AGP Executive Report

Skilled-Trades Boom: A new push to steer young workers toward AI-proof, six-figure trades is gaining momentum as job openings stay high and a structural shortage looms. Green Shipping Deal: ACME Green Molecules and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical signed a $1B green methanol supply pact for RFNBO-compliant marine fuel, with production planned in Odisha. Small-Business Equity: UK data shows Yorkshire and the Humber logged more small equity deals in 2025 even as total funding value fell, with AI dominating investor interest. Trade Diplomacy: India’s Houston consulate and the Indo-American Chamber hosted a trade dialogue aimed at boosting US firms’ access to India’s export ecosystem. China Logistics Shift: Chinese logistics networks are moving deeper into US distribution to reduce costs and tariff exposure after de minimis rules changed. China Market Rules: China’s regulator proposed refinancing tweaks for listed firms, including faster private placements and tighter oversight of convertibles. Local Impact: Fourth of July crowds are expected to lift small businesses across multiple US towns, while a heat wave is driving hundreds of HVAC service calls. Business Security: Chicago police are hunting burglars who hit four businesses for cash registers and an ATM overnight.

USMCA Uncertainty: The Trump administration declined to renew the US-Mexico-Canada trade deal in its current form, triggering an annual review and raising questions over a $2T North American trade framework. Oil & Politics: US oil majors are set for a major profit jump, but higher pump prices could spark a clash with Trump as the White House presses for lower gasoline costs. AI Governance & Hiring Fraud: Malaysia is consulting on stronger corporate governance, while HR teams are warned that AI can fuel fake candidates and identity fraud in remote hiring. Corporate Finance Rules: China’s regulator proposed changes to refinancing rules for listed firms, including easier multiple private placements and tighter oversight of convertibles. Small Business Support: Malaysia opened applications for subsidised diesel for company-owned vehicles tied to micro and small businesses. Trade Partnerships: Canada and the Philippines announced a strategic partnership aimed at boosting trade, energy, defence and tourism, with an FTA push by year-end. Local Business Impact: Mali created a state agency to regulate artisanal gold trade to curb smuggling and boost oversight. Tech for Commerce: Hostinger launched an AI e-commerce platform in India targeting small sellers with a unified dashboard and low-cost plans.

NBA Trade Shock: Jaylen Brown says he’s “excited and disappointed” after the Celtics sent him to the 76ers for Paul George plus draft picks, as the league debates whether Boston’s move was a misfire. NHL Deal Watch: The Minnesota Wild acquired Blake Coleman and Olli Maatta from Calgary, sending Jake Middleton and three picks to the Flames. US Labor & Consumer Mood: Hiring cooled in June, with employers adding just 57,000 jobs and unemployment slipping to 4.2%, while inflation stays elevated. Local Business Pain Points: A Kentucky family says a home warranty delayed an AC repair during a heat wave, and metro Atlanta businesses are bracing for the end of the penny as cash totals round to the nearest nickel. Trade Policy: The US said it won’t renew USMCA in its current form, setting up new North American talks. Energy & Trade: Malaysia’s stronger ringgit is credited with boosting export competitiveness, while Azerbaijan’s BTC pipeline operatorship shifts from bp to SOCAR.

USMCA Countdown: The Trump administration declined to extend the US-Mexico-Canada trade pact during its six-year review, triggering a sunset clause and setting up annual talks until 2036 unless the countries agree on major changes. AI for Business Value: WEF’s Mirek Dušek says companies are moving past AI pilots toward redesigning operations for measurable growth, while Palantir’s CEO warns firms not to hand data to some AI model providers. Trade & Standards: China and the EU agreed to hold regular ministerial trade talks as Europe tightens steel safeguards and parcel rules aimed at rebalancing trade. Logistics Deal: CMA CGM will buy FedEx’s Supply Chain unit for $1.4B to expand contract logistics in North America. Consumer Data M&A: NielsenIQ completed its acquisition of Flywheel’s China and Southeast Asia e-commerce insights business, adding digital shelf measurement. Regional Business Climate: Sharjah cut civil defence fees by 50% for businesses, retroactive to 2019. Markets: Wall Street opened mixed as chip stocks slid further and oil eased ahead of geopolitical uncertainty.

