According to a median projection in April 2025, China's GDP was expected to grow by 4.5 percent in 2025. In the first quarter of 2020, the second-largest economy recorded the first contraction in decades due to the epidemic.  A root-to-branch shutdown of factories To curb the spread of the virus, the Chinese government imposed a lockdown in Wuhan, the epicenter, and other cities in Hubei province on January 23, 2020. A strict nationwide lockdown soon followed. Many factories remained closed in February, resulting in a plunge in manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI). The shutdown of the “world’s factory” had severely disrupted global supply chains, especially automobile production. In March 2020, very few industrial sectors reported positive production growth.  The pharmaceuticals sector recorded a production increase, which was mainly driven by the global demand for vital medical supplies. China had exported over seven billion yuan worth of face masks. Ripple effects on global tourism Apart from the manufacturing industry, the prolonged closures of business had caused significant losses in various sectors in China. The travel and tourism sector was massively affected by a drastic decline in flight ticket sales  and hotel occupancy rates. The domestic tourism market expects a loss of 20 percent in revenues for 2020. Industry experts predicted that the global travel and tourism industry could lose about 2.5 trillion U.S. dollars in that year. 

The global nuclear power plant control and protection system market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing demand for reliable and safe nuclear energy generation worldwide. The market size in 2025 is estimated at $5 billion, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by several key factors. Firstly, the aging infrastructure of existing nuclear power plants necessitates upgrades and replacements of control and protection systems to ensure operational safety and efficiency. Secondly, the global push towards decarbonization and reducing reliance on fossil fuels is leading to renewed interest in nuclear power as a clean energy source, stimulating investments in new plant construction and associated technologies. Furthermore, advancements in digitalization and the integration of smart technologies within these systems are improving their performance, reliability, and overall cost-effectiveness. The market is segmented by system type (reactor trip systems, safe shutdown systems, control systems) and application (pressurized water reactor, boiling water reactor, heavy water reactor), with pressurized water reactor systems currently dominating the market share. Key players such as China Techenergy, Siemens, ABB, General Electric, Westinghouse Electric Company, and Framatome are actively competing in this market, focusing on technological innovation and strategic partnerships to expand their market presence. Regional growth varies, with North America and Europe currently holding significant market shares due to a large installed base of nuclear power plants. However, regions like Asia-Pacific are projected to witness rapid growth in the coming years, driven by increasing energy demands and ongoing investments in nuclear power infrastructure in countries like China and India. Despite the overall positive growth outlook, regulatory hurdles and concerns related to nuclear waste management pose challenges to the market's expansion. However, ongoing technological advancements aimed at enhancing safety and improving waste management are expected to mitigate these concerns over the long term.

The China discrete semiconductors market, valued at $12.09 billion in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, driven by the nation's expanding electronics manufacturing sector and increasing adoption of advanced technologies in automotive, consumer electronics, and industrial applications. The 7.61% CAGR from 2019-2033 indicates a significant market expansion over the forecast period. Key growth drivers include the rising demand for energy-efficient power management solutions in electric vehicles and renewable energy systems, coupled with the increasing integration of semiconductors in smart devices and IoT applications. While the market faces potential restraints such as global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical uncertainties, the strong domestic demand and government support for technological advancements are expected to mitigate these challenges. The market is segmented by component type (diodes, transistors, rectifiers, thyristors) and end-user vertical (automotive, consumer electronics, communications, industrial), with the automotive and consumer electronics segments anticipated to show the most significant growth due to technological innovations and increasing consumer spending. Leading players such as STMicroelectronics, On Semiconductor, and Infineon Technologies are strategically positioned to capitalize on this growth by investing in R&D and expanding their manufacturing capabilities within China. The dominance of China in global electronics manufacturing is directly correlated to the significant growth of its discrete semiconductor market. This position is further solidified by substantial government investment in domestic semiconductor production and technological innovation. While the market faces challenges from global uncertainties, the long-term outlook remains positive due to continued demand for advanced semiconductor technologies across various sectors. The market's segmentation reveals growth opportunities across diverse application areas, with particular emphasis on power semiconductors that power electric vehicles and industrial automation equipment. Competitive landscape analysis showcases a robust presence of both domestic and international players, indicating a dynamic and competitive market environment characterized by innovation and expansion. Recent developments include: April 2024: Fuji Electric Co. Ltd (FE) introduced its latest offering, the HPnCSeries. This new line features large-capacity industrial IGBT modules specifically designed for applications such as power converters in solar and wind energy systems. By enhancing both current and voltage ratings, these products boost the capacity and shrink the footprint of the power converters they're integrated into. This, in turn, aids in cutting down power generation expenses., March 2024: Infineon introduced the first product in its new advanced MOSFET technology OptiMOS 7 80 V: The IAUCN08S7N013 features a significantly increased power density and is available in the versatile, robust and high-current SSO8 5 x 6 mm² SMD package. The OptiMOS 7 80 V offering perfectly matches the upcoming 48 V board net applications. It is designed specifically for the high performance, high quality, and robustness needed for demanding automotive applications like automotive DC-DC converters in EVs, 48 V motor control, for electric power steering (EPS).. Key drivers for this market are: Advancements in 5G Technology, Rising Demand for High-Energy and Power-Efficient Devices in the Automotive and Electronics Segment; Rising Demand for Electronic Components. Potential restraints include: Advancements in 5G Technology, Rising Demand for High-Energy and Power-Efficient Devices in the Automotive and Electronics Segment; Rising Demand for Electronic Components. Notable trends are: Consumer Electronics is Expected to Witness a Significant Growth.

