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Mission Grey Daily Brief - November 28, 2024

Summary of the Global Situation for Businesses and Investors

The global situation is marked by geopolitical tensions and economic challenges that could have significant implications for businesses and investors. Donald Trump's return to the White House is set to reshape global trade dynamics, with tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada potentially disrupting supply chains and increasing costs for businesses and consumers. Meanwhile, the UAE's growing global influence poses challenges for Western countries, as it undermines sanctions against Russia and engages in a policy of adventurism in Africa and the Middle East. In East Asia, Taiwan's revised air raid alert system raises concerns about civilian safety amid escalating tensions with China. Lastly, Israel's recent military victory over Iran has shifted the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.

Trump's Tariffs and Global Trade

Donald Trump's return to the White House is set to have a significant impact on global trade. Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada, citing drug smuggling and illegal immigration as reasons. These tariffs could disrupt supply chains and increase costs for businesses and consumers. For instance, a 25% tariff on Canadian oil could significantly impact gas prices in the Great Lakes, Midwest, and Rockies regions. Similarly, a 25% tariff on Mexican goods, including agricultural products and vehicles, could lead to higher prices for American consumers.

Trump's threat of additional tariffs on Chinese goods over fentanyl flows has raised concerns about a potential trade war between the world's top two economies. Chinese state media has warned against using tariffs as a political tool, emphasizing the potential for mutual destruction. Economists have begun downgrading growth targets for China's economy in anticipation of further tariffs, and are warning Americans to prepare for higher living costs.

UAE's Growing Global Influence

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is increasing its global influence, posing challenges for Western countries. On the one hand, the UAE is a vital Western ally, partnering with Israel and countering Chinese influence in Africa. It is also a major investor, with sovereign wealth funds directing over $110 billion to US and UK ventures, and a global force in renewable energy.

However, the UAE has undermined Western sanctions against Russia, indirectly supporting its war effort in Ukraine and providing diplomatic cover to Vladimir Putin. Additionally, the UAE has engaged in a policy of adventurism, arming warlords, supporting militias, and fuelling conflict in parts of Africa and the Middle East. This has led to accusations of violating arms embargoes, spreading instability, and contributing to humanitarian disasters.

Taiwan's Revised Air Raid Alert System

Taiwan has lowered the threshold to trigger air raid alarms in case of a Chinese incursion, raising concerns about civilian safety. The Taiwanese defence minister stated that the change was necessary due to repeated and escalating hostilities by China across the Taiwan Strait. However, there are fears that the revised system might leave citizens with less time to seek shelter during a conflict.

Taiwan has been issuing air raid alerts when Chinese military vessels or aircraft breach the 70 nautical miles limit of the Taiwanese coast. The threshold has been revised to 24 nautical miles, potentially reducing the time civilians have to react to a real threat. This adjustment is meant to better align Taiwan's defences with China's strategies, but it also highlights the escalating tensions in the region.

Israel's Military Victory Over Iran

In the Middle East, Israel's military has inflicted a significant defeat on Iran, approaching the magnitude of its 1967 Six Day War victory over Egypt, Syria, and Jordan. This shifts the geopolitical landscape in the region, as Iran's threat network, which included arming the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon with precision rockets, has been significantly weakened.

The defeat of Iran's threat network could have far-reaching implications for the Middle East and global security. It demonstrates Israel's military capabilities and shifts the balance of power in the region. However, it also raises questions about Iran's future actions and the potential for retaliation.


Further Reading:

Donald Trump’s tariffs on Mexico could devastate border region, Texas economists warn - The Texas Tribune

Donovan’s Deep Dives: Taiwan’s fragile reliance on global supply chains - 台北時報

How America’s War on Chinese Tech Backfired: And Why Trump’s Plans Would Make Things Even Worse - Foreign Affairs Magazine

Kuwait Seeks to Offer Flexible Incentives to Attract Foreign Investments - Asharq Al-awsat - English

Opinion | Three Global Challenges That Will Shape Trump’s Legacy - The New York Times

Poland Arrests German Man Over Alleged Export of Dual-Use Technology to Russia - The Moscow Times

Satellite images show North Korea expanding key facility making missiles Russia uses in Ukraine - The Independent

Taiwan quietly alters threshold to trigger air raid alarm in case of China’s incursion - The Independent

Trump threatens China, Mexico and Canada with new tariffs. But what does this actually mean for Americans’ pockets? - The Independent

Trump's victory could make life harder for Hong Kong—and that may be good news for Singapore's banks - Fortune

UAE’s growing global influence sets up challenges for the west - Tortoise Media

What could get more expensive if Trump launches a new trade war with Mexico and Canada - CNN

Themes around the World:

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Infrastructure Investment and Development

Significant government initiatives to upgrade transport, digital, and energy infrastructure aim to boost economic resilience and attract foreign direct investment. Improved infrastructure supports supply chain efficiency and regional connectivity, enhancing the UK’s appeal as a strategic business hub despite broader geopolitical uncertainties.

