white lines on the track blur into one, the wind noise feels almost aggressive, and even the smallest steering input could send you off course.\u201d<\/em> His words painted a vivid picture of the razor\u2019s edge between control and chaos at such extreme speeds.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"ember274\">For BYD, known globally as a leader in electric vehicles and mass-market innovation, the Yangwang U9 Xtreme represents a very different ambition: to push the limits of engineering and enter the rarefied world of hypercars. The record marks not just a victory for the brand, but also a symbolic moment for China\u2019s auto industry\u2014demonstrating that domestic manufacturers can compete head-to-head with century-old European marques in a field once thought to be untouchable.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ember276\">Art or Ecological Misstep? Fireworks Spectacle on the Plateau Draws Scrutiny<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"ember277\">On September 19, outdoor brand Arc\u2019teryx teamed up with Chinese artist Cai Guoqiang to stage a fireworks art display titled <em>Ascending Dragon<\/em> on the ridge of Chaqiong Gangri Mountain in Shigatse, Tibet Autonomous Region. The display began at 4,600 meters and rose to 5,050 meters, creating the impression of a dragon soaring skyward across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/media.licdn.com\/dms\/image\/v2\/D5612AQGWuI3NoG8EDQ\/article-inline_image-shrink_400_744\/B56Zlw4ImpJ0AY-\/0\/1758535392046?e=1761782400&amp;v=beta&amp;t=XBkP_ZLBtR-0lrYbXSy5VM7y5E44He7C0btGt3LDXF8\" alt=\"Article content\"\/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"ember279\">The spectacle, however, quickly drew public scrutiny after videos circulated online, with the hashtag climbing to the top of Weibo\u2019s trending list. While some viewers debated its artistic and cultural significance, the sharpest criticism centered on the potential ecological damage to one of China\u2019s most fragile environments.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"ember280\">In response, the Shigatse municipal Party committee and government launched an on-site investigation, promising follow-up measures based on the findings.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"ember281\">On September 21, Arc\u2019teryx issued a public apology, pledging to \u201caccept all criticism\u201d and commit to remedial actions once environmental assessments are complete. Cai Guoqiang released a parallel statement, acknowledging planning oversights and vowing to cooperate with third-party institutions and local authorities to evaluate and mitigate any ecological impact. He further promised to contribute to restoration efforts if damage is confirmed.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"ember282\">The incident highlights a growing tension between large-scale cultural displays and China\u2019s mounting emphasis on environmental stewardship, particularly in ecologically sensitive regions like the Tibetan Plateau.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ember284\">Xiaomi Issues Recall for 117,000 SU7 EVs Over Assisted Driving Defect<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"ember285\">China\u2019s market regulator announced on September 19 that Xiaomi will recall 116,887 SU7 electric vehicles to address a defect in their assisted driving system. The recall covers standard-edition models manufactured between February 6, 2024, and August 30, 2025, according to the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR).<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"ember286\">The issue lies with the L2 high-speed navigation assist function, which in rare cases may fail to properly detect, warn, or respond in extreme scenarios. \u201cIf the driver does not intervene in time, the risk of collision may increase,\u201d SAMR said.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"ember287\">Xiaomi will roll out an immediate over-the-air software update to correct the problem, avoiding the need for vehicles to return to dealerships.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"ember288\">The National Technical Center for Product Recalls confirmed that, to date, no casualties or traffic accidents have been reported in connection with the defect. Still, the move underscores how safety remains a critical test for newcomers in China\u2019s fast-growing EV market \u2014 where software-defined cars are both an opportunity and a liability.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ember290\">iPhone 17 Launch: Scalpers, Queues, and the \u201cOrange Pro Max Premium\u201d<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"ember291\">On September 19, Apple rolled out the iPhone 17 series, and Guangzhou\u2019s Tianhuan Plaza Apple Store turned into a scene familiar to past launches: A long queue, scalpers at the doors, the Pro Max orange edition grabbing all the buzz.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"ember292\">Although the store normally opens at 10 a.m., customers were allowed to queue from 8 a.m. By then, lines already looped around the building. At the exit, resellers swarmed anyone carrying Apple bags, offering quick mark-ups. One common pitch: <em>\u201cWill you sell for an extra 600?