We have to get that deal signed ASAP

I was in a hospital waiting room today and overheard part of a phone conversation:

English?? accent on other end: "We have to get that deal signed ASAP. After July 1, every 'pallet' in the world will be canceled."

Guy in the waiting room: "You're friends with the minister aren't you? I'll get us all on the phone together."

The word may have been something other than pallet but the rest I'm sure of. Unfortunately I didn't hear more because the guy put on his earbuds and walked away.