Middle East Market Intelligence Brief: Week Ending July 31, 2026

Geopolitical risks remained elevated this week as tensions around key energy corridors persisted. Diplomatic efforts continued alongside security concerns, with Iran and Oman extending discussions over the future management of Hormuz, despite Tehran rejecting Oman’s proposal for joint oversight.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia sought to deepen regional defence cooperation focused on safeguarding maritime routes across the Bab el-Mandeb, Red Sea, and Gulf of Aden.

Energy supply risks intensified after a drone strike reportedly set two gas vessels ablaze at Egypt’s Damietta port, reviving concerns over potential disruptions to shipping through...

Middle East Market Intelligence Brief: Week Ending July 10, 2026

This week, US President Donald Trump said a US-Iran memorandum aimed at ending the war was no longer valid, following renewed strikes and tensions.

He also announced plans to cut trade ties with Spain, criticizing its NATO contributions, as European leaders sought unity at the alliance summit.

Middle East Market Intelligence Brief: Week Ending June 5, 2026

As the Iran war heads into its fourth month, Hezbollah rejected a US-brokered ceasefire proposal in Lebanon, while Israel said it would continue operations and not withdraw troops, despite Trump’s claims of progress toward a wider regional peace effort involving Iran.

Meanwhile, fighting and strikes continue across Lebanon, Gaza, and the Gulf region, with tensions persisting around key energy routes like the Strait of Hormuz.

Below is Expana’s weekly summary of the war’s most significant effects on global commodities. For the latest real-time updates, follow the Middle East Conflict tag...

Tariffs Torching US Container Imports: Analyst

Containerized imports through American ports are set to take an historic plunge in September, an analyst predicts, as President Donald Trump’s China tariffs take a toll on the busiest trans-Pacific trade route.

Inbound volumes through the top 10 U.S. ports in August finished 0.1% ahead of the same month in 2024, said analyst John McCown in a monthly report, after July volume that was 3.2% ahead, fueled by importers bringing in shipments earlier than usual to beat an August 7 deadline for a renewal of reciprocal tariffs...