AGP Executive Report

Mining & Environment: A new study says Chinese mining firms control about 10% of Nicaragua’s territory via concessions, covering 1.28 million hectares and overlapping indigenous, Afro-descendant, protected, and water areas—raising fresh alarms about expansion into sensitive zones. Apparel Manufacturing: PDS Limited and Indonesia’s Busana Apparel Group announced a strategic partnership to expand global apparel manufacturing across Asia, Central America, and Europe, aiming for faster speed-to-market and more resilient sourcing. Mining Talent: Xali Gold named an Exploration Manager with 30+ years across Peru and Nicaragua, signaling a push toward updated resource estimates and development planning for its Pico Machay project. Trade & Logistics: Wisconsin/Nicaragua Partners hosted a warehouse event highlighting 2025 shipment operations, including distribution of donated materials shipped in sea containers and support for local learning centers and fire departments. Agriculture & Industry Inputs: Global fertilizer trade is being disrupted by conflict around the Strait of Hormuz, with knock-on risks for urea and phosphate supplies that farmers rely on. Infrastructure & Investment: El Salvador leads Central America’s construction growth with 18.5% expansion (Nicaragua 11.9%), a useful benchmark for regional investment and industrial momentum.

Warehouse & Logistics: Wisconsin/Nicaragua Partners will host a warehouse event July 16 in Stevens Point to showcase 2025 shipment operations, including updates on 10 sea van containers of donated materials shipped to Nicaragua, with U.S. Embassy in Nicaragua and Wisconsin National Guard officials attending. Apparel Manufacturing: PDS Limited and Indonesia’s Busana Apparel Group announced a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening global apparel manufacturing, with Busana citing an established presence that includes Nicaragua. Agribusiness Output: Nicaragua’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock reports harvesting 8.1 million pineapples from January to May 2026, concentrated in Managua, Masaya, Carazo, Granada and the South Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region. Maritime Trade Watch: A Nicaragua-flagged oil tanker, allegedly linked to sanctions-evasion “shadow fleet” activity, ran aground off India’s western coast, renewing scrutiny of Nicaragua’s maritime fuel trade. Mining & Capital Markets: Equinox Gold’s proposed merger with Orla Mining received positive proxy recommendations from firms including ISS, with the combined entity expected to include assets in Nicaragua and Mexico. Construction & Regional Demand: El Salvador leads Central America’s construction growth with 18.5% expansion through April 2026, while Nicaragua posted 11.9%, signaling shifting regional investment momentum. Illicit Trade Risk: A Central America illicit trade index flags Nicaragua among the more vulnerable countries, pointing to weak customs control in free trade zones and limited supply-chain oversight.

Mining & M&A: Equinox Gold’s proposed merger with Orla Mining is getting a green light from independent proxy advisers like ISS, with positive voting recommendations and both boards urging shareholders to vote FOR ahead of July deadlines; the combined group would become a major North American gold producer with complementary assets including Nicaragua. Agribusiness: Nicaragua’s Ministry of Agriculture reports 8.1 million pineapples harvested from January–May 2026, concentrated in Managua, Masaya, Carazo, Granada and the South Caribbean Coast, supporting year-round supply and diversification. Energy & Trade Security: Reports say a Nicaragua-flagged oil tanker ran aground off India amid allegations tied to a “shadow fleet” and sanctions evasion, while separate coverage flags renewed risks around the Strait of Hormuz for global fertilizer and energy flows. Public Works & Regional Industry: El Salvador leads Central America’s construction growth with 18.5% expansion through April 2026, outpacing Nicaragua’s 11.9%, signaling where infrastructure demand is accelerating. Climate & Industry Resilience: Nicaragua sent condolences to China after floods and a deadly factory fire in Fujian, framing the events as part of a wider climate-disaster pattern that affects production and supply chains. Health & Livestock Risk: New World screwworm cases in the U.S. are rising, with experts still unsure how it entered—an issue that matters for regional animal health and cross-border agricultural stability.

