Global Trade

China's industrial profits rose 18.2% in the first four months of the year, led by manufacturing, electronics and metals, with April growth accelerating to 24.7%.

China overtook the United States as Germany's top source of foreign investment projects in 2025, posting a 14.6% gain even as global cross-border investment volumes fell nearly 10%, a new government report showed.

China's pure benzene imports surged to 440,600 metric tons in April 2026, defying market expectations of below 400,000 tons, as a sharp rise in Indian shipments offset declines from South Korea.

China and the United States struck a wide-ranging preliminary trade agreement covering tariffs, agriculture, rare earths and a 200-aircraft Boeing deal, following high-level talks in Seoul and Beijing.

China's above-scale industrial output grew 4.1% year-on-year in April, NBS data showed May 18, with electronics surging 15.6% and autos up 9.2%, while cement and steel output declined.

From soybeans to semiconductors, Boeing to LNG — here's a factual breakdown of what the U.S.-China summit actually produced and what it means for global trade.

China's titanium dioxide exports climbed in Q1 2026 as chloride-process products gained global market share amid rising prices, anti-dumping probes, and tightening supply chains.

Xi Jinping and Donald Trump held a summit in Beijing on May 14, pledging a new "constructive strategic stable" framework to guide U.S.-China relations for the next three years.

China's imports and exports rose strongly in the first four months of 2026, driven by robust import demand and expanding trade with ASEAN and Belt and Road partners.

Thailand's FTI has officially backed IME 2026, strengthening China–Thailand industrial cooperation and accelerating intelligent manufacturing expansion across Thailand and the wider ASEAN market.

After 17 years as the GCC's leading agricultural trade platform, rebrands as GROWTECH. MIDDLE EAST, joining a global network to connect agricultural innovation across regions.

China's pharmaceutical trade reached $49.13B in Q1 2026, up 4.22% YoY, with exports rising faster than imports as medical devices and drug formulations drove growth and boosted global competitiveness.

China's styrene operating rates climbed to the highest level of 2026 in April, with output rising 19.36% year-on-year, while May production is expected to decline due to major maintenance shutdowns.

Global oil and gas M&A activity in 2026 is shifting toward natural gas assets, Canadian oil sands and secondary basins, as major energy companies retreat from mega-mergers and focus on strategic consolidation.

The United Arab Emirates will exit OPEC and OPEC+ on May 1, a move set to weaken the group's control over global oil supply and prices while reshaping energy markets worldwide.

China's PVC exports decline amid weak demand and policy changes, while U.S. VCM prices rise at a slower pace as global markets face seasonal softness, supply adjustments, and increasing competition.

Europe‘s petrochemical sector centers on the ARA hub and Rhine corridor, with Antwerp, Rotterdam and Ludwigshafen driving supply chains as high energy costs and carbon rules push a shift toward low-carbon production.

India Pharma Expo 2026 brings global pharma leaders to Hyderabad, showcasing AI, biotech, APIs, and smart manufacturing while accelerating partnerships, investment, and market expansion.

Global urea supply chains are under severe strain as geopolitical conflict, energy price spikes, and infrastructure disruptions trigger widespread production cuts, tightening fertilizer availability ahead of spring planting season.

China's dichloromethane and chloroform trade showed sharp volatility in Jan–Feb 2026, with exports far exceeding imports and shipments highly concentrated in a few key overseas markets.

China's foreign trade rose 15% year-on-year to RMB 11.84 trillion in Q1 2026, driven by surging imports, resilient exports, and rapid growth in green sectors such as electric vehicles and lithium batteries.

Asia is set to outpace the world with 4.7% GDP growth in 2025, driven by digitalization, AI innovation, and regional integration, cementing its role as the engine of global economic expansion.

Djazagro 2026, North Africa's top agri-food trade show, returns April 12–15 at SAFEX Algiers, uniting 25,000+ professionals and 650+ exhibitors to showcase food processing, packaging, and industry innovations.

China's raw salt imports and exports fell in early 2026, with India supplying over 78% of imports and Japan remaining the top export destination, signaling shifts in global salt trade flows.

Global chemical giants including BASF and Huntsman Corporation are raising prices and adding surcharges as energy shocks and Strait of Hormuz disruptions drive costs higher across Europe's supply chain.

The Trump administration begins early-stage discussions on potential peace talks with Iran, using backchannel diplomacy as fighting continues and both sides outline initial negotiation conditions.

India relaxes rules for Chinese investment in electronics, capital goods, and solar cells while maintaining Indian majority ownership, aiming to boost manufacturing, technology access, and global supply chain integration.

Ongoing U.S.-Israel-Iran hostilities have blocked the Strait of Hormuz, slashing vessel traffic, spiking freight, insurance, and fuel costs, and forcing global supply chains to reroute.

China's large-scale industrial output grew 6.3% year-on-year in Jan–Feb 2026, led by manufacturing, electronics, and transport equipment, while auto and steel production showed mixed results.

Rising costs, tight supplies, and geopolitical disruptions drive US dichloroethane exports higher, as Asia and Europe face shortages and surging freight rates.