Macro and Domestic

With USD 6.4 billion in fresh deals, the Kingdom is staking its claim on Syria’s future and sending a clear message: Arab-led recovery is back in focus.

ASEAN’s new Digital Economy Framework Agreement aims to unify rules across ten nations, unlocking USD 2 trillion in digital trade by 2030.

In just a year since signing a trade deal, UAE–Türkiye non-oil trade surged to $40.5 billion in 2024, making Türkiye the UAE’s fourth-largest trading partner. Beyond gold and machinery, the two are rapidly shaping a fruitful economic alliance.

As major exporters brace for impact and manufacturing faces soaring costs due to increased steel tariffs, consumers could be hit hardest, with average U.S. households facing a potential USD 2,500 hike in yearly expenses.

Global trade is shifting as nations actively pursue regional agreements in Latin America, the Middle East, and ASEAN. Driven by a desire for enhanced economic cooperation and diversified partnerships beyond traditional Western markets, these deals focus on tariff reduction and increased market access.

Countries in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific are seizing opportunities amid US-led tariff hikes, by diversifying their economies and forging new partnerships. Despite the IMF downgrading global growth forecasts, there’s optimism that strengthening regional ties is helping to build long term resilience - with or without the US.

Trump’s latest shock 145% tariff on China, amid a pause for others, reignited trade tensions and drew swift retaliation. Despite brief market gains, analysts warn the damage to global trade and investor confidence may already be irreversible.

The recent ASEAN Economic Ministers' Retreat in Johor focused on economic resilience and digital transformation amid global trade tensions.