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Critical Minerals and Rare Earths Race

Brazil is emerging as a strategic hub for critical minerals, including lithium and rare earths, amid global supply chain tensions. The EU and Brazil are advancing joint projects, while US-China rivalry intensifies competition for resources, impacting investment flows and industrial policy.

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Financial Sector Developments and Regulatory Changes

Reforms in France's financial sector, including banking regulations and fintech growth, impact capital availability and investment climates. These changes affect multinational corporations' financing options and influence cross-border financial transactions and risk assessments.

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Shift Toward Defensive Industries

Japanese defense and aerospace stocks rallied amid rising geopolitical tensions and export controls. International investors should note the sector’s growing strategic importance, but also the risks of regulatory changes and supply chain bottlenecks linked to regional security dynamics.

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Energy Transition and Cost Pressures

The UK’s energy transition is raising operating costs, particularly in manufacturing and agri-food sectors. Businesses face higher energy bills and delayed investments, underscoring the need for clear policy direction to balance decarbonization goals with affordability and supply security.

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Regulatory and Business Environment Reforms

Efforts to improve the ease of doing business through regulatory reforms, including streamlined licensing and tax incentives, enhance Egypt's attractiveness to foreign investors. These reforms impact market entry strategies and operational compliance for multinational enterprises.

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Volatile US Trade Policy and Tariffs

The US has imposed sweeping tariffs on China, the EU, and other partners, raising average tariffs to 19%—the highest since 1930. Unpredictable policy shifts, rapid reversals, and WTO rule disregard have heightened uncertainty, complicated trade planning, and increased costs for global businesses.

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Energy Transition and LNG Imports Surge

Egypt’s domestic gas production has declined, driving record LNG imports—9.01 million metric tons in 2025, mostly from the US. New agreements with Qatar and Israel aim to secure supply, but Egypt’s shift from exporter to major importer impacts energy costs, industrial competitiveness, and investment strategies.

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Labor Market and Work-Life Balance Reforms

Legislation planned for 2026 will reduce excessive working hours and introduce the right to disconnect, aligning with OECD standards. These changes will affect operational costs, productivity, and compliance for international firms operating in South Korea.

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Political Instability and Security Risks

Widespread protests, opposition crackdowns, and increased military influence have heightened political uncertainty. These factors disrupt business operations, complicate regulatory predictability, and pose reputational and operational risks for international investors and supply chains.

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Ongoing Conflict and Security Risks

The persistent conflict in Eastern Ukraine and tensions with Russia continue to pose significant security risks. This instability disrupts supply chains, deters foreign investment, and increases operational costs for businesses, impacting international trade and investor confidence in the region.

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Energy Sector Expansion Drives Investment

Brazil’s oil production is projected to reach 5.5 million barrels per day in 2026, positioning the country as a key global energy supplier. This expansion attracts foreign investment, enhances export revenues, and increases Brazil’s geopolitical influence in energy markets.

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EU Accession and Regulatory Reform

Ukraine’s progress towards EU membership is tied to reforms in governance, anti-corruption, and economic policy. EU integration promises a more predictable regulatory environment for investors but requires sustained compliance and institutional strengthening.

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Persistent Energy Infrastructure Attacks

Russian missile and drone strikes continue to target Ukrainian energy assets, causing widespread outages and supply chain disruptions. Energy sector volatility poses ongoing operational risks for manufacturing, logistics, and foreign investment.

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US-Taiwan Defense Cooperation Expansion

The US approved an $11.1 billion arms package for Taiwan, including advanced HIMARS systems and drones, strengthening Taiwan’s deterrence capabilities. This deepening defense partnership increases strategic stability but also intensifies Chinese countermeasures and sanctions, affecting business operations.

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Cross-Strait Political Tensions

Ongoing political tensions between Taiwan and China pose significant risks to international trade and investment. Potential military conflicts or diplomatic escalations could disrupt supply chains, particularly in the semiconductor sector, affecting global technology industries and investor confidence.

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Technological Innovation and Start-up Ecosystem

Israel's vibrant tech sector, known as the 'Start-up Nation,' drives substantial foreign investment and global partnerships. Innovations in cybersecurity, AI, and biotech attract multinational corporations, enhancing Israel's role in global supply chains and investment portfolios, while fostering economic resilience amid regional uncertainties.

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Regional Alliance Shifts and Japan’s Role

Japan has signaled that a Taiwan contingency could trigger its own collective self-defense, linking its security directly to Taiwan’s fate. This evolving regional alliance landscape increases the complexity of risk for international businesses, with potential for broader conflict and supply chain disruptions.

