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An In-depth Analysis of The China Umbrella Industry

Aside 15/09/2018 admin Leave a comment

China Umbrella Industry

Ever encountered any difficulty while importing umbrellas from China?

Where to find umbrella manufacturers? How do I buy umbrellas from China?

With the internet development, buying umbrellas China doesn’t have to be as much of a mystery as one would make it be.

In this post, I want to share:

Why should you import umbrellas from China?
China umbrella industry situation
China umbrella market situation
The umbrella manufacturing process in China
Current umbrella industry trends
Where is China umbrella production bases located?
Economic and social benefits of the umbrella Industry
How to search for the best umbrella manufacturers?

Let’s dive in now.

Chapter 1: Why you should import umbrellas from China

China dominates the global production of the umbrella market. In 2013 China exported over 85% of its entire umbrella output. Of this amount 12.6% was exported to Japan, 11.5% was exported to the US, 9.8% was exported to Brazil, and 4.7% was exported to Italy while 4.6% was exported to Germany. These 5 countries together made up the largest global destinations of umbrellas.

In 2013 China was the single biggest supplier of umbrellas globally with an estimated 92% of the global share of umbrella exports. Belgium and Germany represent the fastest growing rate of worldwide umbrellas supplies from 2008-2013. Belgium grew by 37% each year while Germany grew its exports by 23% yearly. Despite India and USA is the leading global manufacturers of umbrellas, they do not export much of their umbrellas due to heavy local consumption.

The use of umbrellas is inescapable the world over and as a result, the umbrella market is an enduring one. Due to a huge population, China has become one of the world’s largest sources of labor resources. This has resulted in several industries growing within mainland China including the umbrella industry.

At first, Germany was the primary producer of umbrellas before Japan took over in the 1970s, production then moved to Taiwan in the 1980s before China started dominating the market from 1990s till now. Currently, China produces and exports the biggest share of umbrellas sold and used around the world. China’s market capitalization of the global umbrella industry stands at 80% hence dominating the market entirely.

Chapter 2: China umbrella industry situation

Although there is fierce competition in the China umbrella industry, the creation and operation of large, medium and small umbrella enterprises are becoming more frequent. Also to differentiate themselves from each other these companies have incorporated extensive market research on their products.

This has resulted in the rise of a significant number of domestic umbrella brands which have become global leaders in the industry. This article will, therefore, analyze the overall umbrella industry comprehensively and accurately.

The report starts with an analysis of the thriving nature of the umbrella industry in China. It will also give a good picture of the competitive trends emerging in the local umbrella industry. Moreover, the report will also highlight the socioeconomic benefits of the umbrella industry to the local economy and its inhabitants.

The article, therefore, presents a rare opportunity for research institutes, umbrella manufacturers and buyers to accurately understand the latest advancements in the industry.

Chapter 3: China umbrella market situation

Presently China’s umbrella market is at its highest level in terms of overall consumption and production. Regular Chinese buyers and producers have been forming consumer and manufacturer trends for fashionable and functional umbrellas all over the world.

Moreover, due to increased economic and social development, China’s economically developed regions such as Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Beijing are showing clear signs of differentiation in regard to umbrella consumption. Cheap umbrellas are fast moving and they have a huge consumption volume.

On the other hand, high-end and luxurious umbrellas are quickly becoming fashion statements and entering the lives of ordinary customers. Also, deluxe umbrellas such us outdoor picnic umbrellas and golf umbrellas are been accepted by high-income families.

Chapter 4: The umbrella manufacturing process in China

Although the modern umbrella industry has also entered the large-scale factory production, it still needs a significant amount of manual production. This is because of the specialty needed in making umbrellas. Manufacturing an umbrella involves assembling its vital components which include the shaft, a runner, stretchers, ribs, and a canopy.

Over the years the fabrication of canopies has experienced several modifications. In the past cotton and linen were used, today microfiber fabrics are used.

Canopies are therefore made from several pieces of fabric stitched together. The ribs and stretchers act as the skeleton of the canopy and are responsible for the opening and closing of the umbrellas. Ribs and stretchers are generally made from steel with stretchers been linked to the shaft through a runner.

