Business

Flemish frozen fries giant Clarebout eyes deal with US food titan
Flemish frozen fries giant Clarebout eyes deal with US food titan

Flemish frozen fries giant Clarebout eyes deal with US food titan

Clarebout Potatoes, one of Belgium’s largest frozen potato producers, is reportedly close to striking a major deal with US agri-food giant J.R. Simplot, De Standaard reports. Industry insiders suggest the agreement, potentially
2 days ago
CMB.Tech acquires Norwegian shipping company Golden Ocean
CMB.Tech acquires Norwegian shipping company Golden Ocean

CMB.Tech acquires Norwegian shipping company Golden Ocean

The Antwerp-based maritime group CMB.Tech, formerly known as Euronav, is acquiring the Norwegian dry bulk shipping company Golden Ocean Group. The merger will create one of the largest diversified listed maritime groups
3 days ago
Belgian savings among the best protected in Europe
Belgian savings among the best protected in Europe

Belgian savings among the best protected in Europe

Belgium’s deposit guarantee fund is two to three times larger than comparable schemes in most other European countries, according to figures published on Tuesday by L’Echo, based on data from the European
5 days ago
Record profits for Brussels Airport Company
Record profits for Brussels Airport Company

Record profits for Brussels Airport Company

Brussels Airport Company, the operator of Zaventem airport, achieved record turnover and operating profit last year, but will pay no dividends for the sixth consecutive year. The company’s annual results, released on
2 weeks ago
Engie to introduce ‘happy hour’ energy contracts
Engie to introduce ‘happy hour’ energy contracts

Engie to introduce ‘happy hour’ energy contracts

Energy giant Engie is developing new energy contracts featuring a ‘happy hour’ scheme, where electricity will be cheaper at specific times of the day. This was confirmed by a spokesperson for the
3 weeks ago
AB InBev to invest $300 million in the United States
AB InBev to invest $300 million in the United States

AB InBev to invest $300 million in the United States

Anheuser-Busch, the American subsidiary of the Belgian-Brazilian brewing giant, has announced plans to invest $300 million in the United States this year. The funding will go towards expanding the company’s training centres
3 weeks ago
EU moves to cut off Russian gas by 2027
EU moves to cut off Russian gas by 2027

EU moves to cut off Russian gas by 2027

The European Commission has unveiled a plan to end all imports of Russian gas by the end of 2027, in a bid to boost energy security and reduce financial support for Russia
4 weeks ago
Flemish companies bracing for economic downturn, survey shows
Flemish companies bracing for economic downturn, survey shows

Flemish companies bracing for economic downturn, survey shows

Flemish companies expect a bleak economic outlook for 2025, according to a new survey by employers’ organisation Voka. The survey, conducted among 750 firms, reveals that three-quarters of respondents fear they will
1 month ago
Industry and schools unite to boost practical training
Industry and schools unite to boost practical training

Industry and schools unite to boost practical training

To address the growing demand for technically skilled workers, industry leaders and education networks are joining forces to “strengthen the bridge between companies and schools.” The joint plan, announced Friday, responds to
1 month ago
Governments eye billion-euro stake in Brussels Airport
Governments eye billion-euro stake in Brussels Airport

Governments eye billion-euro stake in Brussels Airport

The federal and Flemish governments are exploring a joint purchase of the Canadian pension fund OTPP’s 30 per cent stake in Brussels Airport, potentially taking majority control. The price tag could be
1 month ago
CMB.TECH to merge with Golden Ocean, expanding global fleet
CMB.TECH to merge with Golden Ocean, expanding global fleet

CMB.TECH to merge with Golden Ocean, expanding global fleet

Antwerp-based CMB.TECH, formerly known as Euronav, plans to merge with Norwegian dry bulk shipping company Golden Ocean Group. The merger would create one of the world’s largest diversified listed maritime groups, with
1 month ago
Meli aims to become Europe's largest honey company by 2030
Meli aims to become Europe's largest honey company by 2030

Meli aims to become Europe’s largest honey company by 2030

Belgian honey producer Meli has announced its ambition to become Europe’s largest honey company by 2030. The statement coincides with the company’s centenary celebrations this year. To achieve this goal, Meli plans
2 months ago
Belgian company delays IPO over global market turmoil
Belgian company delays IPO over global market turmoil

Belgian company delays IPO over global market turmoil

Belgian company I-care Group is delaying its plans to enter the stock market due to the economic instability caused by US trade tariffs.  The specialist in predictive maintenance for industrial machinery, based
2 months ago
Flemish exports amounted to 418bn euros last year
Flemish exports amounted to 418bn euros last year

Flemish exports amounted to 418bn euros last year

According to figures from Statistics Flanders, the export of goods from Flanders amounted to 418 billion euros in 2024. That is 3.7% less than in 2023, but still the third-highest export figure
2 months ago
Deutsche Bank to slash 2,000 jobs
Deutsche Bank to slash 2,000 jobs

Deutsche Bank to slash 2,000 jobs

The German bank’s move to downsize comes due to falling profits. Deutsche Bank also plans to close several of its branches. Germany’s largest bank, Deutsche Bank, plans to cut around 2,000 jobs in
2 months ago
OECD warns of slowing global growth amid trade tensions
OECD warns of slowing global growth amid trade tensions

