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Middle East Market Intelligence Brief: Week Ending August 28, 2026
US sanctions on Iran intensified this week, with Washington targeting entities linked to Tehran’s oil, shipping, and financial networks whilst threatening secondary sanctions on countries doing business with Iran.
Qatar is stepping up mediation efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran preparing conditions for restoring normal shipping.
US forces say international lanes are open after mine-clearing operations, but traffic remains well below normal levels amid continued tensions and sanctions.
Below is Expana’s weekly summary of the war’s most significant effects on global commodities. For the latest real-time updates, follow...
El Niño to Impact Trade? Panama Canal Could Suspend Vessel Bookings, Says Bloomberg
As of July 21, operators at the Panama Canal could curtail some vessel booking slots due to water-supply challenges, reported Bloomberg. Previously, Expana's team flagged this possibility during a June 25 webinar, according to Weather & Crop Researcher, James Tyler. Affected commodities could range from corn and soybeans, to fruit, vegetables, seafood, and more.
On July 7, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) could reduce the maximum authorized vessel draft for its largest locks to 44 feet by...
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