Nicaragua–Agribusiness: Nicaragua’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) reports harvesting 8.1 million pineapples from January to May 2026, with production concentrated in Managua, Masaya, Carazo, Granada and the South Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region—supported by year-round tropical growing and staggered planting to smooth supply for local and export markets. Mining & Investment (regional): Equinox Gold’s proposed merger with Orla Mining is moving toward approval after independent proxy advisory firms, including ISS, recommended shareholders vote FOR the deal; the combined company would create a major North America gold producer with complementary assets including Nicaragua. Energy & Trade Risk (maritime): A Nicaragua-flagged oil tanker, allegedly linked to a sanctions “shadow fleet,” ran aground off India after breaking free in severe weather, renewing scrutiny of Nicaragua’s role in clandestine fuel movements. Public Works & Climate Solidarity: Nicaragua sent condolences to China’s President Xi Jinping after deadly floods, tornadoes and a factory fire in Fujian, framing the events as part of a wider climate emergency. Food Security (global supply chain): WTO-linked reporting warns fertilizer trade has been disrupted by the Persian Gulf conflict, raising risks of shortages and price hikes that could hit farm yields and food prices. Governance & Infrastructure (industry context): A report on Central America’s illicit trade flags weak customs control and misuse of free trade zones as drivers of illegal flows of tobacco, alcohol, agrochemicals and electronics—areas that directly affect Nicaragua’s input markets and compliance costs.

Nicaragua Agriculture: Nicaragua’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) reports harvesting 8.1 million pineapples from January to May 2026, with production concentrated in Managua, Masaya, Carazo, Granada and the South Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region—an effort supported by staggered planting to smooth supply for local and global markets. Mining & Investment: Equinox Gold’s proposed merger with Orla Mining is moving toward approval as independent proxy advisory firms, including ISS, recommend shareholders vote FOR the deal, creating a larger North American gold producer with complementary assets that include Nicaragua. Energy & Shipping Risk: A Nicaragua-flagged tanker, allegedly linked to a “shadow fleet” used to evade sanctions, ran aground off India’s coast, renewing scrutiny of Nicaragua’s maritime and sanctions exposure. Regional Construction: El Salvador leads Central America’s construction growth with 18.5% expansion through April 2026, while Nicaragua posts 11.9%, signaling where infrastructure demand is accelerating. Food Security & Trade Inputs: Fertilizer trade remains disrupted by the Persian Gulf conflict, raising concerns about urea and phosphate shortages that could hit farm yields and food prices—an issue with direct relevance for Nicaragua’s agriculture sector. Climate Solidarity: Nicaragua sent condolences to China’s President Xi Jinping after deadly floods and a factory fire in Fujian, framing the events as part of a wider climate-disaster pattern.

UN Decolonization Pressure: Guam’s Commission on Decolonization is pushing a UN draft resolution that challenges the U.S. military buildup’s environmental impact and Washington’s control over Guam’s land and resources, with input gathered during a regional seminar in Nicaragua and a Fourth Committee vote expected in October. Livestock Biosecurity: New World screwworm is spreading in the U.S., with cases now detected in dozens of animals, raising alarms for cattle and highlighting how cross-border movement and weak safeguards can turn a regional pest into a long-term eradication fight. Immigration & Work Permits: After a U.S. Supreme Court move affecting TPS, the Trump administration extended work permits for Haitians and other TPS holders, while immigrant rights groups plan rallies to demand permanent protections. Central America Illicit Trade: A regional report flags tobacco, alcohol, agrochemicals, and electronics as major targets of illegal trade, pointing to weak customs control in free trade zones and uneven state monitoring—naming Nicaragua among more vulnerable countries. Agriculture Inputs: WTO analysis says fertilizer trade disruptions tied to the Strait of Hormuz conflict are hitting urea and phosphate markets, with knock-on risks for yields and food prices. Nicaragua Production: Nicaragua’s MAG reports 8.1 million pineapples harvested in Jan–May 2026, concentrated in Managua, Masaya, Carazo, Granada, and the South Caribbean Coast. Maritime Sanctions Scrutiny: A Nicaragua-flagged tanker ran aground off India, drawing renewed attention to claims of a “shadow fleet” used to evade U.S. sanctions. Regional Construction: El Salvador leads Central America’s construction growth with 18.5% expansion through April 2026, while Nicaragua posts 11.9%. Climate Solidarity: Nicaragua sent condolences to China’s Xi Jinping after deadly floods, tornadoes, and a factory fire in Fujian, linking the events to the broader climate emergency.