As of July 2024, there were 59 nuclear reactors under construction worldwide. China ranked first with 25 units. It was followed by India, with seven reactors under construction at the time. In the previous year, five nuclear reactors were permanently shut down worldwide. Life cycle of nuclear reactors With the average age of over 260 operable nuclear reactors worldwide surpassing 30 years, some reactors are set to retire soon. Most nuclear plants have an operating lifetime between 30 and 40 years. However, it is possible to replace major reactor components and some countries have renewed licenses to extend the lifetime of existing plants. Future of nuclear reactors The majority of planned new nuclear capacity is in Asia. This includes new plants, as well as the upgrade of existing facilities. The construction and planning of new nuclear power reactors is essential to the safety of their operation. Methodical planning in plant design, materials, and labor ensures the success of the nuclear project. Nevertheless, the time required for the construction of nuclear reactors can vary largely, averaging at some seven years.

The global closed-type press market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing automation in manufacturing across diverse sectors. The market size in 2025 is estimated at $15 billion, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by several factors, including the rising demand for high-precision components in industries like automotive and electronics, the increasing adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, and the need for improved production efficiency and reduced operational costs. The automotive industry remains a major driver, with the ongoing demand for lightweight vehicles and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) spurring investment in high-capacity, precise closed-type presses. Furthermore, the expanding general machinery and household appliance sectors contribute significantly to the market's overall expansion. Mechanical presses currently dominate the market in terms of volume, however, the demand for hydraulic presses is rising due to their versatility and ability to handle larger and more complex components. Geographical distribution shows strong growth across Asia-Pacific regions, particularly in China and India, due to their booming manufacturing sectors. North America and Europe also maintain significant market share, reflecting established industrial bases and ongoing technological advancements within those regions. The market segmentation reveals key opportunities. The automotive application segment is expected to continue its leading position due to its high production volumes and technological advancements in vehicle manufacturing. However, the general machinery and household appliance segments are also showing promising growth, driven by the increasing demand for durable and high-quality goods. While the market faces challenges such as fluctuating raw material prices and potential supply chain disruptions, the long-term outlook remains positive. Continued technological innovation, including the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly press technologies, is expected to further propel market growth throughout the forecast period. The emergence of smart manufacturing practices and the integration of advanced control systems are anticipated to enhance the capabilities of closed-type presses, further solidifying their crucial role in modern manufacturing.

As of May 2025, there were 441 nuclear reactors in operation in over 30 countries around the world. The United States had the largest number of nuclear power reactors in operation at the time, at 94 units. Operable nuclear reactors refer to those that are connected to the grid. Nuclear reactors under construction The largest reactors under construction as of July 2024 were situated in the United Kingdom, with a gross electricity generation capacity of 1,720 megawatts. Meanwhile, the country with the largest capacity of nuclear reactors under construction worldwide was China, where reactors with a total capacity of almost 30 gigawatts were being built at the time. Uranium supply worldwide Uranium is a radioactive metal that is extracted from mines, mainly in Kazakhstan, Australia, and Namibia. After the uranium splitting process for nuclear fission, the used fuel elements are still radioactive and have to be stored in nuclear waste repositories or spent fuel pools. These sites are often underground and require thick metal or concrete walls to shield the public from radiation.

