Global Scans · Consumer · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Technology will become the new sales assistant, always on, always friendly, always delivering. Consumers will co-create and create products to their exact needs. Brands will have to focus on seizing mobile moments on apps that already have consumer's attention. Instantly explore below how lifestyles, buying behaviors and attitudes are changing and where you fall short in the battle to win consumers hearts and minds.

• [New] Starting in 2026, the Consumer Empowerment for the Green Transition Directive will prohibit vague environmental statements and bar companies from marketing products as carbon-neutral if based on offsets. Reccessary
• [New] By 2026, 86% of industries will have adopted AI in some form, creating a $1.2 trillion opportunity for consumer industries alone In charts: 7 global shifts defining 2025 so far | World Economic Forum. Ainvest
• [New] Despite ongoing macroeconomic headwinds that continue to weigh on consumer electronics, the approaching peak season and e-commerce promotions are expected to support sequential growth throughout the second half of the year. Caliber.az
• [New] Looking ahead to 2026, the North American trucking industry faces a highly uncertain environment shaped by trade policy outcomes, regulatory clarity on EPA 2027 emissions standards, and the trajectory of consumer demand. ACT Research
• [New] Discover hydrogen's potential across industries, mobility, and daily life, and experience how hydrogen can bring limitless opportunities to both Japan and the planet. Expo 2025 Theme Weeks
• [New] AI-driven processes are projected to cut content production costs by 60% and boost conversion rates by up to 20% in consumer industries In charts: 7 global shifts defining 2025 so far. Ainvest
• [New] HHS and the FDA have announced that they will require drug companies to include full safety warnings in their direct-to-consumer ads. Alliance of Safety-Net Hospitals
• [New] Global headline consumer price index (CPI) inflation is projected to moderate from 4.0% in 2024 to 3.2% in 2025, and then to fall further to 2.9% in 2026 and 2.5% in 2027. European Central Bank
• [New] As more cities follow Dubai's example, the future of global air mobility will be marked by the widespread use of eVTOLs and the integration of sustainable transport technologies, changing how cities approach urban air mobility for decades to come. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Surging consumer interest in hydration presents an opportunity for DryWater, a clean, real-fruit electrolyte and vitamin powder, as it primes to expand into 6,000 Walgreens locations just 18 months after launch. FoodNavigator-USA.com
• [New] Real consumer spending is projected to slow through 2025 and into 2026, with durable goods purchases potentially shrinking as households prioritize essentials. / USA FinancialContent
• [New] Amazon is reportedly developing consumer AR glasses, codenamed Jayhawk, for release in 2026-2027. MarketingProfs
• [New] Even major tech players like Google and Microsoft, despite their significant sustainability initiatives, are finding their greenhouse gas emissions rising due to rapid AI data center expansion, creating a credibility gap that could impact investor and consumer perception. The Chronicle-Journal
• [New] The coming decade will likely witness further convergence between payment functionality and broader financial services, creating comprehensive ecosystems that manage all aspects of consumer and business financial lives through mobile interfaces. Market Business Insights
• [New] The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) has warned that it will treat biased or deceptive AI outputs as potential violations of consumer protection law (for instance, if an AI decision algorithm unfairly discriminates in lending, that could be an unfair practice). / USA Encryption Consulting
• [New] Expect industries like consumer goods, apparel, and automotive to accelerate here due to faster transit times and cost advantages over Asia. WSI
• Autonomous driving could generate between $300 billion and $400 billion in annual revenue by 2035, largely from shared mobility services, logistics fleets and premium driver assistance features. Zego
• Health and beauty are booming: Consumer health and beauty are high-growth sectors, driven by younger, wellness-focused consumers and expected to see strong global sales through 2028 and beyond. JD Supra
• Retailers like Target and Kroger could see improved sales of big-ticket items as consumer confidence rises. Ainvest
• The next few years will witness major shifts, driven by both technological advancements and evolving consumer expectations. Site Title
• The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology is showcased at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich and is set to expand the GLC line-up starting in the first half of 2026. EVSpecifications
• The now fully-implemented Consumer Duty is expected to drive further enforcement, particularly concerning payments firms (given the FCA's recent focus on their non-compliance) and vulnerable customers. Passle

Last updated: 18 September 2025