Feb. 2: IKEA to close seven stores in China
The Swedish furniture giant will cease operations at seven of its offline stores across China, including locations in Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Tianjin, as part of a local transformation effort. The company plans to open more than 10 small-format stores over the next two years.
Feb. 2: Dalian exchange launches new options
The Dalian Commodity Exchange will begin trading option series contracts for soybean meal and corn. This move accelerates the exchange’s push to cover the full cycle of 12-month expiry contracts.
Feb. 2: Spring Festival travel rush begins
China’s 40-day travel rush, known as “chunyun,” officially kicks off and will run through March 13. Authorities have held a national teleconference to outline arrangements for handling the surge in passenger traffic.
Feb. 3 - 8: Singapore Airshow takes off
The biennial aerospace exhibition runs through Feb. 8, featuring air forces from six nations and two commercial aircraft manufacturers. It will showcase aerobatic displays and aerial combat capabilities.
Feb. 4: U.S. leads talks on critical minerals
Washington plans to convene foreign ministers from dozens of allied nations to discuss diversifying critical mineral supply chains and reducing reliance on China. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to host the meeting.
Feb. 4: Hong Kong-Turkey investment pact takes effect
The investment promotion and protection agreement between Hong Kong and Turkey comes into force. It guarantees fair treatment for investors, compensation in case of expropriation and the free transfer of investments and returns.
Feb. 5 - 15: Indonesia International Motor Show kicks off
The automotive exhibition runs through Feb. 15 in Jakarta. It features 300 exhibitors and covers 50,000 square meters, with more than 100,000 visitors expected.
Feb. 6: NASA attempts lunar flyby
The U.S. space agency targets this date for the Artemis II mission, which aims to send astronauts into lunar orbit for the first time in 53 years. The 10-day mission marks a major step in NASA’s return to deep space.
Feb. 6 - 22: Milan Winter Olympics open
The 2026 Winter Olympic Games begin in Italy’s Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, running through Feb. 22. About 2,900 athletes will compete in 116 events.
Feb. 8: Japan holds general election
Voters will go to the polls to elect members of the House of Representatives well before the original term expiration in October 2028. The lower house is the more powerful chamber of Japan’s Diet.
Feb. 8: Thailand holds general election
The race for the lower house of parliament is shaping up as a three-way contest. Competitors include the reformist People’s Party, the Thaksin Shinawatra-backed Pheu Thai Party and the Bhumjaithai Party led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Feb. 8 - 12: World Defense Show opens in Riyadh
The third edition of the defense exhibition runs through Feb. 12 in Saudi Arabia. The event, which has expanded its floor space by 58%, highlights the kingdom’s strategy to modernize its military capabilities.
