Global Trade Daily Briefing - 2026-02-22

Daily Foreign Trade Briefing for 2/21/2026. Curated insights on Finance, Logistics, Compliance, and Global Markets.

Global Macro & Finance

Despite a volatile market comeback driven by mixed economic signals, retail investors may be missing opportunities by prioritizing income over growth. Meanwhile, the private credit sector faces stress as Blue Owl's $1.4 billion sale of illiquid software loans highlights mounting pressure to meet investor demands for liquidity.

Here are 3 forces that drove the stock market during Wall Street’s comeback week

The stock market rebounded due to a mix of positive earnings, shifting expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts, and a surge in tech stocks. (Finance)

Market volatility trap? Why this income-first strategy may 'leave a lot on the table'

Focusing solely on income during market volatility can cause investors to miss out on potential long-term growth. (Finance)

Illiquid loans, investor demands: Blue Owl's software lending triggers another quake in private credit

Blue Owl sold $1.4 billion of its software loans at a slight discount, highlighting ongoing liquidity pressures in the private credit market. (Finance)

Global Logistics (Sea & Air)

A landmark Supreme Court ruling has struck down Trump-era tariffs, triggering a major refund scramble and clarifying presidential trade powers. Concurrently, the logistics sector is adapting to new US fees on Chinese-built vessels and a shift in UK air cargo growth from London to regional airports driven by e-commerce.

Semafor: Howard Lutnick’s old firm did not, in fact, profit from Supreme Court tariff ruling

A report clarifies that Howard Lutnick's former firm did not financially benefit from a Supreme Court tariff decision. (The Loadstar)

Supreme Court’s landmark ruling – key takeaways

The Supreme Court ruled that the President cannot unilaterally impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. (The Loadstar)

Supreme Court strikes down Trump tariffs, triggering refund scramble

The Supreme Court has ruled against Trump-era tariffs, forcing the government to refund billions to importers. (The Loadstar)

Loadstar Leader: all change – and plus ca change at TPM26

The main topic at the 2025 TPM shipping conference was the potential new US fees on Chinese-built vessels. (The Loadstar)

Regional UK airports ride ecommerce surge as London growth stalls 

Regional UK airports are seeing cargo growth driven by ecommerce, while London's expansion stalls. (The Loadstar)

Regional Markets

Amid escalating global trade tensions, President Trump has doubled a new global tariff to 15% following a Supreme Court ruling, while international analysts warn that diplomacy with Iran is faltering, increasing the risk of conflict. Elsewhere, Venezuela is accelerating amnesty protocols for political prisoners, and NASA is progressing toward a March 6 launch date for its Artemis II moon mission.

Trump raises new global tariff to 15% a day after setting it at 10%

A day after announcing a 10% global tariff, President Trump increased it to 15%. (MercoPress)

Analysts warn war looks more likely than a US-Iran deal as nuclear deadline approaches

With the nuclear deadline nearing, analysts warn that military escalation between the US and Iran is now more likely than a diplomatic deal. (MercoPress)

Venezuela sets fast-track protocol for amnesty as families wait for further releases

Venezuela is expediting amnesty for political prisoners following a new law, as families continue to protest for more releases. (MercoPress)

Trump vows new 10% global tariff after Supreme Court curbs emergency levies

Trump criticized the Supreme Court for limiting his emergency tariff powers but vowed to continue his trade strategy, including a new 10% global tariff. (MercoPress)

NASA targets March 6 for Artemis II after passing key SLS fueling rehearsal

NASA plans to launch its Artemis II moon mission on March 6 after successfully completing a key rocket fueling test. (MercoPress)