MONEY MASTER

China’s trade volumes surged to record levels at the start of 2026, but escalating tensions in the Middle East now pose fresh risks to global shipping and export momentum. Key Takeaways China’s trade volumes surged above last year’s record levels before the Iran conflict erupted. Over 59 million containers were processed in the first nine weeks of 2026, up more than 12% year-on-year. Escalating tensions around Iran now threaten Middle East demand and global shipping routes. Record Container Throughput in Early 2026 More than  59 million containers  moved through Chinese ports in the first nine weeks of the year — up over  12% year-on-year , according to the Ministry of Transport. The strong start extended the export surge seen in late 2025, when total outbound shipments reached  US$3.8 trillion , a record high. Goldman Sachs Group Inc.  noted that freight volumes from 20 major Chinese ports also exceeded 2025 levels. Key Point: China’s trade momentum was acceler...

Investor Takeaway : Li Chenggang’s Washington visit is a  signal of continued dialogue  but not yet a breakthrough. Markets will likely stay in  headline-driven volatility mode , with U.S. tariff policy as the main swing factor. Until clarity emerges, positioning around  retail, logistics, and export-sensitive equities  should remain cautious. Senior Chinese trade negotiator  Li Chenggang , Beijing’s international trade representative and a key aide to economy tsar  He Lifeng , will travel to Washington this week for meetings with deputy-level U.S. officials. While not a formal negotiating round, the visit comes at a sensitive juncture, as global markets weigh whether the  90-day tariff truce between the two largest economies will hold. Current Tariff Landscape On  Aug 11 , Washington and Beijing agreed to extend their truce, maintaining  30% tariffs on Chinese imports  and  10% duties on U.S. goods . Economists warn that if Tr...