AGP Executive Report

Trade & Growth Watch: The U.S. goods trade deficit widened sharply in May to $105.8B, up 27.4%, as firms pulled forward imports amid supply-chain jitters and Middle East shipping risk. Geopolitics & Energy: A tanker was hit in the Strait of Hormuz as the U.S. and Iran traded strikes, raising concerns for global oil and logistics. IMF Outlook: IMF chief economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas warned that a fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire could still derail the global economy, with oil reserves now less able to cushion shocks. Local Business & Infrastructure: Fiji’s Labasa Chamber said the 2026-27 national budget boosts business confidence, while an Okapa road project in Papua New Guinea is set to improve access for nine-plus villages. SMEs Spotlight: Pakistan’s governor urged stronger support for MSMEs, calling them the backbone for jobs and exports. Business & Community: In Colorado, a small shipping business in Arvada is collecting donations for Venezuela earthquake survivors. Tech/Markets: Morgan Stanley raised its price target on IBM, citing stronger enterprise demand tied to AI infrastructure needs.

Space & Markets: SpaceX’s IPO filing puts Starlink Mobile in the spotlight as a direct-to-phone satellite rival, while investors are also watching listed players like AST SpaceMobile for the same market. Cybersecurity for SMEs: A new guide stresses that small businesses are a top target, urging practical steps like staff training and basic protections. AI Data Crunch: Reports say AI companies are increasingly paying workers to generate training content—and some workers are “feeding AI slop” back into systems, raising quality and stability concerns. Middle East Trade Risk: The US and Iran traded strikes after ceasefire accusations, threatening to unravel the fragile detente and disrupt regional shipping around the Strait of Hormuz. Digital Trade Facilitation: Tanzania’s Sabasaba trade fair goes fully digital with smartphone-only entry tickets via the TanTrade app. India-UK Deal Push: Piyush Goyal launched a UK-India CETA business utilisation manual in London to help firms act on the pact ahead of its July 15 rollout. Local Business & Jobs: Trinidad and Tobago’s BPO sector gets a boost as Bill Gosling Outsourcing opens a new office, adding 200 jobs. Food Imports: Sri Lanka’s trade ministry moved to speed up port inspections and lab testing delays for imported food, aiming to cut costs that hit consumers.

Trade & Investment Diplomacy: India’s Piyush Goyal says the UK-India CETA and DCC (kicking in July 15) should unlock investment and innovation as both sides deepen economic and trade cooperation. Global Trade Tensions: The IMF chief economist warns “tit-for-tat” trade warfare is threatening the global economy, while China-EU talks face friction and protectionist concerns. Tariffs & Policy Risk: A new U.S. tariff push faces fresh legal uncertainty after earlier court defeats, raising the odds of more disruption for businesses and allies. Child Care Tax Cuts: A U.S. Joint Economic Committee Minority report says companies offering child care benefits could see large tax savings and strong returns, with parents saving nearly $10,000. Payments Infrastructure: Australia’s PayID adoption keeps expanding, with investors watching listed fintechs positioned for the shift away from older payment rails. Business Restructuring: Ohmyhome announced a strategic restructuring to privatise its core real estate business while keeping day-to-day operations unchanged. Local Business & Community: Downtown Dover sanitation concerns are driving calls for more resources and public restrooms. Sports Business: NHL and NBA trades dominated headlines, including Rangers acquiring William Trudeau and the Hornets sending LaMelo Ball to Minnesota.

Trade & Diplomacy: India and Seychelles are deepening ties beyond diplomacy with steady trade growth, more connectivity, and renewable energy and blue-economy cooperation as Modi prepares for a State Visit. Regional Deals: Qatar and Malta held talks to boost investment and trade in tech, AI, cybersecurity, fintech, and infrastructure, while South Africa’s LEDA and Zimbabwe’s ZimTrade signed an MoU to expand cross-border market access. Food & Regulation: India’s FSSAI eased FIFO/FEFO stock-rotation rules for non-food manufacturing businesses, cutting compliance burden, and South Africa rolled out a new national Foot-and-Mouth Disease framework to reduce outbreak disruption to farmers. Shipping Risk: Iran fired on a cargo vessel near the Strait of Hormuz, and despite warnings, traffic continued via alternative routes—keeping energy and trade exposure in focus. Corporate Moves: One Identity is spinning out as an independent company and moving its global HQ to Ireland, while Elroy Air plans to go public via a SPAC merger. Business Growth: Cereals Canada highlighted $12.8B in 2025 cereal exports and trade advocacy, and Zimbabwe’s sanctions-relief debate flared online as officials traded competing claims.

