European Union Temporarily Applies Mercosur Free Trade Agreement

On February 27th, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the European Union (EU) would temporarily apply the free trade agreement (FTA) with the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) pending a decision from the Court of Justice of the European Union on its legality. This decision followed the official ratification of the agreement by the Argentine and Uruguayan governments on February 26th. The European Commission made this decision despite strong opposition from the French government.

Smartphone Market on the Brink of Collapse

According to the latest report from the International Data Corporation (IDC), the global smartphone market could experience its largest decline ever recorded in 2026 due to a memory shortage. IDC forecasts a 12.9% decrease in global smartphone shipments, reaching 1.12 billion units in 2026. This not only marks the largest annual decline ever recorded but also the lowest shipment level in over a decade.

China Encourages US Dollar Purchases to Curb Yuan Appreciation

On February 27th, the People’s Bank of China (PBC, the central bank) announced an adjustment in its regulations to slow down the rapid appreciation of the yuan by boosting demand for US dollars in the derivatives market. Specifically, the PBC announced a reduction, effective March 2nd, of the “foreign exchange risk reserve ratio” required from financial institutions for their purchases of foreign currencies through forward contracts, lowering it from 20% to 0%. This measure effectively reduces hedging costs, encouraging companies and financial institutions to increase their purchases of US dollars on a term basis.

IMF Approves Over $8 Billion Loan for Ukraine

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved an $8.1 billion loan for Ukraine, of which approximately $1.5 billion was disbursed immediately, just a few days after Ukraine marked the fourth anniversary of its conflict with Russia. This 48-month agreement replaces a previous program and is expected to support Ukraine in its efforts to maintain economic stability as the conflict with Russia enters its fifth year.

ADB to Provide $2.7 Billion Financing to Indonesia in 2026

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced that its financing plan for Indonesia in 2026 amounts to around $2.7 billion. According to Mr. Alimov, ADB’s director of operations for Indonesia, this year’s financing will focus on promoting overall development in the financial sector, enhancing regional governance, accelerating sustainable energy transition, and conserving marine ecosystems. These are critical areas to help Indonesia achieve its long-term development goals.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/kinh-te/diem-tin-kinh-te-the-gioi-noi-bat-ngay-2722026-20260227205151445.htm