Asia

Bank of Japan updates natural rate estimate as era of ultra low rates ends

Neutral interest rate range stands between -0.9 percent and +0.5 percent

Japan initiates largest-ever strategic oil release as gasoline prices hit record 190.80 yen

State reserves drawdown equals 30 days of demand roughly 8.5 million kiloliters scheduled through April end

Japan’s Prime Minister meets with IEA’s Birol to request further coordinated release of oil reserves

Birol noted the IEA is actively consulting with governments across Europe and Asia regarding release of additional stockpiles 

China implements first fuel price control since 2013 to mitigate global oil volatility 

New price caps save chinese drivers hundreds of dollars per tonne

Japan’s core consumer inflation slows below central bank’s ​2 percent target in February

Core inflation eased from 2 percent in January to 1.6 percent in February, falling below the BOJ’s 2 percent target for the first time since March 2022

South Korea to inject $350 billion into U.S. AI, quantum computing, semiconductors

Legislation completes major portion of trade agreement intended to mitigate U.S. tariff strains on Korean goods 

China Spring Festival 2026 draws record 596 million trips, $116.7 billion tourism spend

Hainan saw 12.32 million visits with duty free sales in Sanya jumping more than 214 percent

Japan’s services inflation rises 2.6 percent in January amid wage-driven price growth

The central bank has indicated it is prepared to continue tightening policy if price gains persist alongside solid wage growth

Brazil deepens strategic minerals partnerships with India and South Korea

Brazil possesses the world's second-largest reserves of rare earth minerals, which are essential for numerous products

Indonesia and U.S. finalize trade deal, cutting tariffs to 19 percent from 32 percent

The revised 19 percent tariff rate aligns Indonesia with other Southeast Asian economies that have reached similar deals with Washington

Indonesia, U.S. companies ink $38.4 billion trade and investment deals

Agreements form part of the implementation framework of the broader U.S.-Indonesia trade deal Prabowo is set to sign with Trump on Thursday

U.S. and Taiwan finalize trade deal with 15 percent tariff, $500 billion in semiconductor and AI investments

Agreement exempts more than 2,000 export items from reciprocal tariffs, cutting average duty to 12.33 percent 

Alibaba showcases AI-powered “Intelligent Olympics” Vision at Milano Cortina 2026

AWI transforms one of Milan’s most iconic public spaces into a living showcase of how digital innovation can intersect with culture, commerce, and sport

Pakistan pledges $1 billion investment in Artificial Intelligence to modernize digital economy by 2030

AI funding will modernize sectors like agriculture, industry, and trade enhancing national productivity 

U.S. hits South Korea with 25 percent tariff hike over trade deal delays

New levies target South Korean automobiles and pharmaceuticals

India and EU seal landmark trade deal, slashing tariffs on most goods

The European Union will eliminate or reduce tariffs on 99.5 percent of imports from India over a seven-year period

Bank of Japan holds interest rates steady at 0.75 percent, upgrades growth and inflation forecasts

An 8-1 vote reveals divided opinions on potential rate hikes amid Japan's economic recovery efforts

China retains world’s largest online retail market title for 13th consecutive year with $3.39 trillion digital spend

China e-commerce sector emerges as primary economic engine supporting 78 million jobs

South Korea’s central bank holds rates at 2.5 percent, signals shift away from further easing

BOK's latest meeting shows a commitment to steady interest rates amidst rising inflation

China posts record $1.2 trillion trade surplus in 2025 despite Trump tariffs

China posted monthly trade surpluses of more than $100 billion on seven occasions last year, partly supported by a weaker yuan

Nepal’s economic recovery to continue at a slower pace amid global uncertainty in 2026, says IMF

As the country moves forward, policymakers face the challenge of striking a careful balance between political stability and prudent economic and financial reforms