Livestock & Biosecurity: New World screwworm is spreading in the U.S., with experts warning how the fly could move further and why eradication may take years—raising fresh pressure on detection and response systems that are already under strain. Agriculture & Inputs: Fertilizer trade is being disrupted by the Strait of Hormuz conflict, threatening urea and phosphate supply stability and pushing up risks of shortages and price hikes that can hit farm output. Nicaragua Agri-Production: Nicaragua’s Ministry of Agriculture reports 8.1 million pineapples harvested from January to May 2026, with production concentrated in Managua, Masaya, Carazo, Granada and the South Caribbean Coast—supported by staggered planting for steadier market supply. Energy & Shipping Security: Reports of attacks and rerouting around the Strait of Hormuz underline how quickly Gulf shipping and LNG logistics can change, with knock-on effects for regional energy flows. Regional Trade Integrity: A Central America illicit trade assessment flags weak customs control in free trade zones and supply-chain enforcement gaps—naming Nicaragua among the more vulnerable countries. Construction & Growth Watch: El Salvador leads Central America’s construction expansion with 18.5% growth through April 2026, a useful benchmark for Nicaragua’s infrastructure and investment outlook.

Immigration & Labor Policy: The U.S. extended work permits for Haitians and other temporary protected status holders just before expirations, leaving many families still uncertain after the Supreme Court’s TPS ruling. Central America Trade & Security: A new TRACIT report says illicit tobacco, alcohol, agrochemicals, and electronics trade is thriving across the region due to weak customs control, misuse of free trade zones, and uneven enforcement—Nicaragua is flagged among the more vulnerable. Agribusiness in Nicaragua: Nicaragua’s Ministry of Agriculture reports 8.1 million pineapples harvested from January–May 2026, concentrated in Managua, Masaya, Carazo, Granada, and the South Caribbean Coast, supporting year-round supply. Energy & Shipping Risk: The Strait of Hormuz remains tense after attacks on laden tankers, with rerouting and operational disruption affecting LNG and crude transit. Mining/Production Watch: Equinox Gold posted Q2 2026 results with 176,836 ounces of gold from Canadian operations, signaling ramp-up progress at Greenstone and Valentine. Regional Construction: El Salvador leads Central America’s construction growth with 18.5% expansion through April 2026, outpacing Nicaragua’s 11.9%. Infrastructure & Human Capital: UNESCO warns education aid is falling sharply and highlights debt-for-education swaps as a way to protect schooling budgets.

Construction & Investment Watch: El Salvador is leading Central America’s construction boom with 18.5% year-over-year growth through April 2026, outpacing Nicaragua’s 11.9% while construction stays the fastest-growing sector in the region. Nicaragua Agribusiness: Nicaragua’s Ministry of Agriculture reports 8.1 million pineapples harvested from January to May 2026, with production concentrated in Managua, Masaya, Carazo, Granada and the South Caribbean Coast. Maritime & Sanctions Risk: A Nicaragua-flagged tanker (MT Al Jafzia) ran aground off India, spotlighting alleged “shadow fleet” fuel transfers and ship tracking shutdowns. Regional Illicit Trade: A TRACIT report says illegal tobacco, alcohol, agrochemicals and electronics are expanding across Central America due to weak customs control in free trade zones and uneven state monitoring, with Nicaragua flagged as vulnerable. Global Fertilizer Pressure: WTO data links Persian Gulf conflict disruptions to urea and phosphate fertilizer trade shocks, raising risks for farm yields and food prices. Energy Shipping Tensions: Strait of Hormuz incidents hit LNG and ULCC assets, with rerouting and halted transit underscoring volatility for regional logistics. Corporate Metals Update: Equinox Gold shareholders are urged to vote FOR its share issuance tied to a proposed combination with Orla Mining.

