Conflict in the Middle East could push American inflation to record levels: The sudden surge in gasoline prices experienced by American consumers is expected to be clearly reflected in the inflation data to be released this week. Economists predict a rise of about 1% in the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) for March 2026, the largest monthly increase since 2022, when the conflict in Iran caused gas prices to rise by about $1 per gallon.
Attractiveness of Hong Kong Stock Exchange market: On April 5, Mr. Mo-po Chan, Director General of the Hong Kong (China) Financial Services Bureau, stated that the Hong Kong Stock Exchange market raised over HK $103 billion in the first quarter of 2026, ranking first in the world.
Gulf oil exports plummet by over 50%: Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s main energy transport route, are leading to a sharp drop in global oil flows, with alternative routes insufficient to offset this decline. Recent figures show that crude oil exports by sea from Gulf countries (excluding Iran) only reached 8.44 million barrels per day in March 2026, a 49% decrease from the previous month’s 16.58 million barrels per day.
Non-oil economy in the Middle East stagnates due to conflicts: Conflicts involving Iran are disrupting trade and driving up costs, resulting in the stagnation of the non-oil economy of the region in March 2026. The UAE’s PMI index dropped to 52.9 points, its lowest level since July 2025. In Kuwait, the PMI index plummeted from 54.5 to 46.3 points, marking its first contraction in over a year. Additionally, Egypt’s PMI index fell to 48 points, its lowest level in over two years.
China promotes high-quality e-commerce development: The Chinese Ministry of Commerce, in collaboration with five other competent agencies, recently published the “Guidelines for better serving the real economy and promoting the high-quality development of e-commerce,” which outline a series of guidelines and measures aimed at strengthening the role of e-commerce in the digital economy and sustainable economic growth.
Surge in fertilizer prices puts pressure on European farmers: Fertilizer prices are sharply rising in Europe due to the impact of the conflict in the Middle East, which has caused a spike in gas prices and considerable pressure on agricultural production costs.
Japan cautious about raising interest rates amid inflation risks: The Bank of Japan (BoJ) is exercising caution regarding a possible interest rate hike in April 2026, given the increasing inflation risks associated with conflicts in the Middle East.
FAO warns of increased risks to global food security: The ongoing conflict in the Middle East could worsen risks to global food security, particularly for countries heavily reliant on food, fertilizer, and fuel imports.
Sharp increase in South Korean agri-food exports to the Middle East despite prolonged conflict: South Korean exports (Korean food products) to the Middle East have risen by over 30% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period the previous year.
ASEAN+3 better positioned to deal with energy shock: The ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) released its 2026 Annual Regional Economic Outlook report, forecasting regional growth of 4% in 2026 and 2027. Despite increased risks due to conflicts in the Middle East, ASEAN+3 remains better positioned thanks to more efficient energy use, lower oil dependence, low inflation, and remaining policy leeway to respond.
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