On the other hand, shafts are often manufactured using fiberglass, aluminum, wood or steel. Folding umbrellas have a transferrable shaft that can be adjusted to different lengths. Most of these processes require manual expertise. This means the umbrella industry is greatly dependent on labor resources due to its labor-intensive nature.

At their height, Germany, Japan, Taiwan, and China had significant low-cost labor resources. Hence showing that the umbrella industry has always developed around markets that have cheap and available labor resources. This is due to lower production costs. In addition to having a massive pool of human resources, China undertook an industrial revolution from the 90s.

This helped it become one of the major countries that produce and export spare parts used in the processing and assembly of almost every product in use today. The reliability and scale of these industrial systems are huge making China an absolute hub for umbrella production.

Chapter 5: Current China umbrella industry trends

Traditionally umbrellas were particularly used as rainproof accessories. However, this has changed in the past years and umbrellas have evolved from this singular function to a variety of uses that include practical or decorative uses. Furthermore, some umbrellas are designed to be lighter and smaller while incorporating a wide array of color schemes. Umbrellas became fashion accessories now.

Umbrellas have also included a variety of other functions that include UV protection umbrellas, gift umbrellas, golf umbrellas, advertising umbrellas, garden umbrellas, beach umbrellas, and automatic opening and closing umbrellas. The ever-changing nature of market demands has also resulted in the development of the umbrella industry as a whole.

For instance, existing umbrella manufacturers are looking further than the production process alone. These companies have been converted from production based corporations into international traders with global brands and sales/distribution channels.

Some of these companies have also evolved into manufacturing high-end and luxurious umbrellas hence requiring research and development departments which are responsible for coming up with new umbrella designs.

The umbrella industry has also seen a growth of OEM production where customers come with their own product specifications and the manufacturer produces the umbrellas based on these requirements.

Lastly, the Chinese umbrella industry might experience a transformation. This is because some of the domestic umbrella manufactures have started setting up factories in Southeast Asia and other areas with lower labor costs. This might usher in a new round of regional transfer of umbrella production.

Furthermore, the growth of industrial groups in the umbrella industry has resulted in the interdependence between several businesses which are found within specific geographical areas. Since these enterprises are interdependent to each other it establishes a competitive advantage in the particular geographical area.

The high concentration of similar enterprises in a certain region reduces costs such as exchange costs and production costs. It also improves market competitiveness and enhances economies of scale.

Chapter 6: Where is China umbrella production bases located?

The main umbrella manufacturing provinces in China are Jiangxi province, Zhejiang province, Jiangsu province, Guangdong province, and Fujian province. However, Zhejiang province and Fujian province take the majority share of the export volume of umbrellas from China. These two provinces are home to the four main umbrella production cluster bases.

They include China’s umbrella capital, Dongshi Town, Jinjiang, Fujian, China Umbrella City – Shishan Town, Nan’an, Fujian, and China Umbrella City – Zhejiang Shangyuxia Town, China Umbrella Township – Nanyang Street, Xiaoshan, Zhejiang.

These regions have been developed over the years to cover the majority of China’s local umbrella industry. Most of the major domestic umbrella manufacturers and businesses have come from the above-mentioned regions.

Chapter 7: Economic and Social Benefits of the Umbrella Industry

Like any industry, the umbrella industry in China has had positive social and economic impacts. For starters, the industry has bolstered the Chinese local economy significantly. This is through the creation of jobs and elevating large groups of people from poverty through employment.

Umbrella manufacturers have also helped industrialize some of China’s rural areas. This is by building social amenities needed by the firm such as roads, electricity and housing facilities.

Chapter 8: How to search for the best umbrella manufacturers

1. Peers, Colleagues, and Friends
We all know that friend or colleague that always has trendy accessories including umbrellas. If that’s the case you could ask them where they got them from. They will act as your referral point and direct you to the correct seller or supplier.

Asking for referrals is one of the best ways of searching for suppliers since it saves you the time and effort used in researching new suppliers. Also, you will have an accurate idea of what to expect from the supplier since you have already assessed the product based on your peer’s insights.

2. The internet
For those of us not lucky enough to have fashionable colleagues or friends, we have to resort to using the internet especially Google search. To start, search for “Chinese umbrella manufactures” from Google. Next, browse through the search results, you will likely get a ton of Chinese umbrella company’s websites. Your mission in this phase will be filtering out the results.

