Mission Grey Daily Brief - September 14, 2024
Summary of the Global Situation for Businesses and Investors
The global situation remains dynamic, with escalating tensions in the South China Sea, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the upcoming US elections shaping the landscape. In the South China Sea, China's aggressive actions towards the Philippines have raised concerns among US allies, while Ukraine's surprise incursion into Russia's Kursk region has slowed Moscow's advance. Central Europe braces for severe flooding, and the US Department of Justice alleges that Russia and Iran are attempting to influence the US election. Businesses and investors should remain vigilant as these events unfold, assessing their potential impact and adapting their strategies accordingly.
China's Aggressive Actions in the South China Sea
In recent months, China has escalated its aggressive actions in the South China Sea, particularly towards the Philippines. Chinese coast guards armed with knives and swords attacked Philippine vessels, injuring soldiers and blocking the delivery of supplies to troops stationed in the disputed islands. China has also deployed maritime law enforcement vessels and used non-lethal tactics to carefully avoid triggering a US military response under the Mutual Defense Treaty. These actions have raised concerns among US allies, with the US and Lithuania expressing worry about China's "provocative, destabilizing, and intimidating activities." Businesses operating in the region should be cautious and prepared for potential disruptions as tensions escalate.
Ukraine's Incursion into Russia's Kursk Region
Ukraine's surprise incursion into Russia's Kursk region on August 6 has produced the desired result of slowing Moscow's advance on another front. Ukraine has claimed control over dozens of settlements, and President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia's counterattack has had no major successes. This development comes as Ukraine intensifies its calls on Western allies to allow long-range attacks into Russia, a request that has gained traction with US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Businesses should monitor the situation closely, as a potential shift in Western policy could have significant implications for the conflict and the region's stability.
Severe Flooding Expected in Central Europe
Central European nations are bracing for severe flooding expected to hit the Czech Republic, Poland, Austria, Germany, Slovakia, and Hungary over the weekend. The low-pressure system from northern Italy is predicted to bring heavy rainfall, and residents have been warned of potential evacuations. Businesses and investors with assets or operations in these regions should prepare for potential disruptions and ensure the safety of their employees and properties.
US Department of Justice Alleges Russian and Iranian Election Interference
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has stated that it is preparing criminal charges in connection with an alleged Iranian hack on the Trump campaign, suggesting that Russia and Iran are attempting to influence the upcoming US elections. This development underscores the ongoing geopolitical tensions and the potential for further US-Russia friction. Businesses with interests in either country should stay apprised of the situation, as it may impact their operations and investments.
Risks and Opportunities
- Risk: The escalating tensions in the South China Sea pose risks to businesses operating in the region, particularly those in the Philippines or with close ties to the country. The potential for disruptions to supply chains and operations is heightened, and businesses should consider contingency plans.
- Risk: The ongoing war in Ukraine and the potential shift in Western policy towards allowing long-range attacks into Russia introduce uncertainty and potential escalation. Businesses should closely monitor the situation and be prepared for rapid changes in the conflict dynamics.
- Opportunity: The start of commercial crude oil production in Uganda is expected to boost the country's economic growth, surpassing 10% in the next fiscal year. Businesses and investors in the energy sector or with interests in the region may find opportunities for expansion and growth.
- Opportunity: Central European nations' preparations for severe flooding showcase their proactive approach to climate change-induced challenges. Businesses in the region may find opportunities in resilience-building initiatives and the development of sustainable solutions to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events.
Further Reading:
Central Europe braces for heavy rains and flooding forecast over the weekend - ABC News
China’s Destabilizing Moves: US And Lithuania React To South China Sea Tensions - NewsX
Civilians Killed In Attack In Central Afghanistan - Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty
Comoros President Slightly Injured in Knife Attack, Spokesperson Says - Asharq Al-awsat - English
Crude oil production will improve Uganda’s economic growth, IMF says - Offshore Technology
DOJ: Russia and Iran attempting to influence U.S. election - MSNBC
Themes around the World:
Permitting and local opposition hurdles
Large battery projects face heightened scrutiny on safety and environmental grounds. In Gironde, the €500m Emme battery project on a high-Seveso site drew calls for independent risk studies, signalling potential delays, added mitigation costs and reputational risks for investors and suppliers.
Port, logistics and infrastructure expansion
Vietnam is accelerating seaport and hinterland upgrades to reduce logistics bottlenecks: planned seaport investment to 2030 totals 359.5 trillion VND (US$13.8bn). Rising vessel calls and container throughput support supply-chain resilience, but construction timelines and local congestion remain risks.
Energy grid disruption risk
Sustained Russian missile and drone strikes are fragmenting Ukraine’s power grid, causing recurring blackouts and forcing industry onto costly imports and generators. Volatile electricity supply disrupts manufacturing, cold-chain logistics, and raises downtime, insurance, and force-majeure risk.
Deflation and overcapacity pressures
China’s demand remains soft: January CPI +0.2% y/y and PPI −1.4% y/y, extending multi‑year factory deflation. Firms should expect aggressive price competition, export push to clear capacity, margin compression for suppliers, and higher countervailing‑duty risk abroad.
