Weekly Trade Information-164

Skin Whitening Effect: Shilajit extract can inhibit tyrosinase activity, reducing melanin production, thereby achieving a skin-whitening effect.

Anti-Aging Effects: Shilajit extract acts through multiple unique anti-aging pathways. It not only promotes the production of collagen and elastin but also improves skeletal muscle, thereby addressing aging concerns related to the skin's surface, underlying tissue, and bone structure.

Promotes Skeletal Muscle and Collagen Regeneration: Studies show that Shilajit extract can significantly increase skin blood perfusion, promote the upregulation of various collagen-related genes, thereby facilitating the repair and regeneration of skeletal muscle.

Antioxidant and Anti-Glycation Effects: Shilajit extract possesses strong antioxidant and anti-glycation properties, inhibiting the formation of Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs) and increasing levels of SOD, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C in the blood.

Boosts Energy Levels: Shilajit extract can enhance mitochondrial function, increase cellular energy production, thereby helping to reduce fatigue and improve overall energy levels.

Improves Brain Function: The fulvic acid in Shilajit extract has antioxidant properties that can prevent cellular damage and improve cognitive function, potentially helping to manage age-related cognitive decline.

Improves Heart Health: Shilajit extract has cardioprotective effects, which may reduce the risk of heart disease and enhance heart function.

(Source: Chemical Book)

Fucoidan is rich in fucose and sulfate groups, endowing it with multiple biological activities such as potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, inhibition of matrix-degrading enzyme expression, anti-glycation, activation of anti-aging gene expression, anti-apoptosis, and promotion of cell repair. This provides various avenues for its intervention in inflammation-related issues. Qingdao Bright Moon Seaweed Group, a global leader in seaweed-based biological products, leverages its BMSFu® fucoidan to provide a scientific and efficient solution for anti-inflammatory diets, successfully addressing five major "inflammation" challenges.

(Source: Functional Food Circle)

Nestlé, the world's largest food company, has commissioned Morgan Stanley to conduct a strategic review of its vitamin business. This assessment could potentially lead to the sale of the related brands under Nestlé. As a global leader in the food industry, Nestlé is re-evaluating some of its underperforming businesses, including its vitamin and mineral supplement business and its water business. While Nestlé's vitamin business is not part of its core operations, it holds a position within its strategic focus on health and nutrition. Insiders indicate that the strategic review being carried out by Morgan Stanley might ultimately result in the sale of some vitamin and health brands.

(Source: FoodTalks Food Information)

On September 22, 2025, Amazon's Whole Foods Market officially began its expansion into the Asian market, choosing Singapore as its first stop. It introduced nearly 300 SKUs of its private label products, marking the brand's first entry into Asia. As a global organic retail giant, Whole Foods Market operates 536 stores worldwide (95% in the US, 7 in the UK, 14 in Canada) with annual sales of $16 billion. The Singapore expansion adopts a light-asset partnership model—collaborating with local retailer Little Farms across 8 stores and utilizing Amazon's online channels—significantly differing from traditional heavy-asset expansion models.

The dual drivers behind this expansion are clear: on one hand, Whole Foods' private label has shown strong growth, with sales increasing over 50% since 2019; on the other hand, the organic market in the Asia-Pacific region, including Singapore, is growing at a rate of 9.7%. The Southeast Asian organic food market reached $8.614 billion in 2024, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.88% from 2025 to 2033. Coupled with rising consumer health consciousness and high-income support, this constitutes an ideal growth opportunity.

(Source: FOODTALKS Website)

The Port of Oakland reported stable cargo volumes in August 2025, handling 192,313 TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units), nearly unchanged from August 2024 (-0.3%).
Compared to the same period last year, imports saw a slight decrease, totaling 82,245 TEUs (-1.2%), while exports rose to 62,477 TEUs (+5.2%), indicating continued demand in overseas markets.

Following strong growth in July, the August results reflect shippers' ongoing adjustments to changes in tariff-related trade policies.
Importers shifted cargo earlier in the quarter to avoid potential disruptions, while exporters benefited from sustained overseas demand. Empty container movements aligned with seasonal patterns.

In August, the Port of Oakland handled 90 vessel calls, a 4.7% increase from last year, with an average of 2,137 TEUs per vessel, demonstrating efficient berth utilization and the port's capability to handle large vessels.

Bryan Brandes, Maritime Director at the Port of Oakland, stated that they expect cargo volumes to remain stable in the fourth quarter and that Oakland remains committed to ensuring reliable and efficient operations for all customers.

In the first eight months of 2025, the Port of Oakland handled 1.54 million TEUs, a 1.7% increase compared to the same period last year, solidifying Oakland's position as a significant global trade gateway in the United States.

(Source: Logistics Baba)