\u201d<\/em> Many scalpers left with multiple devices in hand, even some foreigners flown in for the trade.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"ember293\">The star of the launch? The iPhone 17 Pro Max in orange, particularly the 256GB version. Scalpers were adding an 800 yuan premium, while the standard iPhone 17 saw little secondary market demand. As one reseller put it: <em>\u201cWe don\u2019t inflate prices for the basic version.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"ember294\">Apple\u2019s own data shows pre-orders were stronger than last year\u2019s iPhone 16 series, with the Pro Max leading again. Production of the 17 Pro Max in Q3 2025 rose about 60% year-on-year, yet delivery times remained unchanged \u2014 a sign that demand is keeping up with the ramped-up supply.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"ember295\">The frenzy highlights a paradox in Apple\u2019s China story. Market data shows its overall share has slipped, with Huawei reclaiming the top spot. Yet the queues and resale premiums suggest Apple still commands aspirational power among high-end Chinese consumers. In a hyper-competitive smartphone market, that brand pull \u2014 embodied in a bright orange Pro Max \u2014 remains one of Apple\u2019s strongest assets.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ember297\">Arnault Walks Nanjing Road as LVMH\u2019s $44B Revenue Shrinks, $6B Profit Slumps<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"ember298\">On September 16, Shanghai shoppers on Nanjing Road were treated to a surprise sight: Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of LVMH, strolling along the city\u2019s iconic shopping street. It was his third consecutive year making the trip to China, a market long seen as a barometer for global luxury demand.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/media.licdn.com\/dms\/image\/v2\/D5612AQG-HQh4SThLpQ\/article-inline_image-shrink_400_744\/B56Zlw4h87I0AY-\/0\/1758535495734?e=1761782400&amp;v=beta&amp;t=bcTUiptXgdaDBrFnwaSxHEFwVMtyIrKCIIt9vgGK3Es\" alt=\"Article content\"\/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"ember300\">The timing, however, underscored how much has changed. In 2023, when Arnault last visited, he was still the world\u2019s richest man with a $211 billion fortune. Back then, China was buoying global luxury\u2019s expansion. But by 2024, the tide had shifted: the number of global luxury consumers fell from 400 million in 2022 to 350 million, with total spending slipping 1\u20133% to $1.63 trillion.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"ember301\">That slowdown has left even giants feeling the strain. LVMH\u2019s revenue fell 4% year-on-year to $43.8 billion in the first half of 2025, while net profit tumbled 22% to $6.26 billion.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"ember302\">Amid this backdrop, Arnault\u2019s itinerary included a stop at Laopu Gold inside Shanghai\u2019s IFC Mall, where he lingered over pendants, gourds, and crosses, calling the designs \u201cexquisite and interesting.\u201d It wasn\u2019t the first time LVMH executives have taken a closer look at local jewelry players: in June, another senior executive visited Laopu Gold\u2019s Beijing store.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p id=\"ember303\">Deputy CEO Stephane Bianchi later acknowledged what\u2019s become increasingly visible on the ground: \u201cChinese consumers are showing growing interest in domestic brands.\u201d While he didn\u2019t name names, insiders point to explosive demand for Chinese jewelry labels\u2014an unmistakable signal that global titans are now carefully watching their once upstart rivals.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[39],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-91123","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-39"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gl-open.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/91123","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gl-open.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gl-open.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gl-open.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gl-open.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=91123"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/gl-open.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/91123\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":92913,"href":"https:\/\/gl-open.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/91123\/revisions\/92913"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gl-open.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/91126"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gl-open.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=91123"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gl-open.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=91123"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gl-open.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=91123"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}