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iShares, Inc.

·  iShares MSCI Australia ETF | EWA | NYSE Arca

·  iShares MSCI Canada ETF | EWC | NYSE Arca

·  iShares MSCI Japan ETF | EWJ | NYSE Arca

·  iShares MSCI Mexico ETF | EWW | NYSE Arca

·  iShares MSCI South Korea ETF | EWY | NYSE Arca

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Market Overview

iShares, Inc.

Global Market Overview

Global equity markets declined in U.S. dollar terms during the 12 months ended August 31, 2022 (“reporting period”). The MSCI ACWI, a broad global equity index that includes both developed and emerging markets, returned -15.88% in U.S. dollar terms for the reporting period.

For the first third of the reporting period, economic recovery supported stocks in most regions of the world. The global economy continued to rebound from the impact of restrictions imposed at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, as mitigation and adaptation allowed most economic activity to continue. However, substantial challenges emerged at the beginning of 2022 which negatively affected stock prices. Inflation rose significantly in many countries, reducing consumers’ purchasing power and leading many central banks to tighten monetary policy. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine presented a further challenge to the global economy, disrupting important commodities markets.

The U.S. economy grew briskly over the final half of 2021, powered primarily by consumer spending. Record-high personal savings rates allowed consumers to spend at an elevated level, releasing pent-up demand for goods and services. Growth subsequently stalled in the first half of 2022, and the economy contracted amid lower inventories and faltering business investment. Despite the economic downturn, unemployment declined substantially, falling to 3.7% in August 2022 while the number of long-term unemployed dropped below the pre-pandemic level. Although high inflation negatively impacted consumer sentiment, which declined significantly, consumer spending continued to grow.

Rising inflation led to a shift in policy from the U.S. Federal Reserve (“the Fed”). As the reporting period began, the Fed was using accommodative monetary policy to stimulate the economy. Short-term interest rates were kept at near-zero levels, and the Fed used bond-buying programs to stabilize debt markets. However, rising prices led the Fed to tighten monetary policy during the reporting period in an attempt to prevent runaway inflation. The Fed slowed and then ended its bond-buying activities, finally reversing course as it began to reduce its balance sheet in June 2022. In March 2022, the Fed began to raise short-term interest rates, followed by three more increases for a total increase of 225 basis points, the most rapid rise in decades. Interest rates rose significantly in response, leading to higher borrowing costs for businesses. In that environment, the U.S. dollar significantly appreciated relative to most foreign currencies.

Stocks declined in Europe in U.S. dollar terms as economic growth stalled and the euro declined sharply relative to the U.S. dollar. Significantly higher inflation and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine negatively impacted equities. Russia is an important trading partner with many European countries, and new sanctions imposed limits on certain types of trade with Russia. Investors became concerned that the sharp rise in energy prices during the reporting period would constrain economic growth, as Europe relies on imported energy for much of its industrial and heating needs. The European Central Bank (“ECB”) responded to elevated inflation by raising interest rates in July 2022, the first such increase in over a decade.

Despite relatively low inflation by global standards, Asia-Pacific stocks declined significantly in U.S. dollar terms. Chinese stocks faced significant headwinds amid regulatory interventions by the Chinese government and strict lockdowns following COVID-19 outbreaks. Japanese stocks also declined amid an economic contraction in the first quarter of 2022 and a sharp decline in the Japanese yen relative to the U.S. dollar. Emerging market stocks declined substantially, as higher interest rates and a strengthening U.S. dollar raised the cost of borrowing in many emerging economies.

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Investment Objective

The iShares MSCI Australia ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of Australian equities, as represented by the MSCI Australia Index (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

GROWTH OF $10,000 INVESTMENT

(AT NET ASSET VALUE)

Past performance is not an indication of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” for more information.

Expense Example

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Portfolio Management Commentary

Stocks in Australia declined during the reporting period. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine disrupted supply chains and contributed to rising inflation in Australia as prices for food and energy climbed. Heightened inflation led the Australian central bank to raise interest rates in May 2022 for the first time since 2010, followed by three further increases. Rising interest and mortgage rates sent housing prices lower late in the reporting period.

