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US airlines oppose Trump's plan to force small airports to use security private
A group representing major U.S. According to written testimony obtained by the. Chris Sununu, CEO of Airlines for 'America?, will testify before a U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Wednesday. He will say that the U.S. Aviation Industry is concerned that private security remains an option and not a mandatory program. Last month, Donald Trump proposed that the TSA (which handles airport security operations) cut more than 9,400 employees and $1.5 billion annually from its budget. This proposal is a step in the direction of privatizing the agency that was created following the attacks on September 11, 2001. Some Republican lawmakers have proposed that TSA be privatized completely. The White House stated that the change in private security for small airports will 'cut the TSA payroll more than 4,500 positions. TSA wants to 'cut another 4,800 jobs by improving efficiency, eliminating redundant staffing and reducing redundancies. Sununu added in his testimony: "We support innovative solutions to accelerate the deployment and adoption of checkpoint technology and checked baggage as well as algorithms which increase efficiency." The proposed budget cuts would reduce the $7.8 billion agency budget by around 20%. This comes after TSA lost over 1,600 employees during funding disruptions in the fall of last year and spring. Trump nominated David Cummins last week, a senior Vice President?of Serco North America, who oversees the company's federal, state, and local government civil customer portfolio. The Biden administration expanded the TSA to screen a record 906 million passengers by 2025. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the union representing TSA security agents, opposes privatization. They say it will make air travel unsafe. Trump has criticised the TSA. On his first day in office, in 2025, he fired David Pekoske as its director, whom he had appointed to lead the agency during his first term. Pekoske was nominated by Joe Biden for a second term in 2022. (Reporting and editing by Tom Hogue, Jamie Freed, and David Shepardson)
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Hong Kong listings a target for foreign firms as IPOs rebound
?At least 10 companies, including those from Indonesia, South Korea, and Singapore, have applied for Hong Kong IPOs this year, and others are considering it, according to an executive at the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The market's robust IPO growth is attracting global?firms. LSEG data shows that although foreign companies raised a lot less money than domestic firms - 110 Chinese firms and Hong Kong firms raised a total of $36.4 billion in '2025 - the listings by 10 global companies would make this the best year since 2020 for international debuts. According to Johnson Chui, the head of global issuer service at Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd. (HKEX), who runs the city’s stock exchange, foreign listing hopefuls come from sectors such as technology, consumer and financials. He said that the pipeline is a mixture of first-time IPOs and concurrent dual listings as well as sequential dual listings. Chui said, "We believe that this is a start of the structural change for the next phase of international companies listing in Hong Kong." He added the appeal of the City had expanded beyond companies with China-exposure. He said, "The nexus has broadened." In the past, it was more about whether you had business in Greater China. There are now many successful companies who have no presence in this area of the world. According to LSEG 'data, the Hong Kong exchange was the top IPO market in the world last year, with $37.4bn raised through 115 deals. The bourse has been unable to attract large foreign listings, but it is now redoubling its efforts in an effort to increase the flow of foreign capital. Syngenta Group, a Swiss-based seeds, agrochemicals and chemicals company, plans to list up to $10 billion of shares in the second half this year. This move, according to sources reported in February, will likely boost HKEX’s ability to attract large-ticket listings. Separate sources confirmed that while Chui didn't give any details on foreign IPO hopefuls he was aware of Engine Biosciences and NiKang Therapeutics, two international biotech companies from Singapore. Sources familiar with plans of the two companies said that the discussions were preliminary and could change. The sources declined to be identified as the matter was confidential. Engine Biosciences refused to comment. NiKang did not respond. PIPELINE IPO Malaysian logistics company Teleport said it was considering Hong Kong as a venue for an IPO. "Our long-term plan includes a listing on the stock exchange," said CEO Pete Chareonwongsak. "We're keeping our options open." Separately, LSEG's data compiled on 4 May showed that 12 foreign companies could be in Hong Kong’s 2026 IPO pipeline. These included U.S. Blockchain infrastructure firm Blockdaemon and Malaysian branding for logistics group Capital A. HKEX announced that seven international companies will list in Hong Kong by 2025. According to LSEG, foreign companies have raised $22 billion in 156 transactions since 2000. This is a small fraction of the total market. The current pipeline, unlike the previous wave of 15 years, which was led by consumer brands such as Prada, Samsonite and others, is more diverse in terms of sector, geography, and listing structure. Citigroup's Asia Head of Equity Capital Markets Kenneth Chow stated that Hong Kong offers "the largest possible universe" for investors. This includes hedge funds, global?funds and Chinese institutions, as well as retail buyers. George Wu, a partner at DLA Piper, said that mining companies were being drawn to the region because China is driving demand for strategic minerals. Clifford Chance Capital Markets partner Jean Thio stated that Hong Kong has built a system which rivals Nasdaq, in terms of listed companies, analyst coverage and comparable markets in industries like biotech and AI. Chui, HKEX's Chui, said: "We believe Hong Kong is the best listing venue for international companies with an Asian connection."