Fraud & Paperwork: A Paragould towing owner, Heather Patterson of Prestige Towing, faces 149 criminal charges over alleged fraudulent repossessions, forged car-title documents, and false towing records. Small-Business Capital: Kingsmen Capital expanded flexible financing for Canadian SMEs, adding term loans, asset-based and revenue-based credit, revolving lines, and equipment financing aimed at faster cash-flow support. AI for Growth: Canada’s small-business and tourism minister announced $557,500 for Toronto’s Tulong Technologies to use AI to help firms reach and engage diverse audiences. Trade & Supply Chains: Malaysia says Petronas fuel supplies across its station network should stay stable until August, backed by a crisis task force monitoring supply and prices. Ports & Logistics: Pakistan’s Karachi Port faces ongoing road damage to East and West wharves, hurting import-export activity and prompting renewed pressure on local officials. Regulation & Industry: HVACR trade groups sued the EPA over a refrigerant rule, arguing it disrupts the transition to lower-GWP systems. Corporate Moves: Merck KGaA agreed to buy Bio-Techne for $11.3B, while Sony Interactive cut about 292 jobs at Bungie in Washington. Local Business Support: Truist Foundation backed a Philadelphia-area small-business sustainability program that blends planning, coaching, and AI tools. Public Health Impact: Uganda’s Ebola response is stabilizing, but officials warn tourism and local trade disruptions may linger.

EU–US Trade Deal: The EU Council gave final approval to tariff commitments under the EU-U.S. framework, removing remaining duties on US industrial goods and expanding lobster tariff suspensions, with a July 4 US deadline in the background. Stablecoin Payments: Circle plans to start settlement services with Nomura for instant foreign-currency handling for Japanese firms as early as 2027, aiming to speed cross-border investment. B2B Tech Push: HONOR is betting on Saudi Arabia’s enterprise market with an AI-led B2B strategy tied to its “Alpha Plan” and a security-focused offering. Healthcare Cannabis Deal: Ora Pharm bought Helius Therapeutics’ assets, creating New Zealand’s largest locally owned integrated medicinal cannabis supply chain and moving production to Ora Pharm. Small-Business Finance: CredFin and Keystone Capital Advisors announced a joint venture to improve small-business credit qualification and lender access after approval rates lagged post-pandemic. Local Business Continuity: South Africa’s taxi industry group SANTACO says operations will continue as usual on June 30 despite concerns around anti-immigrant protests.

Islamic Finance Push: Malaysia says it’s working with the Securities Commission to build a broader Islamic finance ecosystem and attract investors, including a planned exploratory visit to Central Asia that could also link to Russia. Digital Safety for Kids: Early results from Australia’s Social Media Minimum Age law suggest short-term changes may be limited, as regulators push platforms to be more accountable for child harm. Small-Business Support: A chamber in Vermont launched “Business Essentials” workshops focused on mastering online presence, while local programs like Casey’s Business Awards offer grants and marketing boosts to help firms grow. Trade & Ports: Malaysia and the US are deepening engagement around the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, and Nigeria’s APM Terminals Apapa highlights port upgrades and digitisation to support exporters. Cyber & Fraud Risks: Reports warn shell-company “zombie” bank accounts can keep fueling scams, even after companies are shut down. Sports Business: The NHL’s offseason deal churn continues, with Alex Tuch moving from Buffalo to Washington in a sign-and-trade.

Corporate Restructuring: Carnival UK (P&O Cruises and Cunard owner) has launched a company-wide restructure with cross-brand teams and leadership reshuffles, including a new chief commerce role tied to digital sales and guest contact. Trade Diplomacy: India and the US wrapped two days of ministerial talks on a proposed bilateral trade agreement, aiming to lock in a first phase before temporary US tariffs expire on July 24. Policy & Costs: Malaysia says it won’t expand its fuel subsidy programme, instead consolidating diesel support under the BUDI MADANI framework; subsidised diesel for eligible users is set to change from July 1. Markets & FX: Malaysia’s ringgit edged lower this year amid expectations of higher US rates and West Asia risks, though officials cite solid domestic growth and moderate inflation. Business & Finance Tech: Revolut is pushing into New Zealand SMEs with a free SME platform and is seeking a banking licence, with plans for savings and broader credit if approved. AI & Cybersecurity: Hack The Box rolled out new tools to assess cyber skills and readiness as AI reshapes threats, adding SOC training and crisis simulations. Energy & Mobility: Shell unveiled the “Triple 10 Challenge” EV concept targeting sub-10-minute charging, 10 km/kWh efficiency, and a 10-ton lifecycle carbon footprint. Sports Business (Big Deals): The NBA’s Giannis Antetokounmpo trade to the Miami Heat reshapes contender paths and triggers fresh questions about the Celtics’ next moves.

