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Mission Grey Daily Brief - October 25, 2024

Summary of the Global Situation for Businesses and Investors

The world is witnessing a troubling rise in business bankruptcies, with Slovenia and Germany projected to experience significant increases. This trend reflects broader economic challenges affecting companies globally, including geopolitical tensions and a slow recovery from the pandemic. Meanwhile, Georgia is going to the polls in a critical election that could determine whether the country veers towards a more authoritarian, Russia-aligned path. The deployment of North Korean troops to Russia has raised concerns about a potential escalation of the conflict in Ukraine. Additionally, Israel and Iran-backed groups are engaged in a deadly conflict in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, with rising civilian casualties and a growing humanitarian crisis.

Georgia's Election: A Tussle Between Russia and the West

On Saturday, Georgians will vote in a critical election that could determine the country's future trajectory. For the past three decades, Georgia has maintained strong pro-western aspirations, with polls showing up to 80% of its residents favour joining the EU. However, the government, led by the populist Georgian Dream (GD) party, has increasingly shifted away from the west in favour of Russia, showing reluctance to condemn Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine. The parliamentary elections are seen by many as the most important since independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, with the country's democratic future hanging in the balance.

North Korea's Involvement in the Ukraine War

North Korea has sent troops to Russia, raising concerns about a potential escalation of the conflict in Ukraine. The US has seen evidence of this deployment, and Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko has warned Russia against sending North Korean troops to war, stating that it would lead to escalation and the deployment of NATO troops to Ukraine. South Korea has threatened to arm Ukraine in response to North Korea's support for Russia, condemning the deployment of North Korean troops. Analysts say South Korean weapons could make a significant difference for Ukraine, but South Korea remains wary of getting involved due to its long-standing ban on sending military assistance to foreign countries at war.

Israel-Iran Conflict in Gaza and Lebanon

The Israel-Iran conflict in Gaza and Lebanon has resulted in rising civilian casualties and a growing humanitarian crisis. Israel has launched a withering offensive, with almost 43,000 people killed and virtually all of Gaza's 2.3 million people displaced. Israel has been under pressure from many allies, including the United States, for the rising number of civilian casualties and accusations of hindering aid supplies. Iran-backed Hezbollah has escalated its attacks on Israel, using "precision missiles" and new types of drones. The US has designated Hezbollah a terrorist organization, and Hezbollah's political party has seats in the Lebanese parliament.

Turkey's Airstrikes in Syria and Iraq

Turkish forces have launched airstrikes on suspected Kurdish militant targets in Syria and Iraq after an attack on a state aerospace company in Ankara killed five people. The strikes targeted sites linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which is recognised as a terrorist group by the US, EU, and others. The Ankara attack came at a fragile moment in the decades-long conflict between Turkey and the PKK, coinciding with renewed discussions about a possible ceasefire. The deal would involve offering Abdullah Ocalan, the PKK's imprisoned leader, a chance to reduce his life sentence in exchange for dismantling the PKK's military wing. However, past peace efforts have collapsed and led to a surge in violence, with strong opposition to any agreement from factions on both sides.


Further Reading:

5 things to know for Oct. 24: Presidential race, North Korean soldiers, Boeing strike, Iranian hackers, Tropical Storm Trami - CNN

Harris Calls Trump a Fascist, and North Korea Has Sent Troops to Russia - The New York Times

If South Korea decides to get involved in Ukraine, it has powerful options - Business Insider

North Korea knows its troops could desert in Ukraine. It has chilling ways to keep them in line. - Business Insider

One of Russia's closest allies warned it against sending North Korean troops to war - Business Insider

Serbian, Kosovar Negotiators Meet With EU Envoy To Jump-Start Stalled Talks - Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty

Surge in Bankruptcies: Slovenia and Germany Face Significant Increases - Independent Balkan News Agency

Turkey strikes northern Iraq and Syria after attack kills 5 near Ankara - The Independent

Turkish raids kill dozens in Syria and Iraq after Ankara attack - Financial Times

Watershed moment as Georgia goes to polls in tussle between Russia and west - The Guardian

Themes around the World:

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European defense market barriers

Ankara is pressing for fuller access to Europe’s €150 billion SAFE defense initiative, where non-EU suppliers currently face a 35% component-cost cap. Continued barriers, including possible Greek opposition, could limit Turkish firms’ market access, partnerships and revenue opportunities in Europe’s rearmament cycle.

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Trade remains robust despite risks

Reporting notes Mexico remains the United States’ top merchandise trade partner, with U.S. imports from Mexico up 4.4% in 2026 while total U.S. imports fell 13.95%. That resilience supports trade-linked investment, though businesses still face elevated policy and compliance volatility.

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Russian oil purchases spillover

India’s energy sourcing has become a trade-policy variable after earlier US tariffs were linked to Russian oil purchases. Although some punitive duties were later removed, sanctions-related exposure remains relevant for refiners, shippers, insurers and firms assessing geopolitical compliance risks.

