Global Scans · Decent Work and Growth · Weekly Summary

In September 2015, 193 world leaders agreed to 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. If these Goals are completed, it would mean an end to extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030.
Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.

• [New] Corporate earnings growth in the US was less than expected but nonetheless resilient and particularly strong in technology, and durable consumer demand sustained growth - even as inflationary pressures persisted. Global English
• [New] The Middle East is a significant source of non-OECD demand growth, with consumption increasing by 0.1 million b/d in 2026 and 0.2 million b/d in 2027. EIA - Energy Information Administration
• [New] Liquids fuels consumption will grow by 1.1 million b/d in non-OECD countries in 2026 and another 1.2 million b/d in 2027, making up nearly all of global liquid fuels consumption growth. EIA - Energy Information Administration
• [New] We forecast liquid fuels production in Brazil, Guyana, and Argentina increases by 0.6 million b/d in 2026, leading growth outside of OPEC +. EIA - Energy Information Administration
• [New] By delivery model, the remote / digital advisory & monitoring segment is expected to expand at a remarkable growth with a CAGR of approximately 15% between 2026 and 2035. Precedence Research
• [New] Consensus estimates project 14% S&P 500 earnings growth in 2026 led by the technology and materials (+21%) sectors, while early 2027 figures suggest that earnings growth will broaden to other sectors. ATB Financial
• [New] Recognising that future demand for critical minerals cannot be met by domestic production alone, the UK will aim to deliver diversification by developing international growth partnerships with resource-rich countries and technology partners to secure the long-term supply of critical minerals. JD Supra
• [New] With fragile global supply chains and the risk of retaliatory or escalating trade measures growing, organizations like the CBI will need to work hand in glove with government to ensure businesses are supported to manage short-term shocks. CBI
• [New] Global bunker fuel demand is expected to flatline at around 5 million b/d through to 2030, as emissions regulations, efficiency gains and weak trade growth weigh on consumption. Ship & Bunker
• [New] Central China's Henan province, targeting around 5% GDP growth in 2026, plans to nurture national advanced manufacturing clusters in areas like new power equipment and modern food, and accelerate emerging industrial clusters. chinadailyhk
• [New] Guangdong, China's largest provincial economy and a manufacturing and foreign trade hub, expects a growth of between 4.5% and 5% in 2026 and an average annual growth of around 5% in the coming five years. chinadailyhk
• [New] The Chinese capital Beijing has set a 5-percent GDP growth target for 2026, while aiming for an average annual growth of 4.5 to 5% for the 2026-2030 period. chinadailyhk
• [New] NB-IoT technology type segment is anticipated to hold the highest growth rate at 15.1% during the forecast period 2024-2030. IndustryARC
• [New] Europe is expected to witness the fastest growth during the predicted timeframe. Precedence Research
• [New] India's growth drivers are increasingly domestically anchored, reducing vulnerability to external shocks. Economic Times
• [New] Asia Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth due to the increasing demand for automation solutions, rising disposable incomes, high R&D investments, rapid urbanization, and a growing tech-savvy population. Precedence Research
• [New] WITEC's work is expected to accelerate growth in high-value jobs across research, engineering, clinical validation, and health-care services, and attract strategic investments that foster biomedical innovation and industry partnerships in Singapore, the United States, and beyond. MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• [New] Citi has expected the growth rate of semiconductor exports to more than double to 54% in 2026 from last year's 22%. Yonhap News Agency
• In 2026, organizations will increasingly structure work around skills rather than positions. Amberjack
• With technology and the world of work changing faster than ever, experience will remain valuable but become increasingly rare. Amberjack
• The Bank of Thailand (BoT) has forecast economic growth - of 1.5% in 2026. https://www.bangkokpost.com
• Exports, a key driver of Thai growth, are expected to rise 1.0% this year, compared with an earlier forecast of a 1.5% decline. https://www.bangkokpost.com
• The global environment remains fragile, with growth projected to soften amid heightened trade tensions, geopolitical risks, and structural constraints such as limited fiscal space in many developing economies. South Africa

Last updated: 08 February 2026