According to data released by Statistics Indonesia, Indonesia recorded a trade deficit of USD 0.5 billion in June 2026, following a trade surplus of USD 4.1 billion in the same month of the previous year. The result reflected stronger import growth, which increased by 34 per cent year-on-year, supported by higher energy prices and domestic demand, while exports rose by 9 per cent, recovering from the decline recorded in May 2026. Non-oil and gas exports increased by 9.5 per c

According to data released by Vietnam’s General Statistics Office, the country’s trade activity continued to expand in July 2026, supported by robust growth in both exports and imports, reflecting sustained industrial activity and the continued integration of Vietnam into global supply chains. Exports increased by 25 per cent year-on-year in July, reaching USD 53.1 billion. During the first seven months of 2026, export turnover rose by 21.7 per cent to USD 319.5 billion, conf

China’s trade surplus widened sharply in June 2026, reaching USD 125.62 billion and setting a new record for the month. The increase reflected a strong rise in both exports and imports, with trade flows boosted by surging demand for AI-related hardware, higher chip prices, and resilient external demand. Exports climbed 27% year on year to a record USD 412.39 billion, while imports jumped 36% to an all-time high of USD 286.76 billion. The import figure was the fastest growth i

China’s June imports surged to a record high, rising 36.0% year on year to USD 286.76 billion, well above expectations and the fastest pace since June 2021. The increase was driven by stronger demand for chips, AI-related hardware, and a range of industrial and commodity inputs, while crude oil imports fell sharply amid geopolitical disruption and weaker refinery activity. The strongest support came from manufacturing-linked and technology-related trade, reflecting continued

China's foreign direct investment (FDI) continued to contract during the first half of 2026, reflecting the ongoing challenges facing the country's investment environment. According to official data, inbound FDI fell by 5.0% year-on-year between January and June 2026, an improvement from the 8.6% decline recorded during the first five months of the year. While the latest figures indicate that the pace of contraction is easing, they also mark the third consecutive year of cumu

On July 16, 2026, a landmark event unfolded in Shanghai with the signing of the agreement to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO). With 29 founding member countries, including China, Russia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan, the organization marks the world's first intergovernmental body dedicated to international cooperation on artificial intelligence . With its headquarters in Shanghai, WAICO aims to ensure that AI develops in a ma