AGP Executive Report
Last update: 5 hours agoRetail Pulse (UK): Britain’s retail sales rose 1.9% year-on-year in June, helped by heatwave-driven shopping patterns, easing food inflation and World Cup games; food climbed 2.8% while non-food edged up 1.2%, and online penetration hit 39% (up from 37.7%). Back-to-School Bargains (US): The NRF says 62% of shoppers had started back-to-school shopping by early July, with many waiting for deals or buying only essentials first. Packaging Innovation: Graphic Packaging is launching PaceSetter Ridgeline, an uncoated recycled paperboard product using at least 45% postconsumer content, made at its Waco, Texas mill. Trade & Tech (China): China’s exports jumped 27% in June, with AI-related electronics and components cited as key drivers; imports also surged 36%. Smartphones Under Pressure: Global smartphone shipments fell 11% in Q2 2026 amid a memory shortage, with Samsung and Apple gaining share despite weaker demand. Inflation Watch (US): June CPI cooled to 3.5% year-on-year, but energy volatility tied to Middle East tensions keeps rate-cut expectations uncertain. Food & Health Policy (Nigeria): Nigeria rolled out national guidelines for public procurement of food to promote healthier diets and reduce diet-related disease burdens.
Note: AI summary from news headlines; neutral sources weighted more to help reduce bias in the result. Feedback is welcome. Please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions about the AGP Executive Report.