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OECD Panel Warns of Global Growth Slowdown Amid Middle East Conflict and Energy Shock

OECD Panel Warns of Global Growth Slowdown Amid Middle East Conflict and Energy Shock

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has issued a warning regarding the global economic outlook, highlighting a slowdown in growth due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The OECD's interim Economic Outlook report indicates that disruptions in energy supply, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, have led to a surge in energy prices. This has been compounded by damage to energy infrastructure, which is affecting the global supply of energy and other commodities like fertilizers. These disruptions are contributing to increased costs, reduced demand, and heightened inflationary pressures worldwide. The report also notes that while India is projected to remain the fastest-growing major economy with a GDP growth rate of 7.6% for 2025-26, other major economies like China are expected to see a slowdown in growth due to various internal and external factors.
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U.S. Dollar's Dominance Faces Challenges Amid Global Economic Shifts

U.S. Dollar's Dominance Faces Challenges Amid Global Economic Shifts

U.S. Dollar's Dominance Faces Challenges Amid Global Economic Shifts
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India Offers ASEAN Nations an Alternative Amid US-China Rivalry

India Offers ASEAN Nations an Alternative Amid US-China Rivalry

Southeast Asian nations are increasingly turning to India as a viable alternative for trade, arms supply, and technology partnerships, amidst the ongoing geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China. At a recent food fair in New Delhi, a Filipino vegetable exporter showcased products like dried moringa and lemongrass, targeting India's large vegetarian population. This move highlights India's potential as a significant market for plant-based and ready-to-cook products. The event, Indusfood expo, was attended by Dry Tech Manufacturing, which markets its products under the Sheentaro brand. The company had previously participated in the China-ASEAN Expo, where it received a positive reception, prompting them to explore opportunities in India.
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Cettire Faces Challenges in U.S. Market Amid Policy Changes and Competition

Cettire Faces Challenges in U.S. Market Amid Policy Changes and Competition

Cettire Faces Challenges in U.S. Market Amid Policy Changes and Competition
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China Eases Detention of Panama-Flagged Ships Amid Maritime Dispute

China Eases Detention of Panama-Flagged Ships Amid Maritime Dispute

China has significantly reduced the detention of Panama-flagged ships following negotiations with Panama City. This development comes after a period of heightened inspections linked to a dispute over control of two Panama Canal terminals. In July, Chinese ports detained 16 Panama-flagged vessels, a sharp decrease from 140 in May. The crackdown began after Panama removed Hong Kong's CK Hutchison subsidiary from the canal terminals, leading to arbitration proceedings. The detentions were initially justified by China as safety-related, but the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission viewed them as a 'weaponisation' of port state control.
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FCC Ban on Foreign-Made Robot Vacuums Raises Security and Market Concerns

FCC Ban on Foreign-Made Robot Vacuums Raises Security and Market Concerns

FCC Ban on Foreign-Made Robot Vacuums Raises Security and Market Concerns
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China's Factory Activity Contracts in July Amid Demand Slump and Typhoons

China's Factory Activity Contracts in July Amid Demand Slump and Typhoons

China's manufacturing sector experienced an unexpected contraction in July, marking the first decline since February. The official manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) fell to 49.2 from 50.3 in June, indicating a shift from expansion to contraction. The decline is attributed to a slump in domestic orders and disruptions caused by typhoons. The contraction ends a four-month period of growth driven by exporters rushing shipments ahead of U.S. tariff increases. The new orders sub-index dropped to its lowest in 38 months, and the construction and services sectors also showed signs of weakness. Despite the downturn, firms remain optimistic about future output, anticipating stronger fiscal policy support.
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South Korea's AI Chip Demand Boosts Exports, Impacts U.S. Tech Investments

South Korea's AI Chip Demand Boosts Exports, Impacts U.S. Tech Investments

South Korea's AI Chip Demand Boosts Exports, Impacts U.S. Tech Investments
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U.S. Trade Officials Engage in Talks with China to Prepare for President Xi's Visit

U.S. Trade Officials Engage in Talks with China to Prepare for President Xi's Visit

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent held a high-level video conference with China's Vice Premier He Lifeng to prepare for President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit to the United States in September. The discussions focused on ensuring China fulfills its commitments regarding rare earths and U.S. agricultural products. The meeting aimed to lay the groundwork for potential new trade agreements between the U.S. and China, despite ongoing tensions. The dialogue was described as cordial and lasted over an hour, with both sides discussing the implementation of Trade and Investment Boards to foster a more balanced and fair economic relationship.
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JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon Warns Investors of Underestimated Market Risks

JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon Warns Investors of Underestimated Market Risks

JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon Warns Investors of Underestimated Market Risks
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Brazil's Auto Industry Faces Challenges Amid Chinese Car Imports

Brazil's Auto Industry Faces Challenges Amid Chinese Car Imports

Brazil has become the world's top importer of Chinese cars, a development that has significant implications for its domestic auto industry. This shift began in 2015 when the Brazilian government eliminated import duties on electric vehicles to encourage modernization. Despite attempts to restore these duties, Chinese automakers have flooded the market with competitively priced models. The influx of Chinese cars has pressured local manufacturers to invest in hybrid technology and adapt to changing market dynamics.
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China's Factory Activity Contracts in July Amid Domestic Demand Slump

China's Factory Activity Contracts in July Amid Domestic Demand Slump

China's factory activity unexpectedly contracted in July 2026, marking the first decline since February. The official manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) fell to 49.2 from 50.3 in June, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. This drop below the 50-point threshold indicates a contraction in manufacturing activity. The decline was attributed to a slump in domestic orders and disruptions caused by typhoons. The new orders sub-index fell to 48.5, the lowest in 38 months. The contraction ended a four-month period of expansion, which had been supported by exporters rushing shipments ahead of U.S. tariff increases. The construction PMI also hit a record low of 47.0, and the services gauge fell to its weakest since the initial COVID-19 lockdowns. Despite these downbeat readings, firms' expectations for future output remained optimistic, anticipating stronger fiscal policy support.