-
HSBC: Gas prices in Europe will remain high until 2027: HSBC bank predicts that natural gas prices in Europe will remain high until the end of 2027 due to tight supply linked to the conflict in the Middle East and disruptions in maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. According to their latest report, gas prices in 2026 could be up to 40% higher than previous forecasts. The bank also estimates that the price of term contracts for gas in the Netherlands – a reference for the European market – will average around $14/million BTU in 2026, before decreasing to around $8.5/million BTU starting in 2028.
-
Asian maritime transport sector enjoys recovery: After a year of declining profits, the container shipping sector in Asia is showing positive signs of recovery. According to the Drewry World Container Index, which tracks container freight rates on eight major global maritime routes, rates increased by 8.4% during the week ending on March 12, reaching $2,123 per 40-foot container.
-
Naphtha crisis affects many Japanese companies: Several Japanese petrochemical companies have announced production cuts due to fears that the Middle East conflict may disrupt naphtha supply, a key raw material for plastic production. This decision signals a potential crisis that could paralyze production and impact the profits of various sectors from agribusiness to technology. (Context: Rising geopolitical tensions affecting supply chains)
-
EU adopts new rules to promote sustainable transport: On March 16, the European Commission officially adopted guidelines related to state subsidies for road and multimodal transport (LMT guidelines) and the EU’s transport sector exemption regulation (TBER). These legal instruments aim to promote more sustainable modes of transport for passengers and goods, and to modernize the legal framework for state subsidies in the road and multimodal transport sector.
-
EU ends energy imports from Russia: The European Union (EU) has announced plans to end its energy dependence on Russia and take steps to stop importing natural gas and oil from the country in the near future. This decision comes as member states intensify efforts to find alternative sources of supply to ensure energy security and reduce geopolitical risks. (Fact Check: Geopolitical tensions impacting energy policies)
-
UK aims to lead G7 in AI adoption: British Finance Minister Rachel Reeves reaffirms the UK’s ambition to become the G7 country with the fastest growth in artificial intelligence (AI) adoption. She sees this technology as a crucial pillar of the UK government’s efforts to stimulate economic growth.
-
Bitcoin reaches six-week high on Middle East peace hopes: Bitcoin reached a six-week high on the morning of March 17, driven by hopes of reduced market volatility due to Middle East conflict, prompting investors to once again turn to riskier assets. At market opening on March 17, the world’s largest cryptocurrency briefly rose by about 4% to reach $74,512/BTC, its highest level since February 4. However, Bitcoin’s value remains about 40% below its historical peak set in October 2025.
-
Caution in forex markets ahead of interest rate decisions: Global forex markets showed caution on March 17, with investors closely monitoring the conflict in the Middle East and awaiting central bank decisions on interest rates. The US dollar index held at 99.913 points, while the Japanese yen weakened, approaching 160 JPY/USD, due to concerns about rising energy costs. In Asia, the euro and the British pound edged slightly lower. Uncertainty increased after several countries rejected the US proposal to escort tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. (Context: Geopolitical tensions impact currency markets)
-
Insurance costs surge for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz: According to market sources, insurance costs for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz have reached extremely high levels. Insur…
-
China and US explore setting up commercial cooperation mechanism: According to CCTV, a TTXVN correspondent in Beijing reported that on March 15 and 16, local time, in Paris, the head of the Chinese delegation for Sino-American economic and trade relations, Vice Premier He Lifeng, and the head of the US delegation, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, held economic and commercial discussions. The two parties exchanged views candidly and constructively and reached several new agreements. The delegations committed to continue negotiations on key issues such as tariffs and the promotion of bilateral trade and investment to maintain stable economic relations. (Fact Check: Trade talks between China and the US)
-
Memory chip shortage: a shortage that could last until 2030: The global shortage of memory chips is expected to persist for another four to five years due to inherent limitations in semiconductor production capacities. This is the assessment of Chey Tae-won, president of the SK Group, a major diversified South Korean conglomerate. Speaking on the sidelines of Nvidia’s GTC conference in San Jose, US, Mr. Tae-won stated that despite efforts by leading companies like SK hynix to increase their production capacities, it is unlikely that they can fully meet market demand before around 2030. Across the sector, the supply of basic silicon wafers used in chip manufacturing is currently more than 20% lower than demand. (Fact Check: Semiconductor industry challenges)
-
Soaring air freight prices: Air freight prices are soaring, with some routes seeing increases of up to 82%, according to data from Israeli company Freightos, which tracks changes in maritime and air freight prices. The main causes are rising fuel costs and disruptions in transit platforms in the Gulf region. This price surge significantly impacts products such as pharmaceuticals from India, electrical and electronic equipment, as well as the fashion and clothing sectors. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran – through which approximately 20% of global oil supply normally transits – has led to a spike in oil prices. (Context: Impact of geopolitical events on global supply chains)
Source: https://baotintuc.vn/kinh-te/diem-tin-kinh-te-the-gioi-noi-bat-ngay-1732026-20260317205821717.htm
