Trade

Iraq delays July public salaries as Strait of Hormuz blockade guts oil revenue

Iraq’s oil exports plunged from 100 million barrels in February to around 32 million in May and June, according to figures shown to The National by the country’s Oil Ministry.

Shia Muslims gather along the Bayn al-Haramayn or "between the two sanctuaries", a 378-meter open marble-paved avenue linking the Imam Hussein Shrine and Imam al-Abbas Shrine, in the city of Karbala on August 4, 2026.
Digital prediction market interface showing event contracts and probability rates.

Could Kalshi become a new tool for political analysts?

Detail view of US Vice President JD Vance motorcade is seen at the Serena Hotel shortly after his arrival on April 11, 2026 at Islamabad, Pakistan; Illustrative.

Pakistan aims to double US trade to $20 billion in five years

A member of the Bolivarian National Militia holds a Russian-made 9K338 "Igla-S" (SA-18) man-portable air-defense (MANPAD) surface-to-air missile launcher as he takes part in a rally against US military activity in the Caribbean

Iran to receive hundreds of Chinese shoulder-launched missiles systems in weeks


AI forex automation is transforming trade execution speed

Quicker trades, sharper decisions and a market that never stops moving: AI is quietly rewriting the rules for forex trading across Israel and the Middle East. And speed is the real game-changer here.

AI forex automation is transforming trade execution speed.

US withdraws newly updated list of firms allegedly aiding China's military

Though the list does not formally impose sanctions on Chinese firms, under a new law, the Pentagon will be prevented in the coming years from contracting and procuring from companies on the list.

An Alibaba logo is displayed at the company's booth at China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, China, September 10, 2025.

Australia charges two Chinese nationals with foreign interference, spying on Buddhist group

This marks the second such incident of Chinese nationals being charged under Australia's foreign interference laws, with Australian officials noting the growing issue of foreign espionage.

A general view of the Chinese embassy building in Canberra on February 11, 2026.

Trump threatens to bar new US-Canada bridge from opening, demands talks with Ottawa

The mostly Canada-funded bridge is set to connect Michigan and Ontario and would provide $12.7 million annual savings for travelers crossing the border.

 A visual illustration shows US President Donald Trump in front of the Toronto skyline.

Somaliland moves toward Israel trade pact, signals access to lithium and minerals

Following Israeli recognition, Somaliland is seeking a trade and investment deal and has signaled willingness to offer access to key mineral resources.

The flag of Somaliland is seen during a campaign rally of the main opposition party Waddani in Hargeisa on November 8, 2024, ahead of the 2024 Somaliland presidential election.

Earnings reports: What’s been and what’s next

Stock Market.

Iranian rial reaches record low value, trading at over 1.5m IRR per USD

The Iranian rial fell to a record low of about 1.52 million per dollar on the unofficial market, deepening economic turmoil as nationwide protests continue and confidence in the regime weakens.

Iranian Rial banknotes over a backdrop of the Iranian flag; illustration.

Chevron and partners approve Leviathan expansion to boost Israel gas output

The Final Investment Decision aims to increase capacity to approximately 21 BCM annually through new wells and platform upgrades.

Jack Baker, managing director of Chevron’s Eastern Mediterranean region.

United States renews 2004 free trade agreement with Israel for 2026

The 2004 Agreement specifies the quantities of specific Israeli agricultural products that may be imported into the US duty-free, including various dairy products and peanuts. 

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hold a press conference after meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, US, December 29, 2025.

Trump’s tariffs hit Americans with record costs and global trade disruption - opinion

Trump’s tariffs are driving up prices, forcing Americans to pay more for everyday goods and imports.

 An illustrative image depicting US import tariffs.