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Baht in Turbulence – Dollar Dominance: May 2026, The Global Currency Game to Watch The world’s financial stage is heating up this May. The Thai baht faces mounting pressure from dividend outflows, geopolitical tension, and a slowing domestic economy — yet tourism recovery and Fed rate expectations keep it afloat. Across global markets, the dollar stands firm as a safe haven, while the yen weakens, the euro softens, and emerging currencies like the yuan and Brazilian real shine bright. For importers, exporters, and investors alike, volatility is the new normal — and every currency move could mean both risk and opportunity. SO OK TRADING FAST • SHARP • RELIABLE

Naphtha: From Byproduct to Strategic Material of Global Industry SO OK TRADING | 2 May 2026 Once seen as a mere byproduct of crude oil refining, Naphtha has now become the strategic feedstock driving the world’s transformation — from petrochemicals and packaging to electric vehicles and circular innovation. Light Naphtha fuels the production of ethylene and propylene, forming the backbone of plastics and synthetic rubber. Heavy Naphtha powers aromatics and engineering polymers, shaping textiles, automotive parts, and high-performance materials. As global industries shift toward EV lightweighting, chemical recycling, and bio-based feedstocks, Naphtha stands at the crossroads of energy, sustainability, and technology. Demand continues to rise across Asia, while supply faces pressure from geopolitical risks and China’s capacity surge — redefining market balance and competitiveness. ✨ Naphtha is no longer just fuel — it’s the foundation of the next industrial revolution. SO OK TRADING — FAST • SHARP • RELIABLE

The world is entering the era of “Higher for Longer” — as the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) decided to keep interest rates at 3.50–3.75% for the third consecutive time, amid stubborn inflation and surging energy prices driven by Middle East conflicts. The result: the global economy is slipping into the trap of “expensive but stagnant” — or Stagflation — a challenge that both investors and businesses must navigate with caution. Stock markets are volatile, the dollar is strengthening, oil prices are soaring, and debt burdens remain heavy. This is a clear signal that the world has shifted from “waiting for rate cuts” to “biting the bullet with high rates” in the fight against stubborn inflation. Read SO OK TRADING’s Global Economic Overview – April 2026, with insights on interest rate directions and the rising risk of Stagflation that everyone needs to know.

Global Plastic Crisis! Overlapping Shocks Shake the Industry At the beginning of 2026, the world faced a “Petrochemical Shock” that sent plastic raw material prices soaring by more than 37%. Conflicts in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz caused a severe shortage of naphtha—the lifeblood of the plastic industry—across the globe. Japan and South Korea were forced to cut production, while China accelerated its shift to alternative energy. Europe and the United States also struggled under surging costs. At the same time, the world is grappling with an environmental crisis from overflowing plastic waste. Recycling rates remain at only 10%, while the other 90% is landfilled, incinerated, or leaked into the environment. Alarmingly, microplastics have already entered the food chain and the human body. This is not just a “temporary crisis” but a structural turning point for the global plastic industry. Companies that adapt quickly—embracing Bio-based Plastics, Chemical Recycling, and the Circular Economy—will emerge as leaders in the new era now taking shape. SO OK TRADING is ready to be your trusted business partner. FAST • SHARP • RELIABLE

UAE Exits OPEC — A Historic Turning Point in the Global Oil Market On April 28, 2026, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) officially announced its withdrawal from OPEC and OPEC+, effective May 1, 2026, ending nearly 60 years of membership. This decision is not just a “big headline” in the energy world — it marks a structural shift in the global oil market, as one of the world’s major producers seeks full independence in production and a new strategy to safeguard national interests. ⏳ Impact on Oil Prices Short-Term: Prices remain high at $110–111 per barrel Hormuz Strait blocked by conflict with Iran Geopolitical risks and Middle East tensions keep oil prices elevated Mid to Long-Term: UAE plans to boost output from 3.2 → 5 million barrels/day by 2027 Oversupply may trigger a price war among major producers OPEC’s control weakens, pushing global oil prices downward

Global Economy After the Middle East War: Who Adapts, Who Struggles Oil prices surge past $100, shaking the global economy — from China turning crisis into opportunity, to Japan and Europe racing to restructure their energy systems. SO OK TRADING presents a clear snapshot of the “adapters” and the “vulnerable” in this new economic game, where energy is no longer just fuel but the accelerator of global transformation. FAST • SHARP • RELIABLE