U.S. Economy: The S&P Global flash PMI showed U.S. business activity expanding at the fastest pace in five months, led by a jump in manufacturing and stronger new orders, though services stayed subdued as prices and weak consumer confidence linger. Trade Talks: India and the U.S. are pushing to lock in an interim trade deal before a temporary 10% tariff expires on July 24, with high-level talks in New Delhi. Corporate Scrutiny: Canada’s Competition Bureau is widening its investigation into Empire Company’s property controls, seeking internal records and testimony to see if real-estate clauses are squeezing competition. Sanctions & Geopolitics: The U.S. announced new sanctions on Cuban mining and military-linked enterprises, including GAESA-related firms tied to finance and logistics. Local Business Impact: In Owasso, Oklahoma, a methane leak investigation has left a shopping center closed and at least a dozen family businesses stranded, while in Kentucky, Exit 16 on I-24 is shutting for roundabout construction and nearby businesses brace for traffic loss. Small Business Funding: Michigan awarded more than $1.5M in grants to 69 small businesses to revive downtown districts under its Match on Main program.

NBA Blockbuster Trade: The Bucks have officially sent Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to the Miami Heat for Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, plus three first-round picks, a swap and a second-rounder—shifting the Eastern Conference balance. IPL Business Move: Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals completed the Rishabh Pant–Kuldeep Yadav swap, with Pant returning to DC for INR 15 crore and Kuldeep moving to LSG for INR 13.5 crore. Cybersecurity & Data Risk: Japan’s KDDI says an email system used by six ISPs was breached, potentially exposing up to 14.22 million email addresses and passwords. AI for Operations: INSPYR Solutions launched INSPYR Velocity to help firms move from AI experiments to measurable business value. Trade & Compliance Pressure: Research says weak Foreign-Trade Zone software is costing companies money and raising audit and penalty risk as tariff volatility grows. Energy Transition Bottleneck: A global survey finds businesses are electrifying faster than governments can build grid capacity, with insufficient grid capacity flagged as a major barrier. Local Economy & Crime Reporting: A UK MP urged businesses to report crime to police, citing high theft rates and underreporting in rural areas.

NBA Trade Watch: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s next move is expected before the NBA draft, with ESPN reporting the Bucks are weighing offers from the Celtics (centered on Jaylen Brown) and the Heat (cost-controlled players plus draft capital). NHL Business & Talent: Brady Tkachuk was traded from the Senators to the Panthers, and his father Keith Tkachuk was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame—another reminder how player moves reshape team value and fan demand. Trade & Policy: India kicked off a Delhi workshop on environment-related non-tariff measures and how sustainability rules could hit exports, while the India-UK CETA deal opens a duty-free EV export route for Maruti, Tata Motors and others via phased quotas. Global Trade Flows: China-Africa commerce got a boost in Hunan via policy innovation and matchmaking at the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo. Middle East Economics: Oman’s trade surplus held near-flat in Q1 as imports fell faster than exports, even with weaker oil and gas. Local Business Pressure: Temple, Texas ordered a mall closure over unresolved fire and building code violations, while NSW’s food waste mandate starts July 1 for large businesses, with fines looming. AI & Markets: SK Hynix overtook Samsung as South Korea’s most valuable listed company on the AI memory boom. Crypto Payments: MoneyGram joined Solana as an infrastructure partner and validator to expand on-chain payments.

Global Growth Watch: NZIER’s June outlook shows New Zealand GDP growth for the year to March slipping to 0.6%, with household confidence hitting a three-year low as fuel and higher mortgage rates squeeze budgets and residential property sentiment stays “especially depressed.” AI & Skills: Malaysia is mapping which sectors will be hit by AI and pushing upskilling and reskilling, with a focus on preparing workers and universities for new roles in the AI era. Trade & Deals: Malaysia’s trade surged in Jan–May 2026, driven by AI-linked semiconductors and stronger E&E exports, while Malaysia and Bangladesh move toward a fast-track free trade agreement. Geopolitics & Procurement: China bars government purchases from 46 US defense firms, escalating trade friction. Business Finance: Ajinomoto Malaysia’s parent proposes taking the company private via a selective capital reduction, aiming to make AMB a wholly owned subsidiary. SME Pressure: Canada’s small-business lobby says Ottawa failed to deliver meaningful relief as costs keep rising. Tax Compliance: Sri Lanka’s VAT/SSCL registration threshold is being cut, requiring many service and trade businesses to register from July 1.