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Senators criticize US Transport chief for road trip funded by corporate donors
Two Democratic U.S. Senators on Tuesday criticized Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's road trip, which was filmed for a web series and paid for by donors of the companies that his department regulates. "Your vacation was paid for by Boeing and Toyota, United Airlines, Enterprise, Shell and Royal Caribbean Group", said Kirsten Gillibrand. She is the top Democrat in a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee. She pointed out that USDOT regulates these companies and other donors. Gillibrand told a budget meeting that "this road trip does not smell right." "I don't think that it is right, and you should explain to Americans why you are taking a trip that has been paid for by the companies you regulate." Similar concerns were raised by Democratic Senator Patty Murray. Duffy attacked both Democratic Senators for accepting their own political donations. Murray said that USDOT is responsible for determining whether Toyota will be required to carry out a safety recall. Toyota has declined to comment. Both Senators noted that a rise in 'oil prices during U.S.-Israeli War on Iran may prevent some Americans from going on road trips this summer. Murray pointed out that the cost of?jet fuel has risen dramatically this summer, making flights more expensive. Duffy defended his trip by saying that no taxpayer funds were used, and the trip was approved by an official of career ethics. He explained that the trip was part of a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States and an attempt to encourage people to go on road trips. The trip was filmed over a period of 24 days and included a visit to?the White House in Washington, Fenway Park Boston, St. Louis' Gateway Arch, and Philadelphia and Montana. Duffy stated that the sponsors of the event "nobody gets anything from me." Duffy said that Congress directed him to promote tourism and travel. Duffy, who is a father of nine and a former reality television star, also served as a member of Congress, claimed that the show did not pay him or his family any salary or production royalty. The road trip was a series of one- or two-day trips that took place over an eight-month span, as well as during his children's spring break. The five-part series will be available on YouTube. Citizens for Responsibility & Ethics in Washington filed a complaint alleging that the situation may have violated federal rules on gifting and travel. The group asked the Office of Inspector General of the Transportation Department to investigate. The group also pointed out that a Toyota car is prominently displayed in a series promotional video. (Reporting and editing by David Shepardson)
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US charges seven Chinese executives with illegal shipping container cartel
Officials from the Department of Justice announced on Tuesday that the 'United States' has charged seven Chinese executives, and four of the world's largest shipping container companies, with conspiring to limit supply in order to raise the price of containers, during the COVID epidemic. DOJ stated that the companies?manufactured about 95% standard dry -shipping containers in the world and conspired between November 2019 and?January 2024 to limit output and fix prices. The DOJ said that the scheme led to a 'U.S. Consumers paid more and waited longer for goods due to the pandemic. Stanley Woodward, Associate Attorney General at the time of announcing the case, said that these manufacturers took advantage of the pandemic and their market position to squeeze the supply chain. The?DOJ reported that one of the executives was arrested in France, April this year, by a 54-year-old marketing director for Singamas Container Holdings Ltd. Singamas didn't immediately respond to an inquiry?for comment about?the accusations.