Global Raw Material Crisis: From Middle East Conflict to the Recovery of Energy and Industrial Markets SO OK TRADING | April 18, 2026 After the tension in the Strait of Hormuz that sent oil and raw material prices soaring, the world is now witnessing clear signs of easing and recovery. Crude oil prices have dropped sharply, naphtha is gradually stabilizing though still costly, and chemical fertilizers remain expensive. Yet the overall direction is a tangible return to balance. ⛽ Oil: Prices fell immediately after Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz ⚗️ Naphtha: Supply is returning, but full recovery will take time

Middle East Situation Summary — April 15, 2026 USA • Israel • Iran • Strait of Hormuz BY SO OK TRADING “Fragile Ceasefire • Global Economy on a Tightrope” The Middle East remains tense — the United States has blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, Iran refuses to back down, and fighting in Gaza continues. The world is watching closely as the second round of peace talks convenes in Pakistan on April 17. Oil and fertilizer prices remain high • Global inflation shows no relief • International markets are in “wait-and-see negotiation” mode. SO OK TRADING FAST • SHARP • RELIABLE

Hormuz Strait Crisis 2026: When Fertilizer Becomes a “Scarce Resource” and the World Struggles to Breathe Article by SO OK TRADING | April 14, 2026 The world is facing a “crisis upon crisis” shaking energy, food, and the global economy. With the U.S. blockade of the Hormuz Strait, vital shipping routes for energy and fertilizer raw materials have come to a standstill. Over 1 million tons of fertilizer remain stranded in the Persian Gulf, oil prices have surged past $100 per barrel, and agricultural production costs worldwide have soared to unprecedented levels. This is not merely an “international political issue” — it is a global warning that fertilizer has become an indispensable strategic resource. The fallout is driving stagflation, a dangerous mix of economic stagnation and soaring inflation. SO OK TRADING invites you to explore this situation in depth — its causes, impacts, and the strategies being discussed worldwide — so that Thai businesses and farmers can prepare wisely in an era where fertilizer is the new gold of the world.

✨ Mango Sticky Rice: Thailand’s Sweet Power Dessert That Makes the World Smile and Embrace Global Soft Power ✨

**“Happy Thai New Year, April 13, 2026 This Fire Horse Year is a time of adaptation for survival. Though the world burns with heat and political tension, those who remain calm and courageous will turn crisis into opportunity. May every business and every life step into the new year with the power of hope and stability. SO OK TRADING FAST • SHARP • RELIABLE

✨ Thai Durian 2026: From Chanthaburi Orchards to Global Markets… A Flavor Winning Hearts Across Continents ✨ This April marks the Golden Season of Thai durian — not just a fruit, but a brand of taste that reflects quality, standards, and the diverse preferences of consumers worldwide. From the Mass Market in China and Japan to the Gourmet Market in Singapore and Hong Kong, Thai durian is ready to captivate every continent with its unique varietal character. SO OK TRADING invites you to experience the rich sweetness of Thai durian at the Premium Standard, ensuring both exquisite flavor and world-class quality.

Oil, War & Deals: Islamabad Talks Reshaping the Global Economy The U.S.–Iran Negotiations in Pakistan — A Turning Point for the Global Economy in 2026 By SO OK TRADING | April 11, 2026 The world is closely watching the “Islamabad Talks”, a historic direct negotiation between the United States and Iran held in Islamabad, Pakistan. This summit could mark the beginning of peace — or trigger the most severe energy crisis of the decade. After more than 14 hours of marathon discussions, both sides failed to reach an agreement. Yet, the ripple effects of what unfolded at the negotiation table have already shaken the globe — from volatile oil prices to economic uncertainty across Asia and Europe. This article takes you inside the talks and explores:

Global Economy & Inflation with Currency Trends – A Critical Turning Point in April 2026 Following the positive news of a “temporary ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran,” global financial markets have shifted from tension to renewed optimism. Capital is flowing back into risk assets, while currencies and inflation worldwide are entering a decisive phase that investors and businesses must closely monitor. Dollar weakness, Euro strength, and Baht appreciation reflect the market’s transition from “fear” to “confidence.” Thailand itself stands at a crucial juncture, with the Baht strengthening and inflation expected to turn positive in April. Discover in‑depth analysis from SO OK TRADING to gain fresh perspectives on global economic and currency directions, and seize the business opportunities emerging during this recovery phase. SO OK TRADING FAST • SHARP • RELIABLE www.sooktrading.com