NHL Dealmaking: The Florida Panthers are reportedly close to acquiring Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk, reuniting him with brother Matthew in a blockbuster package said to include multiple first-round picks plus later draft selections. Local Business Boost: World Cup watch parties across the Bay Area are driving big foot traffic for bars and neighborhood venues as Team USA’s run heats up. Trade Policy & Compliance: Nepal’s electricity regulator is requiring under-construction hydropower projects to submit progress updates every four months, aiming to flag delays and fix problems faster. EU Trade Dispute: A Sahrawi group says the EU should not include products from occupied Western Sahara in EU-Morocco trade arrangements, arguing it conflicts with EU court rulings. Tech Tax Pressure: A UK survey finds most people want higher digital levies on big tech, while critics warn it could raise costs for users. Business Tech for Contractors: VendorAbuse.com launched an API tool letting trade contractors file public complaints directly from their existing CRM systems. Consumer Costs: Gas prices are easing in the US, giving some small fuel-dependent businesses breathing room.

Energy Finance: Malaysia’s Tenaga Nasional (TNB) says two 2026 Islamic bond (sukuk) sales for energy transition—RM1bn solar and RM1.5bn hydro—were oversubscribed fivefold, signaling strong investor appetite for “bankable” renewables. Trade Deals: India’s Piyush Goyal says the India-EU free trade agreement will be signed by December and likely kick in by Feb–Mar 2027, with about 93% of Indian exports getting duty-free access. US-India Talks: India and the US will hold minister-level trade pact talks this week as the US temporary tariff window nears its July 24 expiry. Business Climate (UK): UK job vacancies hit a five-year low, with hiring hardest in retail and hospitality, as rising costs make employers more cautious. AI for Work: Verizon CEO Dan Schulman warns AI will replace a large share of customer-service roles, while document summarization tools are being pitched as a fast way to cut review time for teams. Local Economy (UK): Middlesbrough businesses assess damage after a major fire closed Linthorpe Road, while traders on Cambridge’s Mill Road demand a clear delivery plan to reverse falling footfall. Small Business & Community: A Durban tourism awards event highlights local visitor-economy winners, and an Essex charity run (Race4Business) returns to raise funds for hospices.

Local Business Pressure: Decatur Street merchants are demanding answers over a long-running Sewerage & Water Board construction mess, saying closures and obstructions are crushing tourism and forcing shops to shut. Industrial Fire & Safety: A Boyle Heights warehouse fire tied to Lineage, a major cold-storage food supply-chain operator, triggered a local emergency and renewed scrutiny of workplace and environmental risk management. Regional Economy & Infrastructure: Imperial Valley business and labor leaders met with county officials on major water, power, and investment plans, including billions in infrastructure spending tied to agriculture and energy. Middle East Trade & Finance: U.S.-Iran talks are set in Switzerland over an interim deal, with Iran saying it closed the Strait of Hormuz again—raising stakes for shipping and energy-linked commerce. Islamic Finance: ITFC’s 2025 annual report highlights large trade-finance approvals and disbursements, while ICIEC and ATFP deepen an Islamic insurance framework for export and investment risk. EU Trade Fraud Row: The European Parliament erupted over alleged settlement-goods mislabeling entering the EU, with lawmakers pressing the Commission on enforcement failures. Small Business Cash-Flow Rules: Australia’s shift to weekly superannuation payments within seven days of payday is set to hit seasonal small firms hard unless payroll systems are ready. Tech & Business Deals: Dubai Chambers met Ontario partners to boost trade and investment, including AI and innovation cooperation. Corporate Shock: Ubisoft co-founder Claude Guillemot died in a plane crash in France, prompting an investigation into the circumstances.

Semiconductor Investment: MKS Inc opened its MKS Supercenter Factory in Penang, a RM400m+ project aimed at meeting rising demand for wafer fabrication equipment and boosting Malaysia’s higher-value manufacturing and supply chains. Port Strategy: Labuan Port Authority backed Megah Port Management’s push to handle international cruise liners, positioning Labuan as a potential homeport after planned upgrades to meet global standards. Energy Deal Momentum: Malaysia’s Petronas marked 30 years in Turkmenistan and signed new agreements tied to exploration and seismic work, as PM Anwar Ibrahim highlighted the partnership as proof of confidence in Malaysia’s stability and capabilities. Trade & Tariffs: The US opened a trade probe into Germany’s drug-pricing reforms, raising tariff risk and widening the pharma dispute into a broader transatlantic trade fight. Commodities Watch: Malaysia’s crude palm oil futures are expected to trade in a RM4,200–RM4,300 range despite easing West Asia tensions, with traders citing shifting energy and supply conditions. Business Platforms: iTrade5 says its DIY B2B platform helps MSMEs find export and import partners and close deals faster.