Stocks in the financials sector detracted the most from the Index’s return. The banking industry declined as profit margins on interest income fell and expenses rose. Efforts to maintain market share by offering more competitively priced mortgage rates pressured banks’ net interest margins.

Consumer discretionary stocks also detracted from the Index’s performance. Rising inflation and concerns about the domestic economy weakened stocks in the hotels, restaurants, and leisure industry. In addition, supply chain disruptions and extended coronavirus-related lockdowns in several cities across Australia pressured stocks in the multiline retail industry.

Stocks in the healthcare sector detracted from the Index’s return, particularly in the biotechnology industry, as COVID-19-related restrictions limited the availability of donated blood plasma. Increased costs for wages and marketing also weighed on biotechnology stocks.

The information technology sector further detracted from the Index’s performance. Stocks in the sector declined as regulators began investigating companies that allow consumers to defer payments for purchases. In addition, rising expenses and slowing growth for online services weakened information technology stocks.

On the upside, the energy sector contributed to the Index’s return, as higher oil and gas prices lifted stock prices of companies in the oil, gas, and consumable fuels industry. One major company in the industry posted stronger revenues and rewarded shareholders with higher dividend payments.

Portfolio Information

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Investment Objective

The iShares MSCI Canada ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of Canadian equities, as represented by the MSCI Canada Custom Capped Index (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

GROWTH OF $10,000 INVESTMENT

(AT NET ASSET VALUE)

Index performance through August 31, 2017 reflects the performance of the MSCI Canada Index. Index performance beginning on September 1, 2017 reflects the performance of the MSCI Canada Custom Capped Index.

Past performance is not an indication of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” for more information.

Expense Example

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Portfolio Management Commentary

Stocks in Canada declined for the reporting period. The war in Ukraine disrupted supply chains, which contributed to soaring inflation as prices for commodities and oil climbed, sending stocks lower. Canada’s central bank raised interest rates four times during the second half of the reporting period to curb the highest inflation since 1983. The country’s economy grew steadily during the reporting period, boosted by stronger consumer consumption as coronavirus-related restrictions eased.

Stocks in the information technology sector detracted the most from the Index’s performance. The software and services industry declined as e-commerce dropped sharply amid easing restrictions and consumers returning to in-store shopping. Rising interest rates and supply chain shortages also weighed on the industry, in addition to investors’ concerns about the impact of inflation on consumer spending.

The financials sector also detracted from the Index’s performance as bank stocks dropped on concerns about the economy’s resilience amid rising interest rates. Some banks increased their expenses for loans expected to become delinquent, while revenues from services such as commercial and personal banking dropped. The capital markets industry declined despite continued growth in assets under management. In addition, stocks in the materials sector retreated, driven primarily by a decline in the metals and mining industry as costs for energy and raw materials rose.

On the upside, stocks in the energy sector contributed to the Index’s performance. Rising oil and natural gas prices strengthened the revenues and profits of Canadian energy companies. Strong cash flows allowed the oil, gas, and consumable fuels industry to reduce debt levels while also rewarding shareholders by buying back stock and increasing dividend payments.

Portfolio Information

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Investment Objective

The iShares MSCI Japan ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of Japanese equities, as represented by the MSCI Japan Index (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

GROWTH OF $10,000 INVESTMENT

(AT NET ASSET VALUE)

Past performance is not an indication of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” for more information.

Expense Example

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Portfolio Management Commentary

Stocks in Japan declined during the reporting period, as supply chain disruptions, rising energy costs, and slowing exports restricted growth. The Bank of Japan kept short-term interest rates negative even as the Fed and other central banks raised interest rates. This difference led to a substantial decrease in the Japanese yen’s value relative to the U.S. dollar, reducing the value of Japanese assets denominated in U.S. dollars.

The industrials sector detracted the most from the Index’s performance amid a notable slowdown in industrial production. Although currency weakness has historically aided industrial exporters, recent increases in offshore production limited the benefits. Japanese exports to China, the country’s largest export market, slowed amid China’s coronavirus pandemic-related restrictions, which idled factories and warehouses and slowed deliveries of goods. Industrial machinery stocks detracted notably as Japan’s industrial production fell significantly amid ongoing parts and labor shortages. Professional services companies that rely heavily on internet technology also declined, despite strong earnings growth, as their close identification with the information technology sector made them vulnerable to its stock price volatility.