Not all umbrella manufacturers on the internet are reliable. Hence you have to research extensively and evaluate their reliability and expertise through the internet. Look out for any red flags by paying close attention to the content on their websites. Some of the considerations to look for include the number of years they have been in operation, customer testimonials and reviews, company photos, contact information, company infrastructure and the number of employees.

Good and reputable umbrella manufacturers must have at least 5 years of umbrella production experience and have a minimum of 30 employees in their team. A prime example of a dependable umbrella firm is Huifeng Umbrella.

This company has been in the business of producing umbrellas for more than 30 years. Therefore, ensuring considerable expertise in this space. What’s more Huifeng has a total number of 80 employees who are all trained to produce high quality and attractive umbrellas.

Lastly, due to Huifeng’s long period in the industry, it has established numerous long-term partners and clients who can act as referrals. There are also other huge umbrella manufacturers with over 200 full-time workers.

However, it is difficult to find these companies on Google since these companies already have an established reputation in the umbrella market and numerous stable clients. As a result of these factors, these firms rarely market themselves on Google and as a result, it is very difficult to find them online.

3. Alibaba.com
Alibaba is also another good place to source for umbrella manufacturers. Alibaba is an online platform meant to connect manufacturers and wholesalers to retailers. As a result, many umbrella manufacturers use Alibaba to find clients and they are often cheaper due to the aggressive competition on the platform. Still, it is difficult to estimate the quality of their services.

If you have the time and energy you could source your umbrellas from a variety of umbrella suppliers and compare the quality. However, the risks involved in this are high. It may end up costing you a lot of money and time. The best ways to avoid this is by looking at the suppliers rating, other buyer’s testimonials/reviews and asking for samples.

4. Trade Fairs
If you are not comfortable with sourcing for umbrellas on the internet you could choose to visit trade fairs and find umbrella manufacturers directly. Some of the most popular trade fairs are the Yiwu international fair, Hong Kong fair and Canton fair. Fairs are particularly a good way of looking for suppliers since it adds a personal touch to the whole experience.

This is because you get to talk to some of the representatives of these umbrella companies and test their products. The only drawback of using trade fairs is the businesses on the show are big companies. They cater to the needs of big importers such as supermarkets.

These big importers spend millions of dollars in purchases annually. If you are just a small or medium-sized company/importer with only tens of thousands of dollars in purchases yearly the fairs may not be the best place to find suppliers.

Conclusion
We hope the above analysis and description of the China umbrella industry help you make clear corporate directions, make the right business decisions and utilize emerging market opportunities. The article has also underlined the latest developments in the industry hence enabling you to prospectively identify unmet market needs and trends.

This could act as a good vantage point for sustainable business development and also help you to effectively avoid the investment risks involved with the industry.

Different Types of Umbrellas

Aside 26/08/2018 admin Leave a comment

TYPES OF UMBRELLAS

An umbrella is an essential household item as it can protect you from exposure to sunlight and heat in hot weather as well as rain.

A perfectly chosen umbrella can go a long way in keeping you safe and healthy. But did you know that there are numerous umbrella types to choose from?

Therefore, before settling on any brand, it is prudent to have an outline of what you expect to gain from an umbrella. For instance, is your main need is to keep off the rain, or are you looking for an umbrella that can fit into your handbag neatly?

In a nutshell, different types of umbrellas come in varying designs, materials and serve different needs. You need therefore to understand what each design has to offer.

There are two main categories: Straight umbrellas and Folding Umbrellas.

Straight umbrellas

Straight umbrellas are a type of non-collapsible parasol, which is similar to the traditional style of umbrellas that you can find in classic films. There are various prints to choose from as you search for the perfect walking stick or doorman umbrella that matches your standards. A straight umbrella includes four basic parts such as the canopy, handle, runner and tube. Each part serves its own functions and gives the umbrella a distinct appeal that sets it apart from other popular types available in the market.

Foldable umbrellas

In a folding umbrella, there is 2-fold,3-fold, 4-fold, 5-fold style, 3 folded umbrella is the most common, and 5 folded is the shortest. They are easily foldable and can fit into a handbag or glove compartment. Their small size and foldable nature also allow you to easily carry them in

There are many types of umbrellas on the market today depending on your needs and climate. Here is a list of common types of umbrellas so you can hopefully find the best umbrella for your climate and rain gear needs：

Classic umbrellas

Classic umbrellas are the most common type of umbrellas. Most materials are metallic, wooden, or polyester shafts and microfiber canopies. The classic umbrella is usually made in two versions, manual and automatic which allow the user to open and close it using one hand. In most cases, the classic umbrella will feature a long shaft with a curved handle. They are often affordable and easy to find in the streets.

