Our Scans · (LF.12) Responsible Consumption and Production · 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 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

• [New] Several Chinese EV giants are shaping up as formidable competitors, as both BYD and CATL have announced plans to initiate small-scale production of solid-state EV batteries in 2027. Engadget
• [New] Mexico has a portfolio of investment opportunities in strategic agro-industrial and bioenergy chains, aimed at increasing the added value of production and improving the competitiveness of the rural sector. HandInHand
• [New] In rare earth refining, new projects in the United States and production increases in Malaysia reduced the share of the top supplier from over 90% in 2023 to 85% in 2025, and if planned projects come online as scheduled, it is projected to fall to 70% by 2035. IEA
• [New] Disruptions in component manufacturing, international logistics, and raw material availability have increased production costs, extended delivery timelines, and delayed the deployment of medical drone fleets across healthcare systems worldwide. Straits Research
• [New] Domestic fluid milk consumption in 2026 is expected to decline by 0.5%, continuing a long-term downward trend. Economic Development & Finance Authority
• [New] Global per-capita alcohol consumption is falling across every region, with volumes potentially halving by 2050. Roland Berger
• [New] While momentum is building across key markets, including Europe, the US and China, companies believe further progress will depend on coordinated action to scale production and encourage consumer uptake. CNS Media
• [New] China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology stated at the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference that China's annual humanoid robot production volume is expected to exceed 100,000 units in 2026. Tech Times
• [New] Global REE production remains concentrated in a few countries, making supply chains vulnerable to disruption. AZOM
• [New] Countries on Europe's eastern edge, such as Poland and Romania, are well positioned to support production of new capabilities close to potential frontlines, which could prove critical in a protracted conflict in which transoceanic logistics are contested. gmfus
• [New] India stands out as the largest opportunity: a combination of manufacturing capacity building, infrastructure investment, demographic advantages, and policy liberalization is attracting production that was previously concentrated in China. Forbes
• [New] Lower US corn production will underpin a general rise in the global grain values in the second half of 2026. Elders
• [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] Australia's farm gate production value is forecast to reach $100 billion next financial year, despite farmers facing serious challenges with seasonal conditions and the impact of the war in the Middle East. Mirage News
• [New] Transboundary impacts of pesticide use in food production Approximately 3.7 Tg of pesticides are used annually in global crop production to help protect yield, but pesticides pose risks to ecosystem and human health. Beyond Pesticides
• [New] Asia Pacific is anticipated to be the fastest-growing region globally in 2026 with a share of 29.7%, as television and streaming audiences continue to expand alongside rising internet access, smart TV adoption, and digital media consumption. Persistence Market Research
• [New] US data centers alone are expected to triple electricity consumption by 2030, from around 220 to 600 TWh. investing.com
• [New] Power demand from datacenters will more than double by 2030 to about 945 terawatt-hours, more than the energy consumption of Japan. The Guardian
• [New] The federal PV tender local component procurement ratio stands at 50% in 2026, rising incrementally to 60% by 2030, driving global PV manufacturers to build domestic U.S. production bases - the core driver of overseas factory investment in the U.S. from 2026 to 2030. Solar Panel Production Equipment and Machinery-Lithium
• [New] The European Chips Act is further accelerating semiconductor investments aimed at expanding Europe's share in global semiconductor production by 2030, which is expected to strengthen local DSP manufacturing and reduce supply chain dependence on Asian suppliers. Persistence Market Research
• [New] Another focus is putting AI at the center of scientific research and instituting more aggressive national goals, such as recent pledges to deploy a powerful quantum computer by 2028 and have 10 new large nuclear reactors under construction by 2030 to boost electricity production. Mimir's Well
• [New] Mitsubishi Motors plans a 16 billion baht investment by 2030 in Thailand to support electric vehicle technology and production, focusing on pickups and electric SUVs. ST

Last updated: 03 August 2026