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] The AI industry could contribute US$ 15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. Digital Watch Observatory
• [New] North America and China will likely experience the largest economic gains from AI, while developing countries - with lower rates of AI adoption - will register only modest economic increases. Digital Watch Observatory
• [New] The US Intelligence Community has included AI among the areas that could generate national security concerns, especially due to its potential applications in warfare and cyber defence, and its implications for national economic competitiveness. Digital Watch Observatory
• [New] Annual crop production will have to at least double by 2050 to meet increases in food demand. Nature
• [New] AI, physical climate risks, and other megatrends will transform the global economy by 2035. Strategy+Business
• [New] Regional organizations such as the African Union (AU), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and the Organization of American States (OAS) are paying increasing attention to leveraging the potential of AI for economic growth and sustainable development. Digital Watch Observatory
• [New] Due to an increasingly large scale of expected production, plastics are on track to contribute to 15% of the global carbon budget by 2050. Nature
• [New] Mass production starts 2026, enhancing driver-assistance systems for smarter, safer mobility. Self Drive News
• [New] By late 2025, Bombore's annual production capacity is expected to exceed 170,000 ounces, up from 118,746 ounces in 2024. / Canada Ecofin Agency
• [New] The world's electricity consumption is projected to grow 4% annually through 2027, marking the fastest pace in recent years. US English
• [New] Despite short-term volatility from trade dynamics, the underlying U.S. economy appears resilient and will benefit as policy uncertainty clears. MoA Funds
• [New] Japan has set an ambitious target to achieve 30-45 GW of wind energy production by 2040, with floating wind turbines expected to play a major role. Live Science
• [New] With the Federal Reserve focused on combatting inflation by tightening monetary policy, the financial pressures on households will continue to increase. Advisorpedia
• [New] The productivity revolution powered by AI will inevitably reshape the global economy and redefine wealth distribution. Crypto Reporter
• [New] CHIPS for America will further strengthen the domestic semiconductor industry, protect American national and economic security, preserve U.S. leadership in the industries of the future, create good-paying jobs, and build strong communities here in the United States. Natcast
• [New] Xiaomi's in-house processor is expected to enter mass production in 2025. TrendForce
• [New] The semiconductor equipment sector, for all its challenges, remains a linchpin of the global economy - and its evolution will shape the next decade of technological progress. Ainvest
• [New] Nearly 40% of global jobs are exposed to AI-driven automation, with advanced economies facing both the greatest risks and opportunities. followict
• By 2029, the BRIC nations would leave behind the leading Western economies and by 2050, the G7 countries would lose their economic dominance - a shift that, in reality, began to manifest in the early 2020s. Stages of BRICS development
• Gauging the true progress of China's advanced chip production will likely remain difficult, as non-transparency works to Beijing's advantage. The Edge Malaysia
• Now is the time for governments to plan and grow the next generation of Australian cities to speed up economic growth in regional Australia. Mirage News
• With airlines under pressure to decarbonize and governments offering incentives, SAF production capacity is expected to quadruple by 2030. Agro Spectrum India

Last updated: 19 August 2025