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NERC claims that strong resource additions will boost US summer grid preparedness, but risks remain
In a report released on 'Tuesday, the North American Electric Reliability Corp. said that resource additions of record proportions had strengthened 'U.S. Grid readiness is a must for?the summer, despite the fact that risks are still high in certain areas. NERC's Summer Reliability Assessment reports that the addition of new bulk power system resources includes a'substantial influx' of solar, battery and a few?new gas-fired generators. The report did warn that grid reliability could be challenged by increased 'demand,' rapid growth of large load, low wind output, and the overlap of spring maintenance outages with early summer heat. NERC warned that the early summer heat and drought will increase reliability risk in several regions. In 2025, there were six regions at a high risk of a supply shortage in the event of abnormal summer weather conditions. By 2026, this risk is reduced to three regions and one locality. The growth in load?has been significant with an increase of 11 Gigawatts from 2025. This is a continuation of the 10 GW increase?in 2025 which doubled the growth from 2023-2024. Grid reliability will continue to be challenged by the 'rapid increase in demand,' especially during summer peak months. Reporting by Pooja menon in Bengaluru, Editing by Mark Porter
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Algeria purchases wheat for shipment to two ports, traders claim
Traders in Europe said that the state grain agency of Algeria, OAIC, is believed to have purchased milling wheat Tuesday as part of an international tender which sought a limited'shipment' only to two ports. Initial estimates put the volume at about 200,000 tons. The requirement to only unload wheat?in two port tenders - Mostaganem or Tenes - from the OAIC signals that a relatively low purchase will be made. Initial estimates of the purchases reported ranged from $284-$285 per ton for shipment to Mostaganem, and $292 per ton (c&f), for Tenes. The cost of shipping to smaller ports was cited as a reason for the high prices. The reports reflect the assessments of traders, and future estimates on prices and volume are possible. Wheat was wanted for shipment from several regions, including Europe, during the following periods: July 1-15; July 16-31; August 1-15; August 16-31; September 1-15 and 16-30. The wheat is shipped a month sooner if it's sourced from South America or Australia. Algeria is an important customer for wheat imported from the European Union and in particular, France. Black Sea wheat is now a major player on the Algerian market, while French wheat was excluded from recent tenders due to political tensions between France and Algeria. Reporting by Michael Hogan from Hamburg, and Gus Trompiz from Paris. Editing by David Goodman.
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Department of Energy: US PJM Grid can reduce data center power consumption in emergency situations
The U.S. Department of Energy announced that PJM, which spans a total of '13'states in the Mid-Atlantic region and the Midwest, has the power to shut down data centers within its footprint. According to a DOE directive issued on Monday, PJM can direct transmission operators to stop powering data 'centers as a?last resort to avoid rolling blackouts. * The DOE stated that a "statutory emergency" exists in the (PJM) region due to an increase in demand and a "shortage" of electric power, as well as a "shortage" of facilities for generating electric power. * PJM is implementing a number of reforms to manage a demand that has 'outpaced the supply' and threatened grid stability.
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FAA concludes investigation into airline compliance regarding shutdown flight cuts
The Federal Aviation Administration informed Congress on Monday that it had 'closed' its investigation of airlines who did not adhere to the required flight reductions at 40 major airports in 2025. It has also decided against seeking any fines. Bryan Bedford, FAA administrator, said that in response to written questions from Senators seen by that agency, after sending letters of investigation on apparent noncompliance to airlines the agency determined "all but one were in substantial compliance with the restrictions." Bedford said that one unnamed airline was not in compliance and received an administrative warning. In November, the FAA announced that it would gradually reduce domestic flights by 10% at the 40 airports with high traffic during the 43 day government shutdown. Safety concerns were cited. Airlines for America (which represents American Airlines, Delta Air Lines United Airlines Southwest Airlines, and others) did not comment immediately. On November 12, the FAA decided to freeze its cuts at 6%, as disruptions began to decline dramatically with the end of federal shutdown. The FAA reduced the required reductions to 3%, before lifting them completely. Cirium, a firm that provides aviation analytics, found that airlines failed to adhere to the flight reduction requirements. On the last full day, they canceled only 0.25% flights in 'those 40 airports, which is less than the normal cancellation rate and less than the 3% required. The FAA can seek fines of up to $75,000.00 for each flight that exceeds the limits. Flight cuts were originally implemented by the agency to minimize disruptions in travel caused by a shortage of air traffic control during the shutdown of federal government, when many of these controllers stopped showing up for work due to not being paid. After the October 1st shutdown, thousands of flights were cancelled and delayed due to the absence of air traffic control. (Reporting and editing by David Shepardson)
Opening Hormuz was the easy part. Bousso: Restoring oil flow is not the easy part
The sporadic shipping through the Strait of Hormuz highlights the uncertainty that hangs over the world's most critical oil and natural gas chokepoint. One thing is certain: even if all the guns are silenced, it will take years to restore the flow of oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz to its pre-war level.
