Middle East Market Intelligence Brief: Week Ending October 16, 2026

On Wednesday, two vessels sank near the Strait of Hormuz within 24 hours after being struck by separate projectile strikes. Attacks have intensified over the past 10 days, with Iran citing the US blockade of its ports and tighter sanctions as reasons for escalating strikes.

Amid shipping disruptions and record-high freight costs linked to the Iran war, the Trump administration is considering easing sanctions on shadow-fleet vessels that have transported oil from Russia, Iran, and Venezuela. 

However, the potential move is unlikely to significantly increase vessel availability, analysts say. Many ships still face...

FMI Applauds the Administration’s Announcement on Diesel Prices

The Food Industry Association welcomed the White House announcement yesterday evening regarding actions to address diesel prices. FMI Chief Public Policy Officer and General Counsel Stephanie Harris offered the following statement.

“FMI appreciates efforts by the White House to lower diesel prices and address cost pressures in the supply chain. Diesel fuel is the lifeblood of food production and distribution and impacts every step of the process from field to shelf. Any relief from the pressures associated with getting food to store shelves is welcome as our members remain focused on delivering...

Government of Canada Announces Farm Credit to Strengthen Food Security and Grow the Economy

The world is changing rapidly, trade shifts, global conflict, and climate change are all putting growing pressure on our food security systems. In response, Canada is charting a new course. We are building our strength at home and diversifying our partnerships abroad - creating new opportunities for long-term growth, resilience, and investment.

Today, the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food announced the launch of Farm Credit Canada's (FCC) $1 billion Agri-food Project Finance Fund, and $150 million to Velocity Agri...

Singapore Ranks Amongst World’s Ten Most Food-Resilient Nations, Says New Index

Singapore has ranked among the world's ten most resilient food systems in a latest study by The Economist Enterprise. The research on global food resilience also delivers a strong word of caution: every major Asia-Pacific economy, including Singapore, has a blind spot around its ability to manage climate-driven food shocks.

The inaugural Resilient Food Systems Index (RFSI), by Economist Enterprise, supported by Cargill, ranks 60 countries on food system resilience across four pillars of affordability, availability, quality and safety and climate risk responsiveness. Singapore scores 73.0 overall. Ranking 9th out of 60 countries surveyed globally...

FMI Statement on April CPI Food Price Numbers

Today, FMI – The Food Industry Association commented on the April Consumer Price Index (CPI) numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which shows a 0.7% increase in food-at-home prices for April and a 2.9% increase over the last 12 months. FMI Vice President of Tax, Trade, Sustainability and Policy Development Andy Harig offered the following statement.

“The CPI numbers released today show a significant jump in food-at-home inflation. This was expected given global events, but nonetheless poses new challenges...

Day 27 of Iran War: Trump Asserts Talks Underway as War Continues

The US-Israeli war on Iran shows no sign of abating, with attacks growing more intense even as US President Donald Trump asserts that peace talks are underway, a claim Tehran has denied.

Trump has asserted that Iranian leaders want a deal but fear internal backlash, and the White House has warned it is prepared to “unleash hell” if Iran refuses a resolution.

Markets continue to react. Oil prices are climbing once more amid fading hopes of de-escalation, while analysts warn the war could disrupt global...