Global Scans · Economy · Weekly Summary

DRIVER: The global economy still faces serious headwinds and political uncertainty potentially balanced by the enormous promise of technological advancements in many fields. Read on to get a solid handle on the opportunities and risks you and your organization may likely face and set your sails accordingly.

• [New] Rising dissatisfaction with the Trump administration's attacks on fuel efficiency standards and rising gas prices due to its highly unpopular elective war on Iran could build political will even among transit skeptics. Stop Greed, Build Green
• [New] The World Economic Forum estimates the total size of biodiversity credit markets at $8 million, but believes that global demand for voluntary biodiversity credits could reach $69 billion by 2050 (WEF and McKinsey, 2023). Bruegel | The Brussels-based economic think tank
• [New] States like California and Washington are banning gasoline engine vehicles in about 10 years, and a major weather event could trigger legislative action like a carbon tax more quickly than expected. Ardmore Banking Advisors, Inc
• [New] Economic headwinds include a trend towards deglobalization and the potential fallout from US-China tensions, which could further strain labor markets and consumer confidence. Ardmore Banking Advisors, Inc
• [New] Climate-fuelled disasters are expected to cost the Australian economy more than $40 billion a year by 2050. Australian Conservation Foundation
• [New] To sustain the dollar's status - and therefore Washington's ability to conduct global financial oversight - the US will need to adopt a combination of economic, regulatory, and diplomatic measures. Hudson Institute
• [New] Today's structural ageing trend will create significant opportunities and drive transformation in the global economy, particularly as supportive policies, healthcare advancements, and wealth accumulation enable longer, active and dignified living. Bank of Singapore
• [New] Given increased life expectancy and declining fertility, the longevity economy is poised to grow from USD 3 trillion in 2025 to USD 5.4 trillion by 2034 while unlocking significant global economic transformation. Bank of Singapore
• [New] On the demand side, Mowi may quantify expected growth in salmon consumption in core markets, citing forecasts that global salmon demand is projected to rise by a certain percentage over a given period, such as 5 to 6% growth over several years. Mowi stock trades steady as salmon prices and Q1 2026 e
• [New] California faces high event risk (earthquakes, fires, and other disasters), but its large, diverse economy lessens the impact of any single disaster on state credit. Northern Trust
• [New] With global light vehicle sales demand projected to remain flat in 2026, global vehicle production is forecast to edge down to 92.6 million units, a 0.4% y/y decline that reflects maturing markets and evolving regional dynamics. Mobility Global
• [New] In 2026, output is projected to decline 1.4% to 32.5 million units as new energy vehicle (NEV) tax cut incentives are reduced and some PHEVs lose eligibility. / China Mobility Global
• [New] The gross value of agricultural production is forecast to reach more than $98 billion in 2026-27, and more than $104 billion when combined with fisheries and forestry. Mirage News
• [New] Major growth drivers will be driven by global decarbonization goals, stringent emission regulations imposed by IMO targets, among others, growing adoption of green hydrogen, and investments in renewable energy-based ammonia production. Spherical Insights
• [New] Disruptions to the supply of energy and other key inputs such as fertiliser and aluminium amid the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz will weigh on the global economic outlook. ST
• [New] At a time when international development is strained by overlapping global threats, from climate shocks to economic instability and conflict, one challenge remains universal: the growing shortage of adequate and affordable housing. Habitat For Humanity
• [New] Global war strains pose risks to societal stability via import shortages, potentially driving inflation that disproportionately impacts urban populations reliant on foreign goods like diesel and manufactured items. Grokipedia
• [New] If 2026 production finishes near the May USDA NASS estimate and U.S. tomato product disappearance remains relatively steady, inventories could decline by approximately one to two months before the start of the 2027 crop. Tomato News
• [New] The UK economy is now expected to grow by 1.0% in 2026, up from 0.8% in the forecasts published in April. The Observer
• [New] Climate change poses well-documented, systemic and material investment risks to the global economy. Office of the New York City Comptroller Mark Levine
• [New] Ad spend growth is still projected to outpace economic growth, as the International Monetary Fund projects global GDP growth at 3.1% in 2026. dentsu
• [New] Asia-Pacific is projected to register the fastest growth during the forecast period, driven by large-scale smart hospital initiatives, rapid digital health transformation, increasing healthcare investments, and growing adoption of AI technologies across emerging economies. Market Data Forecast
• [New] With $700 billion flowing into AI-related investments during 2026, technology giants are constructing the data centers, networks, semiconductor supply chains, and energy systems that will define the next generation of economic growth. CnetLabs

Last updated: 21 July 2026