Water & Energy Shock: Havana’s water crisis is hitting 500,000+ residents as Aguas de La Habana links the problem to fuel shortages and a power deficit of 2,341 MW, while analysts point to deeper underinvestment and a grid-dependent pumping system. Agri Output: Nicaragua’s MAG reports 8.1 million pineapples harvested in Jan–May 2026, with production concentrated in Managua, Masaya, Carazo, Granada and the South Caribbean Coast—supported by staggered planting for steadier supply. Maritime & Sanctions Risk: A Nicaragua-flagged tanker, allegedly tied to a “shadow fleet,” ran aground off India near Mumbai after switching off tracking for ship-to-ship transfers, renewing scrutiny of Ortega-linked shipping. Oil & Shipping Security: In the Hormuz region, attacks on laden tankers and rerouted traffic show how quickly energy logistics can destabilize. Construction & Infrastructure Narrative: A Nicaragua-focused report highlights ongoing sewage-pipe and other projects despite U.S. economic pressure, contrasting with crumbling U.S. public systems. Regional Trade Pressure: A WTO-linked update says fertilizer flows are still disrupted by the Persian Gulf conflict, raising fears for farm yields and food prices. Manufacturing Watch: Hansae ramps up operations at its Guatemala production base and signals a restructuring tied to vertical integration in textiles/garments. Industry Context: TRACIT flags Central America’s illicit trade in tobacco, alcohol, agrochemicals and electronics, with Nicaragua among the more vulnerable countries.

Mining & Capital Markets: Equinox Gold says independent proxy advisory firms (including ISS) recommend shareholders vote FOR its share issuance tied to a proposed business combination with Orla Mining, with both boards backing the deal. Agribusiness: Nicaragua’s MAG reports 8.1 million pineapples harvested in the first five months of 2026, concentrated in Managua, Masaya, Carazo, Granada and the South Caribbean Coast, supported by staggered planting for steadier supply. Energy & Shipping Risk: A Nicaragua-flagged oil tanker (MT Al Jafzia) ran aground off India after severe monsoon weather; Indian authorities link it to a suspected sanctions-evasion “shadow fleet,” spotlighting Nicaragua’s maritime exposure. Regional Trade Controls: A TRACIT report flags illicit trade in tobacco, alcohol, agrochemicals and electronics across Central America, pointing to weak customs control in free trade zones and uneven state monitoring—Nicaragua is listed among more vulnerable countries. Food & Supply Chains: El Niño is expected to disrupt rainfall and raise temperatures, threatening yields and livestock via drought/heat and flooding—prompting food and beverage firms to diversify sourcing and strengthen logistics.

Maritime & Energy Security: A Nicaragua-flagged tanker, possibly tied to a “shadow fleet,” ran aground off India near Manori Beach after severe monsoon weather, renewing scrutiny of Nicaragua’s role in sanctioned fuel routes. Food & Agri Resilience: El Niño is already disrupting rainfall and raising temperatures, with drought and flooding risks for rice, maize and soybeans, plus heat stress and feed shortages for livestock—pushing food firms to diversify sourcing and logistics. Mining & Production Signals: Equinox Gold reported 176,836 ounces of gold production in Q2 2026 from its Canadian mines, with ramp-up progress at Greenstone and Valentine. LNG Market Watch: The IGU’s 2026 LNG outlook highlights how a major geopolitical shock knocked a top supplier offline, testing a record 2025 market. Local Industry Link: Nicaragua-flagged shipping and offshore incidents keep showing up in global supply-chain risk, while Nicaragua’s own infrastructure push is framed as continuing despite sanctions.

Maritime & Sanctions: A Nicaragua-flagged tanker, linked to alleged “shadow fleet” fuel transfers, ran aground off India’s coast after breaking free from its anchor in monsoon weather, renewing scrutiny of Ortega-era shipping links. Infrastructure & Industry Resilience: A Nicaragua-focused report argues the country is pushing ahead with construction and public services despite U.S. hybrid warfare and sanctions—an angle that matters for local contractors and suppliers. Agribusiness Risk: The New World screwworm is spreading in Texas, raising alarms for cattle producers and fueling political debate over how the pest entered and how fast eradication can happen. Trade & Energy Markets: The IGU’s LNG outlook highlights record 2025 volumes and a major 2026 disruption after a top supplier went offline, with knock-on effects for exporters and buyers. Manufacturing Watch: Hansae Co. says it’s ramping up operations at its Guatemala production base and restructuring toward vertical integration, with analysts tracking whether efficiency gains translate into higher profits. Food Supply Chain: UK wholesale banana prices show Nicaragua holding steady week-to-week, while other origins fluctuate—useful for regional growers and exporters.