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Infrastructure Investment and Modernization

Ongoing infrastructure upgrades and investment in transport, energy, and border facilities are crucial for Mexico’s competitiveness. However, political tensions and regulatory uncertainty may delay projects, impacting logistics efficiency and long-term business strategies.

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Energy Policy and Decarbonisation Challenges

Western Australia’s bureaucratic hurdles and integration issues threaten the state’s coal phase-out and decarbonisation goals. Organizational reform is critical to ensure policy coherence and attract investment in clean energy and industrial transformation.

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Supply Chain Diversification Amid Trade Fragmentation

Global trade tensions and US tariff policies are prompting UK firms to accelerate supply chain diversification and near-shoring. This trend is increasing operational complexity and costs, but also offers resilience against geopolitical shocks and trade disruptions.

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Infrastructure Development Initiatives

India's focus on infrastructure development, such as the expansion of ports, highways, and digital connectivity, is critical for supply chain efficiency. Investments in logistics and transportation infrastructure reduce costs and improve market access, benefiting both domestic and international businesses.

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Tourism Sector Recovery and Rebranding

Thailand targets a record 3 trillion baht in tourism revenue for 2026, leveraging global icons and digital campaigns to attract high-spending visitors. However, safety concerns, border tensions, and slow recovery in some regions continue to impact tourism flows and sector stability.

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Energy Transition and Nuclear Policy

France's commitment to expanding nuclear energy capacity aims to secure energy independence and reduce carbon emissions. This shift impacts international energy markets, supply chains for nuclear technology, and investment in renewable alternatives, influencing global energy trade and strategic partnerships.

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Energy Infrastructure Expansion

Israel has approved major energy projects, including a 900-megawatt power plant near Jerusalem, to meet rising demand and support future data centers. These developments offer opportunities for foreign investment but are subject to long regulatory timelines and regional risks.

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Capital Market Growth and ESG Regulation

Taiwan’s IPO market reached record highs in 2025, driven by semiconductor and AI sectors. New ESG and sustainability disclosure regulations are raising compliance standards, influencing investment decisions and corporate governance for international and domestic firms.

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Vision 2030 Economic Diversification Drive

Saudi Arabia continues to shift from oil dependency by investing in sectors like tourism, technology, mining, and renewable energy. Vision 2030 reforms drive non-oil GDP growth, foster innovation, and create new opportunities for international trade and supply chain integration.

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China-Japan Trade Tensions Escalate

China’s ban on dual-use exports and rare earths to Japan, triggered by Taiwan-related remarks, threatens key Japanese industries, especially automotive and electronics. The move signals intensifying geopolitical risk and potential supply chain disruptions for international businesses.

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State-Level Competition for Investment

States like Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Maharashtra are aggressively attracting investment, with Andhra Pradesh capturing 25.3% of proposed investments in FY26. This regional competition, driven by policy clarity and infrastructure, is reshaping India’s industrial geography and offering new opportunities for international investors.

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Labor Market Dynamics and Workforce Shortages

Tight labor markets and skill shortages in critical sectors affect operational capacities and wage inflation. Businesses face challenges in recruitment and retention, influencing investment in automation and workforce development.

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Regulatory and Governance Reforms

Ongoing reforms aimed at improving transparency and reducing corruption impact the business environment. While reforms can enhance investor confidence, inconsistent implementation creates uncertainty affecting investment strategies and operational planning.

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China-Iran Trade And Supply Chain Adaptation

Despite sanctions, Iran sustains trade with China by rerouting oil and goods through third countries. This circumvention supports Iran’s export revenues but exposes supply chains to regulatory, reputational, and compliance risks for global companies operating in or with China.

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Political Stability and Governance

Thailand's political landscape remains a critical factor influencing investor confidence and business operations. Recent government policies and political events can affect regulatory frameworks, foreign investment inflows, and bilateral trade agreements, thereby impacting the overall business environment and long-term economic planning.

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Sanctions, Compliance, and Regulatory Risk

US and EU sanctions related to defense procurement, financial transactions, and Turkey’s dealings with sanctioned states (e.g., Venezuela, Russia) create compliance challenges. Businesses must navigate evolving regulatory frameworks and potential secondary sanctions exposure.

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Unprecedented US Climate Policy Retreat

The US withdrawal from the UNFCCC and 65 other global treaties marks a historic retreat from climate leadership. This move isolates the US from global climate frameworks, risks trade retaliation, and may disadvantage US businesses as other economies accelerate clean energy investment and regulatory standards.

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Infrastructure Development

Ongoing investments in Thailand's infrastructure, including transportation and digital connectivity, are pivotal for enhancing trade efficiency and attracting investment. Improved infrastructure supports supply chain optimization and integration into global value chains.