Automotive Closure Market Outlook

The global automotive closure market size was valued at approximately USD 24.3 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach around USD 39.7 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% over the forecast period. This growth is driven primarily by the increasing demand for advanced and efficient vehicle systems that enhance safety, convenience, and aesthetics. Automotive closures, which include doors, windows, sunroofs, and trunk lids, play a crucial role in the automotive industry by not only ensuring the structural integrity of vehicles but also contributing to the overall driving experience.

One of the significant growth factors for the automotive closure market is the rising consumer preference for vehicles equipped with advanced comfort and convenience features. As automotive technology continues to evolve, manufacturers are focusing on integrating smart and automated systems into vehicle closures, such as power-operated doors and sunroofs, to enhance user experience. This trend is particularly prominent in developed regions where consumers are willing to invest in premium features that improve the functionality and aesthetic appeal of their vehicles. Additionally, the increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is further boosting the demand for lightweight and efficient closure systems, as manufacturers strive to optimize vehicle performance and energy efficiency.

Another substantial growth driver for the automotive closure market is the stringent government regulations and safety standards aimed at improving vehicle safety and reducing emissions. Governments across the globe are enforcing regulations that mandate the use of advanced materials and technologies in vehicle manufacturing to enhance safety and fuel efficiency. This has led to a surge in demand for closures made from lightweight materials such as aluminum and composites, which not only help in reducing the overall vehicle weight but also contribute to improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Moreover, the growing emphasis on crash safety standards has propelled the integration of advanced safety features in automotive closures, thereby driving market growth.

The burgeoning automotive industry in emerging economies is also playing a pivotal role in the expansion of the automotive closure market. Countries in the Asia Pacific region, such as China and India, are witnessing significant growth in vehicle production and sales, driven by rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and increasing vehicle ownership. This has created a favorable environment for the growth of the automotive closure market, as manufacturers are expanding their production capacities and investing in new technologies to cater to the growing demand. Furthermore, the increasing popularity of SUVs and crossovers, which typically require more complex closure systems, is contributing to the market's expansion in these regions.

From a regional perspective, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold a dominant position in the automotive closure market during the forecast period. This is primarily due to the presence of major automotive manufacturers and suppliers in countries like China, Japan, and South Korea. The region's strong manufacturing base, coupled with the growing demand for vehicles with premium features, is anticipated to drive market growth. Meanwhile, North America and Europe are also expected to witness significant growth, driven by the increasing focus on vehicle safety, technological advancements, and the adoption of electric vehicles. The automotive closure market in these regions is characterized by a high degree of innovation and the presence of established players, further fueling market expansion.

Product Type Analysis

The automotive closure market is segmented by product type into doors, windows, sunroofs, trunk lids, and others, each of which plays a vital role in vehicle construction and function. Doors, being one of the most essential components, dominate this segment due to their necessity in vehicle design and their direct impact on safety and convenience. Technological advancements in door designs, such as the integration of power-operated systems and sensor-based opening mechanisms, are enhancing user experience and driving market growth. Additionally, the demand for aesthetically pleasing and aerodynamically efficient door designs that contribute to fuel efficiency is further propelling the expansion of this product type segment.

Windows are another crucial component within the automotive closure market, offering not only

At the class with study topic “Oral History” with the professor Antonis Antoniou collected 19 biographical narrative interviews from the students of I.A.K.A. during the winter semester of 2018 for the subject of deindustrialization. The aim of the research was to record the changes in working life and their meaning by men and women who worked in factories during the last decades and experienced the closure of their business, the deregulation of employment after 1990, unemployment or even forms of resistance. of employees in these changes. The narrators interviewed were born between 1944 and 1972 and their working lives cover most of the period from the 1980s to the present, while the older ones have worked in a factory during the junta and the post-colonial era. That means that the biographical narratives have a great interest in the study of deindustrialisation, as the narrators' experiences often cover both an era of "prosperity" with abundant employment opportunities in the mid-1980s and the personal and professional immersion that took place in the following decades, and especially in the years of the crisis. The rapid changes in the world of work are mainly due to the deregulation of labor relations in the 1990s and the closure of many factories due to competition with cheap products from China, Bulgaria, etc. and due to the relocation of Greek companies to neighboring countries during the crisis. The interviews mainly concern metal and clothing companies that closed after 2006. Most of them concern the industrial area of Volos, but there are also interviews for Thessaloniki (Coca-Cola). Larissa (Raptex, BIOTEXTIL, Olympus), Lamia (carpentry) and Xanthi (sugar factory). The sample includes 15 men and 4 women. The interviews were conducted on a guided basis.