Maritime & Energy Sanctions: A Nicaragua-flagged oil tanker, linked to alleged “shadow fleet” fuel transfers, ran aground off India’s west coast near Manori Beach after breaking free in severe monsoon weather, renewing scrutiny of Ortega’s role in sanction-evasion networks. Infrastructure & Public Services: A new report argues Nicaragua is pushing ahead with infrastructure and services despite U.S. hybrid warfare and sanctions, contrasting with crumbling or privatized systems abroad. Agribusiness Biosecurity: The deadly “New World” screwworm continues spreading in Texas, with officials and experts still debating how it entered and how fast it’s moving—an urgent risk for cattle producers. Construction & Labor Risk: A Wisconsin case highlights how uninsured employers can leave injured construction workers exposed, with regulators issuing thousands of penalties for missing worker’s compensation coverage. Manufacturing & Textiles: Hansae Co. is ramping up operations at its Guatemala production base and restructuring its textile/garment vertical integration, aiming to lift efficiency and profits. Trade & Logistics: India’s coast guard response to multiple detained tankers drifting from anchorage underscores how weather can disrupt enforcement and shipping operations. Local Food & Retail: Bean Bar expands in Cyprus with a new pop-up inside Alphamega Hypermarket in Linopetra, featuring single-origin coffees including Nicaragua.

Immigration & Labor: Two Nicaraguan brothers in the Bay Area say they relied on a coyote network after leaving Granada, Nicaragua, in 2022—then one was suddenly deported, highlighting how migration routes can collide with precarious work and sudden legal outcomes. Agriculture Biosecurity: A deadly “New World” screwworm has spread in Texas, with officials and experts still unsure how it entered the U.S. or how it’s moving—raising pressure on animal health monitoring and response capacity. Energy & Trade: The International Gas Union’s LNG outlook reports 2025 hit a record 436.98 Mt, while 2026 faces major shocks after a top supplier was knocked offline—keeping global gas flows and contracts in focus. Manufacturing/Trade Links: Hansae Co. is ramping up operations at its Guatemala production base and moving toward vertical integration across textile and garment processes, with analysts watching whether efficiency gains translate into stronger profits. Food & Retail: Bean Bar is expanding in Cyprus with a new pop-up inside Alphamega Hypermarket in Linopetra, including single-origin options featuring Nicaragua. Maritime/Logistics: India’s Coast Guard responded after three detained tankers (including a Nicaragua-flagged vessel) dragged anchors in monsoon weather, underscoring ongoing risks in shipping enforcement and coastal operations.

Construction & Compliance: José Garcia, president of Alberici Constructors (West Point civil engineering; Stanford construction management), was elected to the SSM Health Foundation–St. Louis board, underscoring how major contractors keep pushing community and safety priorities. Agriculture Biosecurity: A deadly New World screwworm outbreak is spreading in Texas, with experts still unsure how it entered the U.S. and how it’s moving—while politics and USDA capacity cuts are fueling the debate. Energy & Rural Livelihoods (Cuba): Fuel shortages are forcing Cuban farmers to sell land and livestock at fire-sale prices as harvests rot for lack of transport. Manufacturing (Textiles): Hansae Co. is ramping up operations at its Guatemala production base and moving toward deeper vertical integration, aiming for higher earnings and efficiency. Maritime & Trade Risk: Monsoon weather disrupted three detained tankers near Mumbai, including a Nicaragua-flagged vessel, highlighting how sanctions-linked shipping cases can turn into salvage and safety headaches. Nicaragua Tech/Consumer Impact: Sony says PS3 digital store access will end in stages, with Mexico, Honduras, and Nicaragua losing PS3 PlayStation Store access starting August 2026. Food & Retail (Coffee): Bean Bar opened a new pop-up store inside Cyprus’ Alphamega Hypermarket in Linopetra, featuring Nicaragua single-origin coffee alongside other Latin American blends.