China / Corporate & Policy
- China to implement zero tariffs on all African countries with diplomatic ties
starting May 1, 2026
- BYD Co.: first-quarter net profit 4.085 billion yuan, down 55.38% year-on-year
Energy & OPEC+
- United Arab Emirates to exit OPEC and OPEC+ starting May 1
- Saudi Aramco extends suspension of LPG deliveries through end-May
- Iraqi oil official: Iraq has no intention of leaving OPEC or OPEC+
Central Banks
- Bank of Japan holds rates as expected; three board members call for rate hikes
Geopolitics – US–Iran
- Sources: Iran expected to submit revised peace proposal soon
- Trump: Iran wants the US to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible
- US bans its persons and entities from paying Hormuz transit fees to Iran;
warns non-US entities face significant sanctions risk for doing so
- Iranian military: does not believe the war has ended; forces’ objectives and
equipment have been upgraded
- US Energy Secretary: Strait of Hormuz can reopen without clearing all mines;
no plan to ban US energy exports