China’s trade balance grew more than expected in the first two months of 2026, as overseas demand for the country’s key exports remained strong after a stellar performance in 2025. 

Asian stocks rebounded on Tuesday, as oil prices retreated from multi-year highs and investors welcomed comments from U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting the conflict with Iran could soon come to an end.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday that oil production reliant on transport through the Strait of Hormuz could halt completely within a month, as the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran has triggered a global energy crisis.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that while he did see an eventual end to the Iran war, it was unlikely to conclude this week.

Oil prices fell on Tuesday after hitting their highest level in more than three years in the prior session as US President Donald Trump predicted the war in the Middle East could end soon, easing concerns about prolonged disruptions to global oil supplies.

 China’s consumer inflation accelerated to the highest in more than three years due to the effects of the Lunar New Year holiday, while producer deflation persisted as weak demand remained a drag on an economy facing stiff external challenges.