Bubble umbrellas

They are easily recognizable through their spherical-shaped canopies, which tend to cover the entire face of the user. Bubble umbrellas are indeed tasteful, with the clear canopies enhancing the user’s sight on the path. That is despite the weather situation. Moreover, the creative canopy arch outline provides greater protection to your body, especially when it’s raining. The purpose is keeping your path visible

Wind Resistant umbrellas

The storm umbrellas are always reinforced using extra strong materials, and they are often given a double layer of cover. The reinforcement and double layer covering keeps these types of umbrellas from getting blown upwards as they can withstand strong winds. They are also huge enough to cover a large number of people, hence it is ideal for a big family.

Automatic umbrellas

Automatic umbrellas have a system that allows you to open them through a simple push of a button, located on the shaft. Their efficiency enhances multi-tasking, as you can easily open/close your umbrella while handling other items. For instance, you can easily adjust your umbrella while carrying your handbag, effortlessly. Sounds great, right?

Golf Umbrellas

Commonly known with the diameter up to 30 ” above-called golf umbrella, golf umbrella handle is usually a straight body shape rather than curved shape, because of the convenience of golf player inserted in the golf bag. They offer a perfect shelter for outdoor activities e.g. golfing.

Artistic umbrellas

Modern day fashion demands call for umbrella designers to create unique umbrella models. In essence, these are umbrellas that are both functional and fashionable. Fashion designers often tackle this problem by creating high-value pieces through the addition of intricate features and rare materials in order to build high-end umbrellas.

Artistic umbrellas are often found in high-end fashion stores and streets. Do you need something distinct that can help you make a fashion statement? Then there are the types of umbrellas to go for.

Paper Umbrellas

Chinese-made ancient umbrellas were first developed approximately 2000 years ago. They were initially used in the Asian nations before being adapted to other parts world. They are mainly used to offer protection against sunshine and strong winds. In addition, they have religious significance in some Asian nations and used as a religious symbol.

Beach umbrellas

These are heavy and large types of umbrellas whose sole purpose is to offer protection against the sun, especially in open areas such as beaches. Parasols are often large and stationary umbrella types, but they can also come in smaller foldable versions of up to 9 feet.

Child umbrellas

Child umbrellas come in a variety of designs and colors. Their canopies may bear interesting designs featuring fairies, dragons, sports, and animal fictional characters. These umbrellas often have small arc size canopies. They are also designed to be light in nature, as they have a shorter shaft than most umbrellas. If you are planning to get your child a gift for an occasion such as a birthday party, then this is the most ideal gift.

Conclusion

Regardless of the weather, an umbrella can always become a handy tool. It enables you to plan and handle your activities confidently without worrying about any changes in your environment. So what are you waiting for? Contact info@hfumbrella.com to custom your favorite umbrellas now.

7 Tips for Selecting Umbrella Giveaway

Aside 26/08/2018 admin Leave a comment

Umbrella giveaway is one of the best tools to promote your business.

One of the most important tips for effective marketing is not only getting your message about your product across but also using the right means and products to do so. It is the right product that sets you apart from your peers and competitors.

Umbrella giveaway is an accessory that won’t go to waste. They are useful in the sweltering heat, during rainy seasons and even in sporting events. Besides, there is a huge surface area on the umbrellas to print whatever you want to promote your business.

It could be your tagline, contact information, logo or any other important details. There is enough space to print whatever you want, in whatever colors you want. Try to attract the attention of people around the person using the umbrella giveaway.

However, this doesn’t mean you can just buy an umbrella and have your message printed on it. Umbrellas are available in so many types, shapes, and sizes. You have to choose one that perfectly meets your marketing needs, which is where this article should help you.

Budget

The budget comes first and foremost in everything you buy. You should be able to not only afford the umbrella giveaway, but they should also at least last for some time. There is no point buying cheap umbrellas that are so flimsy in the structure that they don’t last long.