Iran announced on Saturday it would tighten control of the strait as a response to an?U.S. Blockade of Iranian tankers. Fired at several vessels. Warned?mariners about the closure. It was just hours after Tehran had announced a temporary "reopening" amid a 10-day ceasefire. Donald Trump, the U.S. president, said that negotiations were in progress and threatened to resume military action should shipping be disrupted once again. After the U.S. and Israeli aerial bombing of Iran began on February 28, Tehran effectively closed down the strait. Traffic through the strait, which normally transports around a fifth global oil and natural gas supplies, has been reduced to a trickle since then. Immediate impact was severe. The Gulf has been unable to release around 13 million barrels of oil per day and 300 million cubic metres of LNG per day, forcing oil producers to close refineries, LNG plants, and oil fields. This has impacted economies in Asia and Europe. Fighting has caused damage to the energy infrastructure and diplomatic relations in the region.
How will the recovery unfold, and at what point can the industry expect to return to pre-war levels of operation?
THE RELIEF RUSH
The speed of recovery depends not only on the diplomacy between Washington, D.C., and Tehran?but also on logistics and availability of tanker insurance, freight rates, and the willingness of the shipowners risking the passage.
According to Kpler, the first tankers leaving the Middle East are the 260 vessels that have already sailed into the Gulf. They carry 170 million barrels?of oil and 1.2 million tons of LNG.
The majority of these initial cargoes will likely be shipped to Asia. This region normally receives about 80% Gulf oil exports, and 90% of LNG.
After these vessels leave, over 300 empty oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman will slowly move into the Gulf to load terminals like Saudi Arabia's Ras Tanura or Iraq's Basrah Oil Terminal.
The first thing they will do is empty the onshore storage tanks that grew rapidly during the shutdown of 'Hormuz. According to the International Energy Agency, commercial crude storage in Gulf is currently?at around 262 million barrels. This is the equivalent of twenty days of interrupted production.
However, the logistics of tanker transport will continue to slow down any full-scale recovery in energy flows. A trip from the Middle East up to India's West Coast, for instance, usually takes 20 days. The longer-haul routes, such as those to China and Japan, can take up to two months.
Finding enough tankers can be difficult. Many are tangled up in the shipping of oil and LNG between Americas and Asia, which can take as long as 40 days.
Even under benign conditions, a full rebalancing and return to the pre-war rhythms of Gulf loading operations will take eight to twelve weeks.
CHICKEN AND EGG PROBLEM
Saudi Aramco, the United Arab Emirates ADNOC and other producers will need to restart production at oil fields and refineries that were closed during the fighting.
This will require careful coordination and the return of thousands skilled workers, contractors, and other professionals who were evacuated due to the conflict. The speed of recovery will be determined by the amount of storage available at coastal terminals. This creates a feedback loop that links upstream and downstream activity.
The IEA estimates around half of Gulf oil fields and gas reservoirs retain enough pressure to return production to pre-war levels?within two weeks. Another 30% of the oil and gas fields could return to pre-war output?within two weeks.
The remaining 20%, or roughly 2,5 to 3 million bpd, faces far more difficult technical challenges. Some fields may take several months to recover due to low reservoir pressure, damaged machinery and power supply issues. Repairing major energy assets such as Qatar's Ras Laffan LNG Hub, where 17% of its capacity was affected, could take five years. It could take up to five years to repair some complex and ageing wells in Iraq and Kuwait.
Drilling new wells in the region could offset any persistent supply losses, but this process would take at least one year and require an improvement of security conditions.
Iraq and Kuwait are expected to lift force majeure declarations once the backlog of tankers is cleared and oilfields resume a steady production. These clauses allow exporters suspend deliveries in uncontrollable situations such as war.
Even if the most optimistic scenario is realized - that peace talks are successful, no new conflicts occur and infrastructure damage is not as bad as feared – a return to full pre-war operations will take years.
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(source: Reuters)