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Trade policy uncertainty deepens

Brazilian and U.S. negotiators remain far apart, with Brasília saying Washington has not provided clear demands despite multiple meetings. The resulting uncertainty complicates procurement, inventory, investment timing, and commercial planning across integrated bilateral supply chains and industrial sectors.

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Mexico's Competitive Tariff Advantage

Mexico faces only a 3.6% effective U.S. tariff versus China's 21.6%, driving 4.4% growth in U.S. imports from Mexico in 2026 and consolidating its position as America's top trading partner amid supply-chain relocation.

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India investment corridor expands

Japan’s India push accelerated with roughly 120 cooperation agreements and over $10 billion to $12.5 billion in pledged investment, strengthening outbound manufacturing, finance, infrastructure and technology linkages while giving Japanese firms new diversification and growth avenues beyond slower domestic demand.

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Business environment reforms gain focus

Recent reporting shows policymakers and partners repeatedly emphasizing tax certainty, single-window clearances, easier market entry and better logistics as priorities for attracting foreign capital. This reform narrative matters because execution will influence whether announced trade deals and investment pledges translate into durable operating gains.

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EU Customs Union Frictions

Ankara and Brussels are intensifying talks on Customs Union modernization, visa facilitation, digital trade, public procurement and industrial policy. Turkish officials warn new EU rules, including ‘Made in EU’ preferences, could disrupt integrated supply chains and disadvantage non-EU manufacturers operating through Turkey.

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Political Stability Under Anutin Coalition

PM Anutin Charnvirakul's 16-party coalition holds 292 of 499 seats, offering rare policy continuity after two decades of coups and short-lived governments. However, analysts note limited structural reform, stalled constitutional change, and policy capture by conglomerates, constraining Thailand's ability to address deeper economic challenges.

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Logistics and Energy Infrastructure Strain

Transnet freight rail and Durban/Cape Town port bottlenecks continue to constrain exports, while Eskom electricity tariffs rose 7.5-14% across municipalities from July. Operation Vulindlela reforms and the $10.5bn JET-P renewable transition aim to ease persistent infrastructure deficits.

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Broader regulatory agenda emerging

Business groups are using the dispute to push a wider bilateral agenda covering critical minerals, patent approvals, anti-corruption cooperation, industrial inputs, data-center and AI infrastructure equipment, and digital trade. This could reshape medium-term market access and sectoral investment priorities.

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Sectoral Tariffs Battering Key Industries

US Section 232 tariffs of 25% on autos, 50% on steel, aluminum and copper, and 10% on lumber continue to hurt Canadian exporters outside CUSMA protection. Nearly 6,500 auto-sector jobs lost since February 2025, with capital investment stalled.

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OPEC Fragmentation and Oil Price Pressure

The UAE's OPEC exit and Iraq's exit threats undermine cartel cohesion just as Gulf supply floods back. Aramco may cut August prices sharply amid intensifying competition, pressuring Saudi budget break-evens and creating volatility for energy-dependent trade and fiscal planning.

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Shift Toward Bilateral Bargaining

U.S. officials signaled preference for separate protocols or bilateral deals with Mexico and Canada rather than relying on the current trilateral framework. This approach increases negotiating asymmetry, prolongs uncertainty, and may fragment integrated regional business strategies and investment allocations.

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Workforce and skills mobility rises

Recent agreements emphasize cross-border talent pipelines, including plans to bring 500 skilled AI professionals into Japan by 2030 and broader training initiatives, underscoring labor-market pressures and the growing business importance of international recruitment, localization, and technical skills availability.

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Critical minerals and technology alignment

Trade negotiations are increasingly linked to cooperation in AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, space and critical minerals. Emerging plans envision India anchoring processing and sourcing while the US provides capital and technology, potentially strengthening investment inflows and diversification away from China-linked supply dependencies.

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Economic Recovery Still Fragile

Recent reporting cites 3.7% GDP growth, $452 billion output, and remittances up 8.2% to $30.3 billion, but analysts stress weak exports, a narrow tax base, and IMF dependence. Businesses should read current stabilization as tentative rather than a full structural turnaround.

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México negocia sin Canadá

Las rondas formales avanzan principalmente entre Washington y Ciudad de México, con Canadá rezagado. Este formato bilateral puede acelerar acuerdos puntuales, pero también introduce asimetrías en reglas regionales y aumenta la incertidumbre para empresas que dependen de cadenas trilaterales integradas.

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Tax Reform Contract Overhaul

Brazil’s tax reform transition starting in 2026 will replace legacy indirect taxes with CBS and IBS, alongside split-payment and new credit rules. Businesses face urgent contract revisions to manage pricing, cash-flow, compliance and litigation risks through the 2026-2033 transition period.

