Global trade

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

This makes Belgium the fourth European country with an import ban on Israeli settlements. Spain was first in September 2025, followed by the Netherlands and then Ireland. 

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

The president said, "We freed up the blockade because we're close to maybe making a deal - I don't know, look - we're going to win one way or the other."

|ByJONAH DAVIDOV
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

Investments in new pipelines and energy products will be a key feature in the new regional order.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Factories are silhouetted during sunset, in Handan, Hebei province, China April 7, 2026.

China issues sweeping new controls of overseas trade, counter sanctions with new restrictions

The rules, published by the State Council, will take effect from July 1. One of the most significant articles requires authorization for exports of restricted Chinese goods, technologies, and data.

|ByREUTERS

"Back on track": China and U.S. agree to restart trade talks

Some experts worry the pause in trade hostilities may not hold.

JUNE 29, 2019ByREUTERS
Flag of China

G20 finance chiefs: trade row 'intensified' but no call for resolution

The communique is expected to say: "Most importantly, trade and geopolitical tensions have intensified."

JUNE 9, 2019ByREUTERS
Haruhiko Kuroda, governor of the Bank of Japan (BOJ) is surrounded by his delegates during the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors meeting in Fukuoka, Japan June 8, 2019