Exports to Iraq from six major trading partners fell 29% year-on-year to $23.7 billion in the first half of 2026, according to customs data cited by economist Manar Al-Obaidi. Shipments from the UAE fell 25% to $10.6 billion, while Chinese exports dropped 42% to $5.2 billion. The sharpest contractions occurred in capital and investment goods, while consumer and food items proved more resilient.
More than 1,433 publishers gathered in Sharjah across 30 roundtables to explore book monetization through translation rights, screen adaptations, and digital channels. Dedicated market sessions examined rights trading opportunities, highlighting China's expanding online literature and audiobook economy.
Japan is projected to overtake China as the world's largest importer of liquefied natural gas this year for the first time since 2022. Consultancies ICIS and Kpler report that elevated spot prices and elevated domestic storage levels in China have constrained Chinese purchases. The shift comes alongside disruptions to Asian LNG demand following halts to shipments from the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
Dubai-headquartered electric motorcycle and battery-swapping company Spiro is expanding across Africa, challenging the market dominance of India's Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor. The company assembles bikes using Chinese kits, has partnered with Chinese EV maker Yadea, and secured backing from Chinese fund NewTrails Capital. Spiro currently sells approximately 17,000 electric motorcycles per month across several African nations.
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