The information technology sector detracted meaningfully from the Index’s return, most notably the technology hardware and equipment industry. A decline in demand for sensors and smart technology among retailers and automobile manufacturers amid changes in consumer purchasing behavior and reduced automobile production negatively affected makers of electronic equipment and instruments.

Consumer discretionary stocks also detracted notably from performance. Consumer electronics companies declined as production slowed amid the global semiconductor shortage and investor concerns about the risk of recession and the outlook for profits. Automobile manufacturers also declined as cost pressures outweighed strong vehicle sales and the export benefits of a weaker currency.

Portfolio Information

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Investment Objective

The iShares MSCI Mexico ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of a broad-based index composed of Mexican equities, as represented by the MSCI Mexico IMI 25/50 Index (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

GROWTH OF $10,000 INVESTMENT

(AT NET ASSET VALUE)

Index performance through February 11, 2013 reflects the performance of the MSCI Mexico Investable Market Index. Index performance beginning on February 12, 2013 reflects the performance of the MSCI Mexico IMI 25/50 Index.

Past performance is not an indication of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” for more information.

Expense Example

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Portfolio Management Commentary

Mexican stocks declined for the reporting period, as deceleration in global economic growth, ongoing supply-chain bottlenecks, higher inflation, and less accommodative monetary policy led to weak economic growth and declining growth expectations. Rising food prices drove inflation higher, sapping economic growth, as food represents a significant portion of household budgets in Mexico. To combat inflation, the Mexican central bank raised interest rates, while food and grocery companies agreed to limit price increases on certain staples.

The materials sector was the largest detractor from the Index’s performance, as rising energy prices and supply chain constraints drove up input costs. One of the world’s largest suppliers of concrete declined sharply, as the company contended with disruptions to shipping and fuel shortages, in addition to rising energy costs. Although the company increased prices to offset higher production costs, weakening demand for its products reduced profits and prompted the company to lower its earnings forecast.

The communication sector also detracted from the Index’s return, driven by the media and telecommunication industries. Mexico’s largest broadcaster merged the content arm of its business with a U.S.-based television network, helping the company’s strategic shift toward providing broadband services. However, the stock fell sharply amid modest investor expectations for post-merger growth in the content business and a broad-based reassessment of investment risk and valuation. Similarly, a multinational wireless communications company declined despite strong operating performance, reflecting concerns about inflation and exposure to the Mexican peso.

On the upside, a large Mexican bank in the financials sector boosted performance. Investors reacted positively to the bank’s proposed strategic shifts, including selling its private equity business, acquiring a prominent U.S. bank’s Mexican banking operations, and expanding its stock buyback program.

Portfolio Information

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Investment Objective

The iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of South Korean equities, as represented by the MSCI Korea 25/50 Index (the “Index”). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Due to the use of representative sampling, the Fund may or may not hold all of the securities that are included in the Index.

Performance

GROWTH OF $10,000 INVESTMENT

(AT NET ASSET VALUE)

Index performance through February 11, 2013 reflects the performance of the MSCI Korea Index. Index performance beginning on February 12, 2013 reflects the performance of the MSCI Korea 25/50 Index.

Past performance is not an indication of future results. Performance results do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. See “About Fund Performance” for more information.

Expense Example

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Portfolio Management Commentary

Stocks in South Korea declined sharply during the reporting period as economic growth slowed amid surging inflation, rising interest rates, and an unsteady export market. Trade accounts for approximately 80% of South Korea’s economic output, and exports fluctuated widely amid global economic uncertainty and renewed COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in China. South Korea’s inflation rate, mirroring global price gains, neared the highest level in almost a quarter-century. The Bank of Korea responded by steadily raising interest rates. The declining value of the South Korean won relative to the U.S. dollar also diminished South Korean equity values in U.S. dollar terms.

