Capital Economics expects most Asian economies to record solid growth in 2026. It says the region—largely net energy importers—is vulnerable to the Middle East crisis and elevated energy prices, which could weigh on growth. Strong demand for AI-related products is boosting Asian exports and helping to offset energy-price headwinds. Some Asian economies are using subsidies and price controls to help contain inf pressures.

On the 28th, the WTO held a reform meeting on the development track. China's permanent representative to the WTO introduced China's 'Further Thoughts and Proposals on WTO Reform', laying out systematic positions on the role of development in WTO reform; the proposal drew broad attention and positive responses from members. China proposed that members first map concrete opportunities and challenges for developing members' integration into the multilateral trading system, then comprehensively review existing rules, tools and mechanisms and, where necessary, explore new solutions.

The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade reported its global trade-friction index at 101 in July 2026, remaining at a high level. The value of trade-restrictive measures fell 18.7% YoY and 2.2% MoM, reflecting a base effect from intensive tariff measures by the US, EU and India a year earlier. Global trade remedy investigations dropped to 17 in July from 68 in June.