Global trade

'Point of no return': Belgium becomes fourth European country to ban imports from West Bank

This makes Belgium the fourth European country with an import ban on Israeli settlements. Spain was first in September 2025, followed by the Netherlands and then Ireland. 

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever walks as members of the parliament applaud, at the Belgian Parliament in Brussels, Belgium.
US President Donald Trump gestures after ringing the opening bell for the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq during an event to mark the launch of "Trump Accounts" in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, July 6, 2026.

Trump warns US can wipe out Iran's power grid in 'small part of an afternoon' if deal not reached

Gas flares burn at the Rumaila oil field during an armed patrol by Iraqi Energy Police in Basra, Iraq, June 8, 2026.

Middle East reroutes its energy networks as region navigates shifting sands - analysis

Factories are silhouetted during sunset, in Handan, Hebei province, China April 7, 2026.

China issues sweeping new controls of overseas trade, counter sanctions with new restrictions


Japan pauses rate hikes; gold surges across the globe

Gold surges 2% denominated in Japanese yen; global prices rise about 1% on Friday

 Japan pauses rate hikes; gold surges across the globe

As the West clamps down, Chinese cars flood Israel

Israeli car market will see new players enter the supply chain.

 Heavy traffic in Raanana earlier this year.

World Bank says global growth stabilizing but well below pre-pandemic levels

Increasing trade restrictions driven by geopolitical rivalries also could hamper the recovery of global trade volume growth, which was barely perceptible last year at about 0.1%.

 World Bank Headquarters, Washington DC, 2013.

Turks and Israelis lose out over trade ban - analysis

Analysts attribute Erdoğan’s decision to halt trade with Israel to poor results for his party in local Turkish elections last month.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Aluminum diplomacy: Israel turning from Turkey to Bosnia for trade imports?

Israeli CEO of Bosnian company Aluminij reveals increased exports to Israel amid Israel-Hamas war.

 Aluminij Headquarters

Yemen's Houthis say they launched missiles, drones at two Israeli vessels

The Houthis have continued to disrupt global shipping through the Suez Canal, forcing shipping firms to re-route longer and more expensive journeys, and impacting global trade.

 Armed Houthi followers ride on the back of a pick-up truck during a parade in solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and to show support to Houthi strikes on ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, in Sanaa, Yemen January 29, 2024.

Turkey and Gulf states to launch talks for free trade pact

After years of tension, Turkey launched a diplomatic charm offensive in 2020 to mend ties with Gulf countries, namely the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia.

 Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates meets with Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Turkey, during an official reception, at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, July 19, 2023.

Britain's tea supply facing disruption from Red Sea crisis

The alternative shipping route around South Africa's Cape of Good Hope can add 10-14 days to a journey compared to passage via the Red Sea and Suez Canal.

 Chamomile tea

Taiwan president says ties with China must be decided by will of the people

Taiwan's president says China must respect the outcome of its election, having repeatedly warned China is trying to interfere in the election.

 Students salute Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen during a graduation ceremony at the National Defense University in Taipei, Taiwan June 21, 2023.

Shipping firms impose extra fees as Red Sea attacks hit global trade

Cancellations and rate increases are expected to continue into the first quarter, recommends customers book 4-6 weeks in advance to ensure space on vessels.

 Ship and tug boats are seen at the Red Sea port of Hodeidah, Yemen February 1, 2017.