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Digital payments integration advances

Progress on linking India’s UPI with Indonesia’s payment system and cross-border QR payments would streamline travel, retail transactions and SME commerce. For international businesses, deeper payment interoperability can reduce transaction costs, support tourism demand and improve digital-market access for smaller suppliers.

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Canada sidelined in negotiations

Multiple reports say Washington is negotiating mainly with Mexico while formal Canada-US talks lag, raising the risk Ottawa faces a take-it-or-leave-it outcome on core treaty provisions. That weakens visibility for investors exposed to Canadian manufacturing and export-dependent sectors.

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PCE Inflation Hits Three-Year High

US PCE inflation surged to 4.1% in May, its highest since 2023, driven by Iran conflict energy shocks. Core PCE rose to 3.4%, squeezing consumer spending and business margins while raising costs across import-dependent operations and financing.

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Datacentre moratorium threatens AI infrastructure

A proposed freeze on new datacentres in Scotland could delay a core pillar of the UK’s AI and digital infrastructure plans. With 24 hyperscale projects cited and power demand exceeding 1.5 times Scotland’s peak use, investors face planning, grid and execution risks.

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US Section 301 tariff risk

Washington’s Section 301 probe could impose an extra 12.5% tariff on Vietnamese goods, threatening exports to its largest market. Textiles, footwear, wood, seafood, electronics and machinery face margin pressure, supply-chain redesign, and greater compliance demands around labor and sourcing.

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Agricultural trade corridor expansion

Thailand is involved in discussions with Malaysia and China’s customs authority on overland and rail durian exports to China. If implemented, the route would cut transport costs, broaden access to smaller Chinese cities, and strengthen Thailand’s role in regional agri-logistics.

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AfD Surge Raises Political Risk

Far-right AfD polls near 41% in Saxony-Anhalt's September 6 election, potentially forming Germany's first state government since WWII. Classified extremist regionally, it favors restoring Russian energy and opposing Ukraine aid, injecting policy uncertainty and reputational risk for investors in eastern Germany.

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US tariff shock escalates

Washington is poised to impose 25% tariffs on Brazilian goods, plus a proposed 12.5% forced-labor surcharge, threatening more than 4,100 products and roughly US$14.9 billion in exports, with immediate implications for pricing, contracts, and market access.

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International Participation Under Pressure

Taiwan reported that two passport holders were excluded and detained for over 20 hours at a Kenya conference under one-China policy pressure. Such incidents underscore diplomatic access constraints that can complicate executive travel, trade promotion, multilateral engagement, and cross-border commercial representation.

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Section 232 Tariffs Burden Exporters

Trump imposed 25% tariffs on autos, 50% on steel and aluminum, and 10% on lumber from Mexico and Canada. Reducing these Section 232 duties is Mexico's primary objective in the July 20 bilateral talks.

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Semiconductor manufacturing scales up

Recent developments show India moving from policy ambition to operating capacity in semiconductors, including a ₹7,500 crore OSAT facility in Gujarat with annual capacity of 5 billion chips, alongside new Japanese materials investments, boosting India’s relevance in electronics and AI-linked supply chains.

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Industrial Overcapacity Driving Frictions

Multiple reports link Chinese industrial overcapacity to worsening trade tensions, especially in autos, steel, chemicals, and machinery. For international firms, this can mean lower import prices in the short term but higher medium-term exposure to anti-dumping actions, retaliatory measures, and abrupt market distortions.

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Cost Pressures and Business Distress Rising

Elevated oil prices (Vietnam imports 85% of crude), tighter liquidity, and supply disruptions squeeze margins. Core inflation hit 5.6% in May 2026; business suspensions rose 5.1% and dissolutions surged 98.7% in early 2026, pressuring manufacturers, retailers, and logistics firms.

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China Screening Shapes Trade Policy

Recent coverage shows Washington increasingly tying North American trade talks to preventing Chinese transshipment, parts penetration, and strategic investment. Businesses should expect tougher origin compliance, heightened investment scrutiny, and additional pressure to localize critical manufacturing within trusted regional networks.

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Europe relationship under strain

Europe remains Israel’s largest goods trading partner, with 2025 bilateral trade at about €43.3 billion and nearly one-third of Israeli imports and exports, but deteriorating political support now raises broader risks to exports, investment, research ties, and commercial sentiment.

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Investment Delays From Uncertainty

Business groups warn that rolling annual reviews and unpredictable tariff treatment are undermining investment timing across North America. Automakers and smaller importers alike are seeking stable rules, as shifting duties and complex origin requirements increase legal costs, inventory risks and board-level hesitation.

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Defense export rules liberalized

Kyiv approved a wartime fast-track mechanism for defense exports to partner countries, cutting permit review times from 90 to 30 days. Contracts above UAH 15 million can proceed if domestic military supply is protected, improving investor visibility in Ukraine’s defense sector.