Trade Facilitation: The Philippines and Israel signed an Authorized Economic Operator mutual recognition arrangement to speed customs clearance for accredited traders and cut unnecessary inspections. Manufacturing Costs & Policy: Malaysia’s PM directed Miti and the Economy Ministry to engage plastics manufacturers facing global supply-chain pressure, aiming to ease cost burdens across packaging, E&E, automotive and medical devices. Inflation Pressure: Malaysia reported average household income rose, but cost-of-living hit low-income and working-poor households, with poverty-line and living-cost measures climbing. Border Logistics: Malaysia also discussed using new border ports (including Sanglang and Perlis Inland Port) with Thailand to strengthen logistics and infrastructure links. Credit & Growth Signals: Bank Indonesia said S&P’s BBB stable rating reflects confidence in Indonesia’s macro stability and policy coordination, despite temporary fiscal and external weakening. AI & Jobs: Over 200 economists and tech leaders urged faster AI workforce and policy planning as job disruption could arrive within a few years. Antitrust: India’s Competition Commission fined HP India and resellers for bid rigging on the GeM procurement platform. Trade Data: China’s goods trade rose 16.9% in H1 2026, with imports growing faster than exports. Energy Policy: Indonesia launched mandatory B50 biodiesel, targeting diesel import savings and higher domestic palm-oil value. Public Finance: Ethiopia’s parliament approved €124.6m in concessional loans to fund economic reforms and digital modernization. EU Trade Restrictions: EU foreign ministers debated options to restrict trade in illegal Israeli settlement goods. UK-Switzerland Deal: A new UK-Switzerland free trade agreement includes surcharge-free mobile roaming and tariff relief for food and drink exporters. Civic Engagement: Vermont launched “Vermont Civic Connect” to help businesses and nonprofits share official voting information and encourage election-day volunteering.