Total losses suffered by international businesses as a result of the military conflict in the Middle East reached $25 billion as of May 20, 2026. Reuters documented the scale of the financial damage based on an analysis of filings by publicly traded companies listed on stock exchanges in the US, Europe, and Asia.

The main reason for the deterioration in global business performance was the rapid rally in key commodities prices, including crude oil, refined products, gas, and liquefied natural gas. Sharp cost increases have forced corporate management worldwide to launch cost‑cutting programs. At least 279 large firms have publicly cited the Middle East escalation as a direct cause for implementing crisis measures, tightening budgets, and fizzling out production activity.

To stabilize their positions, multinational corporations are raising output prices, suspending dividend payments, and trimming staff. Company executives are being forced to place employees on unpaid leave, introduce special fuel surcharges, and seek government support. These management steps illustrate a decline in business activity across key sectors of global industry.

The US Department of Energy has ruled out the possibility of a full restoration of supplies from Middle Eastern terminals in the foreseeable future. The agency forecasts that disruptions to major oil flows will almost certainly persist at least through the end of 2026. Under these conditions, the aggregate damage to the global economy is expected to snowball steadily over the medium term.