Look for something that offers excellent protection to the user, and lasts much longer. Not only will they prefer using it, it also conveys a better image of your company, that it is strong and trustworthy as the umbrella.

Visual appeal with the right colors

It’s imperative that your promotional umbrella has to be visually appealing so that it easily captures the attention of people around it. The best way to do this is with an umbrella with the right color combination on the canopy.

An ideal combination is a solid color base or you can opt to mix and match different colors where the chosen colors show off their own sheen. This is more than enough to add some glamour to the umbrella’s body to make audiences snatch a second glance at them. Just make sure your chosen vendor can offer your chosen colors.

Other points that add to the umbrella’s visual appeal are the handle design and the umbrella structure and design. If you can afford it, buy something sturdy with perhaps a bespoke canopy as it makes your umbrella stand apart from your competition.

There are even stronger models that can even withstand strong wind speeds and easily recover from flipping inside out. These umbrellas keep your customers safe, and your brand in their minds for many more years.

Promotional Umbrellas

Enhanced usability

It’s not enough to just distribute visually appealing promotional umbrellas. You have to give the recipient a reason to choose and use your umbrella instead of any other umbrella they already have.

The best way to do this is by making your umbrella some way or the other better than ordinary umbrellas. It could be a storm proof canopy, a twin ribbed canopy, an automatic opening mechanism, a lightweight umbrella or an ergonomically designed, comfortable handle with a rubber grip or a folding variety. All this gives your customers more reason to frequently use and flaunt your umbrella.

Proper printing

It’s not enough if the umbrella has a large print space. You also need to use it wisely. All your business’s embossed branding elements like logo, punch line, logo font and other similar information should be printed to provide for maximum brand visibility. Use the circular shape of the umbrella’s canopy in such a way that there’s no chance of its audience missing out on any brand messages.

Size

Promotional umbrellas come in various sizes ranging from 30 to 100 inches and measure 6 to 9 feet in length. The standard sized umbrellas are personal umbrellas, and the perfect choice to use throughout the year.

The compact versions can be folded into small bundles, and effectively cover only one person when open. These umbrellas usually come with an accompanying pouch or cover that you can also customize to your preference.

The medium-sized umbrellas ranging 50-70 inches in diameter provide maximum protection from the rain and sun for not just one person but two to three people. So the large golf umbrellas are generally considered for sports marketers. The largest umbrellas measuring 70 to 100 inches are generally used for decorating purposes like patio umbrellas and to perhaps recreate open spaces into business zones.

Usage

As mentioned above, different sized umbrellas serve different purposes. So before you think about printing promotional umbrellas, you have to decide what you want your customers to use them for.

You can choose personal umbrellas which may or may not be folded, patio umbrellas, golf umbrellas or even table umbrellas which prove useful in restaurants on their outdoor tables. Table umbrellas are in fact a good option if you are a vendor company because your logo is printed on top of the umbrellas and will be displayed in restaurants using your brands and merchandise.

Personal umbrella giveaway is a better option for practically anyone- your customers, clients, visitors, donors. That is why they are the most popular amongst most industries and businesses.

Delivery

Don’t forget to find out if the company will be able to deliver your umbrellas to you on time. You have to include their shipping costs to your budget. Find out how quickly they will be able to deliver it to you, and how much it costs. You may have to pay extra if you need to expedite the delivery. Make sure the company guarantees the umbrella will reach you on time for any particular event.

Last, but not least, make sure you choose the right umbrella company. They not only have the type and size of the promotional umbrellas you are looking for.

But will also be able to have it delivered to you on time. Ask around for references, and look through customer reviews to find a promotional umbrella company you can trust.

Hire them(info@hfumbrella.com) to print your personalized umbrella giveaway for you.

Is it possible to sell umbrellas in Africa? Umbrella Wholesaler Africa

Aside 04/08/2018 admin Leave a comment

You should know more about Africa

Most manufacturers do not consider Africa a viable business destination due to economic factors. Ranked among the worlds poorest continents, most manufactures naturally assume that it is not possible to do profitable business in Africa. However, a close analysis of the African Market shows different prospects.

