Daily Update — September 18, 2025
Global Water Stress; Energy Running AI; and Automakers Navigate Tariffs
Today is Thursday, September 18, 2025, and here’s your curated selection of Essential Intelligence on global markets from S&P Global. Subscribe to be notified of each new Daily Update.
Energy Transition & Sustainability
Beneath the surface: Water stress in data centers
Companies worldwide are building or leasing data centers to address growing AI demand. Data centers that use water-based cooling consume significant amounts of water. This research analyzes global data center exposure to water stress, examining the current decade and the 2050s under moderate and moderate-to-high emissions scenarios using projections from S&P Global Sustainable1’s Physical Risk dataset.
Water stress exposure is already high in some regions, and the overall industry’s exposure is expected to slightly increase by the 2050s. This research examines the business implications of water risks for data center operators and owners and the approaches that data centers are taking to mitigate their exposure.
Artificial Intelligence
Listen: AI Data Centers: How Energy Keeps Them Running | Masters of Risk
AI systems engineer Wish Bakshi, founder of AQ Energy, joined host Stewart Webster on the “Masters of Risk” podcast for a compelling two-part conversation on a range of topics, including grid stress, financial risk and supply chain pressure. In this episode, they have an in-depth conversation about AI data centers, digital infrastructure and the complex energy systems behind them.
Global Trade
OEM pricing strategy evolves with tariff effects
Since May 3, automakers have been navigating a complex US trade policy, which includes a 25% tariff on imported vehicles and parts from nearly all countries. Although trade negotiations may reduce this tariff, few new deals have been signed so far.
Early expectations of an immediate pass-through of costs to consumers have not materialized. Instead, automakers have taken a more measured approach to their pricing and production strategies, even as tariff effects ripple across supply chains and cost structures. As uncertainty continues, manufacturers that can swiftly adapt to market changes and effectively communicate their value propositions to consumers will be better positioned to thrive in this challenging environment.
In case you missed it
- Syria's first crude shipment in 14 years arrived at Italy's Trieste port after a partial discharge at Italy's Sarroch Oil Terminal on Sept. 10, according to S&P Global Commodity Insights’ Commodities at Sea data.
- Global bunker supplier Peninsula said Sept. 16 that it launched physical bunker supply operations in Algoa Bay, South Africa, in collaboration with Linsen Nambi, a Durban-based logistics service provider and bunker barge operator.
- The European Commission launched a comprehensive review of the EU's energy security framework, acknowledging critical shortcomings exposed during the energy crisis triggered by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which left the bloc scrambling to adopt emergency measures.
Upcoming events
- S&P Healthcare Credit Vital Signs: Outlook Checkup, Early Thoughts for 2026 | September 23 (Webinar)
- Investing Under Uncertainty: Beyond the Energy Transition | September 23 (Webinar)
- CERAWeek 2026 | March 23–27, 2026 (Houston)