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] Risks: Potential trade tensions, such as tariffs by the U.S. on key partners like China, could impact global commodity demand affecting cross-border M&A activity and consumer purchasing power. PCE Investment Bankers
• [New] US consumer confidence appears damaged by the threat of tariffs, government layoffs, forced deportations, and policy volatility, with consumer spending down in January. Invesco
• [New] Consumer Spending Shows Strength: March retail and food service sales in the U.S. grew by 4.6%, defying expectations despite looming tariff threats and weakening consumer sentiment. Juphy
• [New] Tariffs will mean higher prices and less choice for US consumers, leading to both higher inflation and lower growth. Armstrong Watson
• [New] Digital payment technologies, ranging from mobile wallets to blockchain transactions, are transforming commerce, improving consumer experiences, and opening new opportunities for businesses throughout the world. The Nation Newspaper
• [New] US-led trade tariff hikes have introduced significant political and economic uncertainty, primarily through passing higher costs for consumers and businesses, alongside the threat of retaliatory measures from trading partners. Banjaran Asset Management
• [New] Most consumers fear the US will be in a recession in the next few months, while 73% said they are concerned about tariffs' impact on grocery prices. FoodNavigator-USA.com
• [New] Headwinds from the trade conflict between Beijing and Washington could dampen demand in the next quarters, as tit-for-tat tariffs raise business costs and hurt consumer sentiment. Morningstar, Inc.
• [New] When prices inevitably rise and houses pass the increased costs on to consumers (Hermes has already said from May its prices in the US will climb), brands that have built an emotional connection with customers may fare better, especially among aspirational shoppers. The Guardian
• [New] Through secure account linking, PayPal users in MEA will now be able to transfer funds seamlessly from mobile wallets and bank accounts. IT News Africa | Business Technology, Telecoms and Star
• [New] The US has seen relatively flat electricity demand from consumers and industry for years, so newly rising demand from high-performance computing will make up a larger chunk. MIT Technology Review
• [New] Automakers which misled consumers by fabricating or exaggerating assisted driving functions in advertisements could face fines of five to 10 times the advertising fee or have their business license revoked, citing China's advertising law. Insurance Journal
• [New] Given the substantial share of BRICS + in US trade, retaliatory tariffs could disrupt supply chains, elevate consumer prices, and harm American industries. TheRise.co.in
• [New] U.S. Consumers: Could face higher prices and reduced product choices due to tariffs and trade disputes. eirenicon llc
• [New] In terms of Economic Impact, the GSMA emphasizes the economic benefits of mobile technologies and services, including 5G, projecting that they will contribute significantly to GDP growth by 2030. Global Upfront Newspapers
• [New] Without action, fintech companies will continue to grow elsewhere, and Canadian consumers will face limited choice, higher costs, and a financial system that's out of step with the modern digital economy. Information Technology and Innovation Foundation | ITIF
• [New] ISW will be introducing a new product line tracking Russian mobilization, force generation efforts, and technological adaptations in the coming days. Institute for the Study of War
• [New] Demand for safe-haven assets such as the Swiss franc tapered off noticeably over the past couple of days following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement that certain consumer electronics will be exempt from steep tariffs on Chinese imports. IC Markets | Official Blog | Blog
• [New] Following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement that certain consumer electronics will be exempt from steep tariffs on Chinese imports, concerns regarding escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China have somewhat alleviated, providing some much-needed relief to financial markets. IC Markets | Official Blog | Blog
• If the US follows through with steep tariffs on imported chips, it could drive up costs for consumers and companies alike. Finance Monthly
• By the 2025 holiday season, consumers will definitely feel it - prices for many diamond jewelry pieces could be easily 10-20% higher than a year prior due to the combined effect of tariffs and normal inflation. Shahla Karimi
• Global electricity demand from data centers is set to more than double over the next five years, consuming as much electricity by 2030 as the whole of Japan does today. IEA

Last updated: 24 April 2025