CFIUS and investment screening expansion
Greater scrutiny of inbound acquisitions and sensitive data/technology deals, plus evolving outbound investment screening, increases deal uncertainty for foreign investors. Transactions may require mitigation, governance controls, or divestitures, affecting timelines and valuations in semiconductors, AI, telecom, and defense-adjacent sectors.
İşgücü gerilimleri ve operasyon sürekliliği
Büyük perakende/lojistik ağlarında ücret anlaşmazlıkları grev ve işten çıkarmalara yol açabiliyor; dağıtım merkezleri ve depolarda aksama riski yükseliyor. Çok lokasyonlu işletmeler için sendikal dinamikler, taşeron kullanımı, güvenlik müdahaleleri ve itibar yönetimi tedarik sürekliliğini etkiler.
PIF giga-project reprioritisation cycle
Vision 2030 mega-projects exceed US$1tn planned value, with ~US$115bn contracts awarded since 2019, but sponsors are recalibrating scope and timelines. This shifts procurement pipelines, payment cycles, and counterparty risk for EPC, materials, and services firms.
Параллельный импорт и серые каналы
Поставки санкционных товаров продолжаются через третьи страны. Пример: десятки тысяч авто западных брендов поступают через Китай как «нулевой пробег, б/у», обходя ограничения; в 2025 почти половина ~130 тыс. таких продаж в РФ была произведена в Китае. Комплаенс усложняется.
Secondary sanctions via tariffs
Washington is escalating Iran pressure using tariff-based secondary measures—authorizing ~25% duties on imports from countries trading with Iran. This blurs trade and sanctions compliance, raises retaliation/WTO dispute risk, and forces multinationals to audit supply chains for Iran exposure.
Automotive transition and investment flight
Auto suppliers warn of relocation: 72% are delaying, cutting or moving German investment; 64% cut jobs in 2025. EU CO₂ rules, EV competition and high energy prices drive restructuring. Supply chains should plan for capacity shifts and tier-2 insolvency risk.
Automotive industrial policy and import surge
The auto sector—critical to exports—faces deindustrialisation pressure from low-cost imports and slow EV policy execution. Chinese models are ~22% of vehicle imports; local production stagnates below ~640k units/year and component firms are closing, driving tariff and anti-dumping debates.
Monetary framework and pricing benchmarks
The SARB is consulting on replacing the prime rate with the policy rate from 2027, affecting over 12 million contracts worth >R3.2 trillion. This could reprice credit, alter hedging strategies, and change funding costs for corporates and project finance.
Tech controls and AI supply chains
Evolving U.S. export controls on advanced AI chips and tools create uncertainty for Thailand’s electronics exports, data-center investment and re-export trade through regional hubs. Multinationals should review end-use/end-user controls, supplier traceability, and technology localization plans.
Coût de l’énergie industrielle
La facture énergétique industrielle a reculé en 2024 (−24% à 17,3 Md€), mais reste ~1,5 fois 2019. L’électricité a baissé (−28% en 2024) après hausse 2023. Compétitivité, pricing et décisions de localisation restent sensibles aux marchés.
Wasserstoff-Importe und Infrastrukturaufbau
Deutschlands Wasserstoffstrategie und der Aufbau eines „Core Grid“ (geplant 9.040 km, 2025–2032; Invest ~€18,9 Mrd., teils Umwidmung von Gasleitungen) beeinflussen Energie- und Chemie-Cluster. Chancen entstehen für Infrastruktur, Ammoniak/LOHC und Offtake-Verträge; Verzögerungs- und Kostenrisiken bleiben.
Tech controls, sanctions, and compliance tightening
Trade is increasingly treated as national security, with stronger export-control alignment and sanctions enforcement affecting dual-use technology, advanced manufacturing, and finance. Firms face higher screening burdens, third-country transshipment scrutiny, and elevated penalties for circumvention, especially in China- and Russia-linked exposure.
War-driven maritime and navigation hazards
The Black Sea operating environment remains high-risk: drone/mine threats, port strikes, and pervasive GNSS spoofing disrupt routing and safety. Attacks on tankers linked to Russian cargoes have expanded beyond the region. Shipping schedules, premiums, and contractual performance risks remain elevated.
Trade facilitation and digital licensing
Authorities aim to cut investment licensing from ~24 months to under 90 days via a unified digital platform, while reducing customs clearance from 16 days to five (target two) and moving ports to 7-day operations. Execution quality will determine actual savings.
Economic security screening tightens
Tokyo is moving toward a “Japan CFIUS” and revising economic-security law to backstop designated overseas projects via JBIC subordinated capital, plus stricter land and sensitive-sector reviews. Multinationals should expect more approvals, disclosures, and partner diligence in critical industries.
Consolidation and cross-border M&A wave
A growing pipeline of regional-bank mergers and portfolio shrinkage is reshaping local banking competition. Consolidation can reduce relationship lending, alter treasury-service pricing, and force corporates to re-paper facilities—creating execution risk for acquisitions, capex projects, and vendor financing.
