Industrial and Raw Materials Daily Briefing — April 20, 2026
Rising Middle East tensions have sent oil prices soaring by 6%, fueling anxiety across global supply chains. Iran’s threats to block the Strait of Hormuz have already forced five LNG tankers to change course, raising concerns over potential disruptions to energy and ICT sectors. Meanwhile, in the semiconductor space, AI remains a key driver for industry shifts, alongside notable developments like Samsung SDI’s new EV battery supply contract with Mercedes-Benz.
Industrial and Raw Materials Daily Briefing — April 20, 2026
Key Industry Trends
🔋 Secondary Batteries | Samsung SDI signs first EV battery supply contract with Mercedes-Benz
As reported by Reuters on April 20, 2026, Samsung SDI has signed its first-ever electric vehicle battery supply contract with Mercedes-Benz. This deal is seen as a major step in expanding Samsung SDI's presence in the European automotive market.
💻 Semiconductors | AI reshapes industry landscape — TSMC, memory, and China’s pursuit
Analysis of the global semiconductor industry for the third week of April 2026 indicates that AI is redefining competitive rules. Key factors include TSMC’s containment strategy, shifts in the memory market, and China’s technological advancements, signaling a move toward a "new order" beyond mere technology.
Additionally, Reuters reported that Morgan Stanley expects the proliferation of Agentic AI to expand semiconductor spending beyond GPUs to include CPUs as well.
💄 Cosmetics | Beauty stocks remain strong amid market volatility
Financial News reported on April 18, 2026, that cosmetics stocks continue to perform well, supported by sustained global export momentum and high expectations for the second-quarter peak season. The sector has shown resilience despite market volatility caused by geopolitical tensions, with expectations for further growth.
The 2026 cosmetics industry is experiencing structural growth driven by skincare, hair care, body care, and global exports, with ODM (manufacturing) firms and companies expanding through global D2C and Amazon sales emerging as key winners.
Raw Materials and Supply Chain Shortages
🛢️ Strait of Hormuz tensions — 5 LNG tankers change routes
According to Bloomberg ship-tracking data, five LNG tankers heading toward the Strait of Hormuz have changed their routes following Iran’s warning of a potential blockade. This move is creating immediate instability in global energy supply chains.
⛽ Global oil prices jump 6% — Fears over collapse of US-Iran truce
Reuters reported that international oil prices spiked by 6% due to fears over the potential collapse of the US-Iran truce. As Middle East energy risks reignite, crude oil ETFs have fallen, while prices for non-ferrous and precious metals have begun to rise again, according to Money Today.
🖥️ ICT Supply Chain — MSIT initiates response to raw material risks from Middle East conflict
With rising oil prices and concerns over crude oil and naphtha supply, the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) has begun site inspections of ICT industries and is operating a "virtual situation room," according to GetNews. This is part of a preemptive effort to assess the impact of the Middle East conflict on ICT supply chains.
Macroeconomics and Other Analysis
📉 US stock futures decline — Risk appetite wanes as Middle East tension reignites
Reuters reported on April 20, 2026, that US stock futures dipped slightly following last week's record rally on the New York Stock Exchange. The decline is attributed to fading hopes for an end to the Iran conflict, which has dampened investor risk appetite.
🌍 Global dealmaking recovers — Large-scale transactions resume post-Iran war
According to Reuters, global dealmaking (M&A and investments) is showing signs of recovery as corporations resume large-scale transactions following the Iran war. As some of the uncertainty surrounding the war has eased, companies are beginning to move forward with strategic investment decisions again.
🏦 US gasoline prices expected to stay above $3 per gallon until next year
According to Reuters, the US Energy Secretary stated that gasoline prices could remain above $3 per gallon until next year due to the aftermath of the Middle East situation. This is expected to impact the broader industry by driving up logistics costs and exerting pressure on manufacturing costs.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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