Leading umbrella wholesaler Africa

According to Huifeng Umbrella Co. Ltd, the leading umbrella wholesaler Africa, there is a lot of untapped potential in this continent. Africa has a population of 1.2 billion people. The largest percentage of the African population is the young- between the age of 15 to 4o years. Umbrellas are used for various purposes in this part of the world. Here is a breakdown of umbrella uses in Africa and why it is a viable umbrella market.

The Use Of Hand Held Umbrellas

There is no any cultural significance to the use of hand-held umbrellas in Africa. However, there is a critical need to use hand-held umbrellas. Africa is located in the equatorial and subtropical regions. This means that most African countries receive both Rain and sunshine in enormous measure.

The use of Umbrellas in Africa to shield against rain is prevalent. This is especially true in urban settings. According to The McKinsey Global Institute, more than 50% of Africans live in urban centers. If your target is to supply umbrellas to African Urban centers, you are targeting a potential market of up to 1.2 billion people. However, this does not mean that umbrellas are not used in rural areas.

Secondly, the African continent is also home to large hot deserts. There are desert countries such as Egypt-Which has a per capita income of $10550. This makes it a very viable economy to do business in the umbrella sector. People who live in deserts mostly rely on handheld umbrellas to provide shade during the day or to protect their babies from the sun rays.

Erecting Umbrellas when it comes to erecting umbrellas Africa boasts one of the largest markets in the world.

i) Informal Business
The African economy almost entirely rides on informal businesses. In urban cities, there are many informal markets where most sellers simply use an erected umbrella to set up a selling point. The use of erected umbrellas in marketplaces is spread all over Africa; from Lagos to Nairobi to Johannesburg. There is no place in Africa where umbrellas are not erected to provide a selling point.

ii) Formal business
While Africa is largely run by informal business, there is a huge need for umbrellas in the formal sector. Companies use custom umbrellas when showcasing their products at events and other purposes.

The most important formal use of erected umbrellas in Africa is tourism. Africa offers a warm climate to tourists from around the globe.

Africa receives over 30 million tourists each year most of whom end up at a beach somewhere. Breach resorts and restaurants erect umbrellas for their guests to help shield from the scorching sun. With such a large number of tourists, there is no doubt that there is an imminent need to supply umbrellas to Africa.

Understanding The African Market
There is no specific data on Umbrella manufacturing in Africa, however, there is general data on manufacturing. Manufacturing in most Africa countries is still at a baby stage. Most African countries rely on importing finished products from China, US, UK, Japan and other countries.

Huifeng Umbrella Co. Ltd is the leading umbrella manufacturer in Guangzhou, China and umbrella wholesaler Africa. Even though there are a few Umbrella manufacturing firms in Africa, there is still a need for imported umbrellas.

The African market is not the same as the European or the American market. In 2017, the giant mobile phone manufacturers such as Samsung and Apple experienced a slow down in customer growth. This was largely attributed to the high price of the products they produce.

On the other hand, economy smartphone produces continue to grow their market in Africa, South America, and Asia. The main take away is that when you are supplying products to Africa consider the price. While producing quality products is important, you need to offer affordable prices and that is what Umbrella Co. Ltd does.

Conclusion
If you were wondering if it is possible to sell umbrellas in Africa, there you have your answer. Huifeng Umbrella Co. Ltd. is the leading umbrella wholesaler Africa. They provide umbrellas for both companies and wholesalers who wish to supply them to Africa. You can get in touch with Huifeng Umbrella Co.Ltd. at www.hfumbrella.com.

Environmental umbrella dryer in Seoul instead of disposable plastics

Aside 29/07/2018 admin Leave a comment

Most South Korea citizen usually puts a plastic bag on the dripping umbrella when enters subway stations and houses. But from May 1 this year, plastic bags won’t be placed at Seoul City subway station and public office. Umbrella dryers or special water carpet will be officially unveiled.

City officials in Seoul say recycling of waste plastic has recently become a social problem. The city government will first “lead by example” and reduce the use of disposable plastics.

The Seoul government building has installed umbrella dryers at the door since September last year. Approximately 300,000 umbrella covers are used at the Seoul public buildings every year. Most of the covers are wet when they’re disposed of, which makes them difficult to recycle, with many ending up in landfills or incinerated.f 300, 000 plastic umbrellas.

Most of the used umbrella bags cannot be recycled because of the existence of Rain Water, and most of them are discarded in metering garbage bags.

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