Small Business Policy: UK Small Business Commissioner Emma Jones CBE marks her first year pushing faster payments and cash-flow protection as the Commercial Payments Bill heads into Parliament, aiming to turn the OSBC into a stronger enforcement body. North America Trade: The U.S. won’t renew USMCA in its current form, triggering a decade-long wind-down clock with annual reviews and new talks focused on rules of origin and economic security. Corporate & Legal: A Microsoft shareholder filed a derivative suit alleging the company misled investors about its AI strategy and trained AI on copyrighted works without licenses. Agri-Chemicals: Bayer is consolidating its U.S. glyphosate business into Ruveon after seeking tariffs on Chinese imports, as it reshapes its Crop Science restructuring. Digital Trade (Africa): Nigeria’s trade minister backs AfCFTA digital trade to unlock a $712bn opportunity while pushing down the cost of data across the continent. Sports Business (NBA): The Celtics traded Jaylen Brown to the 76ers for Paul George plus draft capital, a blockbuster that reshuffles Eastern Conference power.

Philippines–Canada Dealmaking: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. heads to Vancouver for a four-day visit aimed at energy, mining, IT-BPM, telecoms, nuclear and financial services talks, with business meetings on the agenda. Crime & Business Impact: A Quezon City court convicted 7 of 11 accused in the kidnapping of a 78-year-old businesswoman, sentencing them to life without parole; four others were acquitted. Aviation Oversight: Malaysia’s Khazanah backs Public Accounts Committee recommendations for Malaysia Airports Holdings, stressing better reporting, procurement integrity and service quality. AI in the Boardroom: Spain’s Axazure is creating a cross-functional AI Center of Excellence to embed AI across all business lines using Microsoft tools. EU Trade Pressure: The EU rolls out new steel rules and a 3-euro duty on small e-commerce parcels to tackle China-linked imbalance and protect retailers and consumers. Small Business Fraud Crackdown (US): Iowa’s new law lets the secretary of state block fake business filings unless applicants submit in person or by mail. AI Hiring Surge: EXL buys iMerit for $310m, adding 3,600 employees and pushing hiring for AI-related roles. Caribbean Resilience: A webinar urges hurricane preparedness as a leadership issue, not just an IT or facilities task. Global Markets: Mexico’s peso is expected to trade near its long-running range into 2027 as recovery hopes meet USMCA uncertainty.

NBA Business: The LA Clippers agreed to trade Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, multiple draft picks, and a 2027 pick swap—Leonard returns to the franchise that won him a title in 2019. Labor & Immigration: A new survey finds fewer U.S. companies are willing to hire foreign business school graduates, reflecting tighter visa rules and shifting corporate hiring plans. Japan Economy: A BOJ-linked survey shows big Japanese manufacturers’ sentiment improving to levels not seen since 2018, suggesting the economy is coping with Middle East-driven energy shocks. Tech & Courts: A California judge rejected a former Google engineer’s bid to overturn trade-secrets charges, saying prosecutors’ notice issues were tied to the volume of documents. Public Safety & Community: Minneapolis groups are partnering with businesses to curb youth gun violence through paid youth programs and entrepreneurship training. Energy & Infrastructure: Georgia officials and World Bank representatives inspected sites for the country’s first hazardous waste landfill, aiming to unlock investment and modern waste standards. Corporate Restructuring: Microsoft plans layoffs affecting under 2.5% of its workforce, including roles across sales, consulting, and Xbox.

Aviation Demand Watch: IATA says May 2026 air passenger demand fell 2.2% year-on-year, with load factors hitting a record 83.5% as Middle East carrier declines drag totals. Energy & Shipping: Shell warns global LNG trade could be flat in 2026 as Hormuz disruption cuts about one-fifth of monthly supply, even as North America ramps and imports slow. Trade Policy: The EU starts applying its US tariff deal from tomorrow, with 15% levies on most EU exports and zero tariffs on US industrial goods, plus safeguards if the US misses commitments. Banking Deal: Kotak Mahindra Bank signs to buy Deutsche Bank’s India retail, affluent private banking and wealth management business, adding ~150,000 customers and ~1,000 staff, with closing targeted for 2027. AI in Business: A new focus emerges on independent assurance for AI use inside companies, not just tech policies—internal audit is being pulled into the conversation. Small Business & Trade Talks: Canada’s small-business lobby says CUSMA exemption simplification should stay central as negotiations continue. Regional Growth: Malaysia’s exporters land RM160m in trade leads at Korea Import Expo 2026, while fintech Paydibs eyes Southeast and South Asia expansion. Sports Business: Ja Morant is traded to Portland for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray, a move that could reshape offseason plans and fan sentiment.

