Publications

Globally, rice production is concentrated in Asia. In Colombia, the rice value chain accounts for 0.3% of value added, generates 1.1% of agricultural employment, and includes around 13,000 producers. High inventory accumulation represents a challenge for the sector. In 2026, lower planted areas and production are expected.

President Donald Trump Signals Possible Diplomatic End to Iran War Amid Ongoing Uncertainty. Iran Rejects US Negotiation Claims.

The quote “it is difficult to make predictions, especially about the future” is attributed to Niels Bohr. Today, it is even more so in an environment of high uncertainty. The increase in costs caused by the war between the U.S. and Israel against Iran will have negative effects on the Spanish economy.

Housing demand in Spain will remain solid driven by employment, wages, and immigration. However, the shortage of new supply will limit sales and maintain strong upward pressure on prices. Furthermore, the profitability of the construction sector remains low compared to Europe.

The ECB’s March policy meeting was shaped by the Middle East crisis, which complicates the macro outlook. If the conflict persists, rate hikes cannot be ruled out, in an environment of elevated uncertainty and a firmly data-dependent policy stance.

The Chinese economy grew by 5% in 2025 driven by exports, despite weak domestic demand and the real estate crash. 4.5% growth is expected for 2026, supported by stimuli and measures against industrial overcapacity. Reflation narrative is on the rise amid the Iran war.

Current loans growth to non-financial private sector in January 2026 reached the lowest point since 2021 (1.8% in real anual terms), as the business loan portfolio had a negative growth contribution. Banking deposits real anual growth came at 0.9% influenced by exchange rate appreciation.