A volatile era for Asia's commodity markets

Global commodity markets are entering a more complex phase. As 2026 unfolds, ongoing instability in the Middle East is forcing up prices, reshaping trade routes, disrupting key shipping lanes, and making freight costs unpredictable. Knock-on effects of weaker economic growth and stubborn inflation are also forcing traders to rethink long-held strategies.

For Asia – the world’s top LNG importer – these strains are no longer short-term shocks but part of a deeper energy security challenge. Commodity flows of all kinds are shifting – from fertilisers to metals – while higher interest rates are pushing up the cost of hedging. The long-term risks for companies across the region are rising. 

The FT Commodities Asia Summit: Pre-event Webinar will bring together economists, traders and risk specialists to examine how the industry is responding. Moderated by an FT journalist, the session will focus on practical ways to protect margins in uncertain markets. It will also set the agenda for the FT Commodities Asia Summit in December, where the ongoing impact will be explored in greater depth.

Can’t make it on the day? Registration gives you access to a recording of the session.

How are leading trading houses adapting their risk frameworks as geopolitical shocks become more frequent?

How are traders balancing persistently high production and energy costs against weaker industrial demand across Asia?

How far has the Middle East conflict reshaped how Asian importers think about security of supply, and what does this mean for the Malacca Strait and alternative routes?

With energy prices no longer following historical patterns, how are commodity leaders protecting themselves from sudden spikes and affordability risks?

In a high interest rate environment, what new financing and hedging tools are helping mid-sized players manage liquidity amid periods of volatility and higher interest rates?

Keep the conversation going at the

Commodities Asia Summit
2-3 December 2026 | In-person & digital

Now in its 7th year, the Financial Times Commodities Asia Summit returns to the trading hub of Singapore. Join 350+ senior executives, investors, and policymakers for cross-commodity conversations and sessions focused on how to narrow the transition gap, secure essential resources and define Asia’s role in the next phase of the global commodities cycle.

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