NBA Offseason Shockwaves: The Memphis Grizzlies have traded Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray, kicking off a full rebuild and reshaping both teams’ short-term plans and long-term upside. UK Business Mood: Lloyds’ latest barometer shows UK confidence slipping as cost pressures and uncertainty bite, with firms still more upbeat about their own trading than the wider economy. Succession Planning for Owners in Their 60s: A practical guide highlights options like management buy-outs, starting 3–5 years ahead, and aligning tax and estate planning with a strong internal team. Court Fight Over Infrastructure: A fiber-optic cable dispute in Montana centers on whether a utility can install on BNSF property under easements and permits. Local Business Impact of Policy: Kansas businesses are preparing for kratom’s new Schedule 1 status, while Spain’s EU-approved €402m fuel-price aid targets road transport firms hit by Middle East disruption. Workplace Inclusion: New research flags that many LGBTQIA+ employees still feel they must hide at work, pointing to the need for consistent, everyday inclusion practices. Energy & Trade Risks: Commentary warns that US-Iran tensions could raise costs across shipping and energy-dependent Southeast Asia.

Corporate Restructuring: Comcast plans to split into two publicly traded companies—NBCUniversal/Sky for media and entertainment, and Comcast for broadband and wireless—expected to close in about a year, with shares jumping on the news. AI & Costs: A new wave of “cheaper AI” is reshaping how firms budget and buy technology as spending pressure rises. Telecom Deal: Verizon and BT Group are merging their international businesses into a new venture, aiming for a single global platform and cost savings. Energy & Infrastructure: Matador Resources’ midstream JV will buy Cardinal Midstream for $752m, expanding natural gas processing and transport in the Delaware Basin. Markets & Finance: OTP Group enters the Forbes Global 2000 top 400 for the first time, while Indian banks are looking to NRI foreign-currency deposits to ease funding costs before ramping lending. Trade & Policy: Malaysia and the EU have completed key MEUFTA chapters, targeting finalisation by 2027, and Australia moves to tighten enforcement of its under-16 social media ban. Business Operations: Roadzen reports its strongest quarter and record revenue growth, with losses narrowing as its AI platform scales. Local Business & Community: Nashville small-business owners show optimism despite inflation and supply-chain strain, and Winn-Dixie donates $100,000 to the USO ahead of Independence Day. Risk Watch: A ceiling collapse at the Candaba Municipal Trade Center in the Philippines caused no injuries.

NBA Trades: The Charlotte Hornets sent Miles Bridges, a 2029 first-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick to the Phoenix Suns for Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale and a 2033 first-round pick, a second major shake-up after moving LaMelo Ball. Sports Business: Dallas is also reportedly in talks with the Clippers about a Kawhi Leonard trade package, while Mavericks president Masai Ujiri is linked to a potential reunion. Geopolitics & Energy: Iran and the US traded strikes again as a fragile ceasefire deal frays, with a tanker hit in the Strait of Hormuz adding pressure to oil prices and rippling into crypto. UK Economy: A CBI survey showed British firms’ growth expectations hit a low for the year, with services weakening. Corporate Moves: UK oil-and-gas producer Pharos Energy accepted an all-cash takeover offer from Israeli firm Ratio Petroleum. Local Impact: Budget cuts are forcing Lane Fire Authority to end public CPR classes, with a local supplier stepping in to fill the training gap.

Middle East Trade & Security: The US launched new strikes on Iranian facilities near the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran retaliating and both sides trading accusations over ceasefire violations—raising fresh risk for global shipping and energy flows. Trade & Investment: Pakistan and Iran plan to boost bilateral trade to $5bn by routing trade through Taftan Railway Station, with loading, customs and import-export services handled there to cut costs. Energy Markets: Oman’s Integrated Gas Company signed new spot gas market agreements to improve gas allocation and support power generation and GCC electricity exports. AI for Business: Google is reshuffling its AI coding team to expand beyond programming into business-focused tasks like presentations. Small Business & Compliance: The US Treasury chief unveiled stricter rules linking trade, supply chains and financial dominance to national security; meanwhile, CBIC clarified how tax proceedings continue when a business shifts locations. Local Economy: Malaysia’s World Cup viewing boom could add RM1.2bn–RM2.1bn to the F&B sector as fans pack “mamak” spots and cafes.

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.