Global 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.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever walks as members of the parliament applaud, at the Belgian Parliament in Brussels, Belgium.

'Point of no return': Belgium becomes fourth European country to ban imports from West Bank

US President Donald Trump gestures after ringing the opening bell for the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq during an event to mark the launch of "Trump Accounts" in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, July 6, 2026.

Trump warns US can wipe out Iran's power grid in 'small part of an afternoon' if deal not reached

Gas flares burn at the Rumaila oil field during an armed patrol by Iraqi Energy Police in Basra, Iraq, June 8, 2026.

Middle East reroutes its energy networks as region navigates shifting sands - analysis


The day after and Israel's path to reclaiming its global standing - opinion

While the challenges ahead are substantial, Israel should leverage the “day after” and take these first steps toward restoring its global standing.

 US AMBASSADOR to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield speaks at a Security Council meeting on the situation in Gaza last month. Without US backing in the Security Council, Israel could face calls for immediate withdrawal from the West Bank and Gaza, potentially compromising its security, the writer argue

Japan pauses rate hikes; gold surges across the globe

Gold surges 2% denominated in Japanese yen; global prices rise about 1% on Friday

 Japan pauses rate hikes; gold surges across the globe

As the West clamps down, Chinese cars flood Israel

Israeli car market will see new players enter the supply chain.

 Heavy traffic in Raanana earlier this year.

World Bank says global growth stabilizing but well below pre-pandemic levels

Increasing trade restrictions driven by geopolitical rivalries also could hamper the recovery of global trade volume growth, which was barely perceptible last year at about 0.1%.

 World Bank Headquarters, Washington DC, 2013.

Turks and Israelis lose out over trade ban - analysis

Analysts attribute Erdoğan’s decision to halt trade with Israel to poor results for his party in local Turkish elections last month.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Aluminum diplomacy: Israel turning from Turkey to Bosnia for trade imports?

Israeli CEO of Bosnian company Aluminij reveals increased exports to Israel amid Israel-Hamas war.

 Aluminij Headquarters

Yemen's Houthis say they launched missiles, drones at two Israeli vessels

The Houthis have continued to disrupt global shipping through the Suez Canal, forcing shipping firms to re-route longer and more expensive journeys, and impacting global trade.

 Armed Houthi followers ride on the back of a pick-up truck during a parade in solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and to show support to Houthi strikes on ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, in Sanaa, Yemen January 29, 2024.

Turkey and Gulf states to launch talks for free trade pact

After years of tension, Turkey launched a diplomatic charm offensive in 2020 to mend ties with Gulf countries, namely the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia.

 Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates meets with Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Turkey, during an official reception, at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, July 19, 2023.

Britain's tea supply facing disruption from Red Sea crisis

The alternative shipping route around South Africa's Cape of Good Hope can add 10-14 days to a journey compared to passage via the Red Sea and Suez Canal.

 Chamomile tea

Taiwan president says ties with China must be decided by will of the people

Taiwan's president says China must respect the outcome of its election, having repeatedly warned China is trying to interfere in the election.

 Students salute Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen during a graduation ceremony at the National Defense University in Taipei, Taiwan June 21, 2023.