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China’s Export Machine Keeps Pumping Ahead of Trump Visit
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- China’s exports surged 21.8% to $657 billion in January and February, widening its trade surplus to nearly $214 billion ahead of President Trump’s Beijing visit.
- Exports to the U.S. fell 11% in the first two months, but a Supreme Court ruling striking down tariffs may boost China’s share of exports.
- Beijing lowered its 2026 economic growth target to 4.5%-5% and pledged to boost domestic demand, but didn't announce new spending programs.
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Why Iranian Regime Change Would Transform Global Energy Markets
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- The Iran conflict could reshape global energy markets if regime change leads to lifted sanctions and increased output.
- International sanctions have starved Iran’s oil industry of foreign investment and technology, threatening an eventual collapse in production.
- If sanctions were removed, Iran’s output could increase and Brent crude prices could drop, according to analysts.
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Japan’s Growth Beats Estimates in Boost for BOJ Hikes
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- Japan’s economy grew 1.3% annualized in Q4 2025, driven by capital spending, strengthening the case for interest-rate hikes.
- The Bank of Japan faces a policy dilemma as Middle East tensions and surging oil prices create uncertainty despite domestic wage and price growth.
- The Nikkei Stock Average plunged amid fears that higher energy costs will hurt corporate profits and derail the nation’s growth.
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German Exports Fall, Extending Weak Start to 2026
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- German exports of goods fell 2.3% in January, following declines in industrial orders and output, Destatis said.
- Exports to the U.S. increased 11.7% in January, making it the top destination for German goods.
- Germany’s overall trade balance rose to 21.2 billion euros in January, up from 17.1 billion euros a month prior.
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U.K. February Retail Sales Flat as Middle-East Conflict Weighs on March Outlook
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- U.K. retail sales were flat in February, with the British Retail Consortium citing the Middle East conflict as a threat to recovery.
- The Middle East conflict is increasing fuel-cost concerns, which could cause food price inflation, according to IGD’s CEO.
- Overall retail sales grew 1.1% for the four weeks ending Feb. 28, matching the rate from the comparable 2025 period.
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U.S. and Western Allies Turn to Reserves to Counteract Gulf Oil Crisis
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- G7 finance ministers discussed releasing strategic crude reserves to stabilize the market after the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed.
- The Strait of Hormuz closure has trapped over 1,000 ships, forcing Gulf oil producers to cut output and raising Brent crude prices.
- International Energy Agency members hold 1.2 billion barrels in public stocks and 600 million in mandatory commercial inventories.
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WSJ Pro Central Banking brings you news and analysis from a global team of reporters and editors at The Wall Street Journal and Dow Jones Newswires. Send your tips, suggestions and feedback to service@dowjones.com. An artificial-intelligence tool created these summaries, which are based on the text of the article and checked by an editor. Read more about how we use artificial intelligence in our journalism.
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