Elevated Oil, Chip Woes Weigh on Asian Stocks | The Asia Trade 3/6/2026

Asian markets opened under pressure on March 6, 2026, as rising oil prices and semiconductor supply chain disruptions weighed on investor sentiment across the region. Live from Sydney and Singapore, analysts highlighted surging crude costs—driven by geopolitical tensions—as a key headwind for energy-dependent economies like Japan and South Korea. Chip shortages intensified after a major Taiwanese foundry delayed shipments, exacerbating tech sector volatility and dragging down indices in Taipei and Seoul. Industry leaders warned of prolonged supply constraints, citing lingering post-pandemic logistical bottlenecks and escalating U.S.-China trade friction over advanced semiconductor exports. Traders shifted focus to safe-haven assets, with gold and yen gaining, as analysts predicted further downside unless oil prices stabilize or chip production recovers swiftly.