Akintunde Oyedokun
Research Analyst
Oil prices fell by more than $10 per barrel on Tuesday after Donald Trump signaled that the Middle East conflict could end soon, easing fears of prolonged supply disruptions.
Brent crude dropped to $88.51 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate fell to $84.16, reversing Monday’s surge above $119 driven by supply concerns.
Trump also revealed talks with Vladimir Putin on proposals to end the conflict, though tensions remain after Iran warned it could halt regional oil exports if attacks continue.
German Exports Post Sharpest Drop in 18 Months As China, EU Demand Weakens
Germany’s exports fell 2.3% in January to €130.5 billion—the steepest decline in 18 months—driven by weaker demand from China and the EU. Imports dropped 5.9% to €109.2 billion. Exports to the U.S. rose 11.7% to €13.2 billion, while shipments to China and EU countries fell 13.2% and 4.8%, respectively, as rising energy costs and global trade tensions weigh on the economy.
The slowdown signals mounting challenges for Germany’s trade-driven growth amid global uncertainties.
Japan’s Q4 GDP Growth Revised Up to 1.3%
Japan’s economy grew faster than first estimated in Q4, expanding at an annualized 1.3% versus the initial 0.2%, the Cabinet Office reported.
Quarter-on-quarter, GDP rose 0.3%, matching forecasts. Private consumption climbed 0.3%, up from 0.1%, while business investment jumped 1.3%, revised from 0.2%. Net exports remained neutral, and domestic demand added 0.3 percentage points to growth, up from zero in the preliminary data.
South Africa’s Economy Grows 1.1% In 2025, Missing Forecasts
South Africa’s economy expanded 1.1% in 2025, below forecasts by the South African Reserve Bank and the National Treasury of South Africa, data from Statistics South Africa showed.
Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke said the modest growth is insufficient to tackle high unemployment. The economy grew 0.4% in the fourth quarter, with consumer sectors driving expansion while primary and secondary industries weakened.
Nigeria Records N1.71trn Trade Surplus In Q4 2025
Nigeria posted a trade surplus of N1.71 trillion in the fourth quarter of 2025 despite weaker exports, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Total merchandise trade stood at N36.21 trillion during the period. Exports were valued at N18.96 trillion, representing 52.36% of total trade, while imports rose to N17.25 trillion.
Export earnings declined mainly due to lower crude oil revenues, but the country still maintained a surplus as export receipts exceeded import spending. China remained Nigeria’s largest source of imports, while the Netherlands, India, Spain, France, and Canada were the top export destinations.