Critical minerals and lithium policy
Mexico’s lithium nationalization has not yet translated into production; key deposits are clay-based and costly to extract, with state firm LitioMX pursuing technology partnerships. Uncertainty around permitting and commercial terms complicates EV-battery supply chain plans and upstream investment.
AI chip export controls to China
Policy oscillation on allowing sales of high-performance AI chips to China creates strategic risk for chipmakers and AI users. Companies must manage compliance, customer screening, and geopolitical backlash, while potential future tightening could disrupt revenue, cloud infrastructure, and global AI deployment plans.
Secondary sanctions via tariffs
New executive authority threatens ~25% additional tariffs on imports from countries trading with Iran, alongside expanded “shadow fleet” designations. This blurs sanctions and trade policy, raising counterparty screening demands, shipping/insurance costs, and retaliation risk for firms operating across US-linked markets.
Monetary easing and credit conditions
The central bank cut rates by 100 bps (deposit 19%, lending 20%) and lowered reserve requirements to 16%, aiming to support growth as inflation moderates. Funding costs may ease, yet FX sensitivity and administered-price reforms can still affect financing and demand forecasts.
Security, service delivery, labour disruption
Persistent crime and intermittent municipal service breakdowns—waste collection stoppages, water-utility strikes, and power-substation incidents—create operational risk for sites, staff mobility and last-mile distribution. Businesses increasingly budget for private security, redundancy, and contractual force-majeure safeguards.
AB ve üçüncü ülke ticaret önlemleri
AB’nin çelikte kota ve korumacı önlemleri sıkılaşıyor; 1 Haziran’da ürün bazında %50’ye varan kotaların ihracatta yaklaşık 3 milyar $ kayıp yaratabileceği öngörülüyor. İhracatçılar yakın pazarlara yöneliyor. Ticaret sapması riski, sözleşme ve pazar stratejilerini yeniden şekillendiriyor.
Electronics PLI and ECMS surge
Budget 2026 expands electronics incentives, including a ₹40,000 crore electronics PLI outlay and ECMS scaling, with production reportedly up 146% since FY21 and ~$4bn FDI tied to beneficiaries. Multinationals gain from supplier localization, but disbursement pace and rules matter.
Semiconductor Mission 2.0 push
India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 prioritizes equipment, materials, indigenous IP and supply-chain depth, building on ~₹1.6 lakh crore in approved projects. Customs duty waivers on capex reduce entry costs, supporting chip packaging, OSAT and design ecosystems that affect tech supply chains.
Fiscal rules and policy volatility
Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces criticism that the UK’s fiscal framework over-emphasizes narrow “headroom,” risking frequent policy tweaks as forecasts move. For investors, this elevates uncertainty around taxes, public spending, infrastructure commitments, and overall macro credibility.
Logistics hub buildout and PPPs
Saudi is accelerating a logistics-hub agenda: new zones, port and rail capacity, and 45 transport/logistics PPP opportunities (airports, truck stops, feeder vessels, MRO). This improves supply-chain resilience but raises compliance needs around concessions, localization, and customs-operating models.
Data, privacy and AI compliance
The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 and wider online safety/AI initiatives reshape UK data governance and enforcement expectations. Multinationals must reassess lawful basis, complaints handling, cross-border data flows and vendor controls, with compliance costs affecting digital service scaling.
Health-tech export platform for simulation
Finland’s health-technology exports exceed €2.5bn with a stated ambition toward €3bn this decade, underpinned by strong digital health infrastructure. This creates a pull for VR training and clinical simulation solutions, but requires rigorous clinical validation and procurement navigation.
Tech industrial policy and AI compute
The UK is pushing advanced computing and semiconductor capability. Fractile plans £100m investment over three years, including a Bristol engineering and test facility, underscoring incentives and procurement focus. Opportunities rise for R&D, but export controls, talent scarcity, and funding selectivity shape market entry.
Palm biodiesel mandate B40
Mandatori biodiesel berbasis sawit dipertahankan di B40 sepanjang 2026 (PP No.40/2025) dengan rencana transisi ke B50. Kapasitas terpasang 22 juta KL, alokasi 16,5 juta KL; 2025 realisasi ~96% target. Kebijakan ini mempengaruhi ketersediaan CPO untuk ekspor, harga domestik, dan ESG risiko deforestasi.
Internal unrest and operational disruption
January 2026 protests and a severe crackdown—reported 6,506 deaths and extended internet shutdowns—underscore heightened domestic instability. For business, the risk is workforce disruption, sudden regulatory/security restrictions, communications outages, and reputational exposure for partners operating locally or sourcing from Iran.
Maritime security and tanker seizures
Washington is weighing direct seizure of Iranian oil tankers in international waters, while Iran has seized foreign‑crewed vessels near Farsi Island. This elevates war-risk premiums, route diversions and force‑majeure clauses for Gulf trade, impacting energy, chemicals and container flows through Hormuz.