The information technology sector detracted the most from the Index’s return, driven by the technology hardware, storage, and peripherals industry. South Korea’s exports of technology products declined for the first time since the height of the coronavirus pandemic as global demand cooled while economic concerns mounted. Earnings at the country’s largest electronics company fell short of expectations as renewed pandemic restrictions reduced sales. Microchip revenue decreased late in the period as consumer demand for smartphones, televisions, and personal computers weakened.

The communications sector also detracted from the Index’s performance, particularly the interactive media and services industry. Profits declined for online search, content, and product platforms. Sales decreased as business normalized following strong pandemic-related growth. Subscription sales on messaging apps also fell, partly due to billing changes instituted by a large provider of smartphone operating systems. The consumer discretionary sector also weighed on performance. Investors grew concerned about the impact of microchip shortages, inflation, and the war in Ukraine on large automakers, and their stocks declined.

Portfolio Information

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About Fund Performance

Past performance is not an indication of future results. Financial markets have experienced extreme volatility and trading in many instruments has been disrupted. These circumstances may continue for an extended period of time and may continue to affect adversely the value and liquidity of each Fund’s investments. As a result, current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month-end is available at iShares.com. Performance results assume reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions and do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption or sale of fund shares. The investment return and principal value of shares will vary with changes in market conditions. Shares may be worth more or less than their original cost when they are redeemed or sold in the market. Performance for certain funds may reflect a waiver of a portion of investment advisory fees. Without such a waiver, performance would have been lower.

Net asset value or “NAV” is the value of one share of a fund as calculated in accordance with the standard formula for valuing mutual fund shares. Beginning August 10, 2020, the price used to calculate market return (“Market Price”) is the closing price. Prior to August 10, 2020, Market Price was determined using the midpoint between the highest bid and the lowest ask on the primary stock exchange on which shares of a fund are listed for trading, as of the time that such fund’s NAV is calculated. Market and NAV returns assume that dividends and capital gain distributions have been reinvested at Market Price and NAV, respectively.

An index is a statistical composite that tracks a specified financial market or sector. Unlike a fund, an index does not actually hold a portfolio of securities and therefore does not incur the expenses incurred by a fund. These expenses negatively impact fund performance. Also, market returns do not include brokerage commissions that may be payable on secondary market transactions. If brokerage commissions were included, market returns would be lower.

Disclosure of Expenses

Shareholders of each Fund may incur the following charges: (1) transactional expenses, including brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of fund shares and (2) ongoing expenses, including management fees and other fund expenses. The expense examples shown (which are based on a hypothetical investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held through the end of the period) are intended to assist shareholders both in calculating expenses based on an investment in each Fund and in comparing these expenses with similar costs of investing in other funds.

The expense examples provide information about actual account values and actual expenses. Annualized expense ratios reflect contractual and voluntary fee waivers, if any. In order to estimate the expenses a shareholder paid during the period covered by this report, shareholders can divide their account value by $1,000 and then multiply the result by the number under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During the Period.”

The expense examples also provide information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on a fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses. In order to assist shareholders in comparing the ongoing expenses of investing in the Funds and other funds, compare the 5% hypothetical examples with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

The expenses shown in the expense examples are intended to highlight shareholders’ ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional expenses, such as brokerage commissions and other fees paid on purchases and sales of fund shares. Therefore, the hypothetical examples are useful in comparing ongoing expenses only and will not help shareholders determine the relative total expenses of owning different funds. If these transactional expenses were included, shareholder expenses would have been higher.

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Affiliates

Investments in issuers considered to be affiliate(s) of the Fund during the year ended August 31, 2022 for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, were as follows:

Derivative Financial Instruments Outstanding as of Period End

Futures Contracts

Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure

As of period end, the fair values of derivative financial instruments located in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities were as follows:

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Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure (continued)

For the period ended August 31, 2022, the effect of derivative financial instruments in the Statements of Operations was as follows:

Average Quarterly Balances of Outstanding Derivative Financial Instruments

For more information about the Fund’s investment risks regarding derivative financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

Fair Value Hierarchy as of Period End

Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of financial instruments. For a description of the input levels and information about the Fund’s policy regarding valuation of financial instruments, refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the Fund’s financial instruments categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The breakdown of the Fund’s financial instruments into major categories is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments above.

See notes to financial statements.

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