OECD warns of slowing global growth amid trade tensions

The leading economic organization cut its forecast for global growth due to trade tensions sparked by Donald Trump’s tariffs. It warned that conditions could worsen. Global growth is expected to slow due
3 months ago
Germany: Inflation at 2.3% in February
Germany: Inflation at 2.3% in February

Germany: Inflation at 2.3% in February

Food prices have contributed to high inflation, reaching its highest rate since January 2024. German consumer prices rose by 2.3% in February compared to the same month last year, according to the Federal
3 months ago
Boycott USA! Trump tariffs prompt backlash against US goods
Boycott USA! Trump tariffs prompt backlash against US goods

Boycott USA! Trump tariffs prompt backlash against US goods

The Trump administration’s uncompromising approach to tariffs appears to have sparked a trend in opposition — boycott campaigns against American products from consumers and companies. Scandinavian countries and Canada are at the forefront of
3 months ago
Stock market selloff: Is a US recession ahead?
Stock market selloff: Is a US recession ahead?

Stock market selloff: Is a US recession ahead?

When Donald Trump was reelected in November, many investors declared the so-called Trump Trade would spur US stocks to new highs. But markets are now spooked by fears the world’s largest economy
3 months ago
Deutsche Post to slash 8,000 jobs
Deutsche Post to slash 8,000 jobs

Deutsche Post to slash 8,000 jobs

High costs have pushed Deutsche Post to cut thousands of jobs by the end of the year, the company said. Some 8,000 of the 187,000 people working for Germany’s mail service Deutsche Post as
3 months ago
Adidas profits up after 'Yeezy' scandal, job cuts to come
Adidas profits up after 'Yeezy' scandal, job cuts to come

Adidas profits up after ‘Yeezy’ scandal, job cuts to come

Despite returning to profitability as it moves on from its collaboration with the rapper Ye, the German sportswear manufacturer has confirmed hundreds of job cuts at its Bavarian headquarters. German sportswear giant Adidas has
3 months ago
Germany: Strikes paralyze Düsseldorf and Cologne airports
Germany: Strikes paralyze Düsseldorf and Cologne airports

Germany: Strikes paralyze Düsseldorf and Cologne airports

Passengers at Düsseldorf and Cologne-Bonn airports faced massive flight cancellations and delays on Monday. A separate strike has been called at Munich Airport later in the week. The airports of Cologne-Bonn and
3 months ago
Trump tariffs would up US prices for German cars
Trump tariffs would up US prices for German cars

Trump tariffs would up US prices for German cars

A German car association called tariffs proposed by President Donald Trump a “provocation” that would increase prices for US consumers. The group also said any further tariffs would “directly hit the American
3 months ago
Germany: Porsche set to slash jobs by 2029
Germany: Porsche set to slash jobs by 2029

Germany: Porsche set to slash jobs by 2029

Luxury car maker Porsche has announced plans to cut almost 2,000 jobs over the next five years. German sportscar manufacturer Porsche on Thursday said it was planning to cut some 1,900 jobs at
4 months ago
Commerzbank plans job cuts, new goals to fend off UniCredit
Commerzbank plans job cuts, new goals to fend off UniCredit

Commerzbank plans job cuts, new goals to fend off UniCredit

Germany’s Commerzbank is upping the ante in exploring defense strategies to maintain a stand-alone strategy in the face of a potential takeover by Italy’s UniCredit. Germany’s Commerzbank is reportedly preparing staff cuts in
4 months ago
Transparency International: Corruption is a climate issue
Transparency International: Corruption is a climate issue

Transparency International: Corruption is a climate issue

Several countries, including Germany, have received their lowest score yet on the global watchdog’s “Corruption Perceptions Index.” Corruption is threatening global efforts to tackle climate change, the graft monitor Transparency International warned in a report
4 months ago
Germany: Tesla sales plunge almost 60% in January
Germany: Tesla sales plunge almost 60% in January

Germany: Tesla sales plunge almost 60% in January

Observers have linked Tesla’s troubles with CEO Elon Musk’s support for the German far right and US President Donald Trump. Tesla sales plummeted in Germany in January, according to official data, after billionaire Elon Musk threw
4 months ago
Germany: Number of unemployed highest in 10 years
Germany: Number of unemployed highest in 10 years

Germany: Number of unemployed highest in 10 years

The number of unemployed people in Germany has risen to its highest in a decade. The rise comes as the weakness of Europe’s largest economy took its toll on the labor market.
4 months ago
Panama Canal: What's at stake for China amid US threats?
Panama Canal: What's at stake for China amid US threats?

Panama Canal: What’s at stake for China amid US threats?

US President Donald Trump has vowed to “take back” control of the Panama Canal. Could Washington’s tough talk create an opening for Beijing? Washington’s new top diplomat, Marco Rubio, will travel to Panama this
4 months ago
Germany: 2025 economic growth forecast lowered
Germany: 2025 economic growth forecast lowered

Germany: 2025 economic growth forecast lowered

Berlin brought down its 2025 economic growth forecast from 1.1% to 0.3%. A government report cited the collapse of the government as the main reason. The German government announced on Wednesday an economic growth
4 months ago
Austrian property tycoon Rene Benko arrested
Austrian property tycoon Rene Benko arrested

Austrian property tycoon Rene Benko arrested

The founder of fallen Austrian property group Signa, Rene Benko has been arrested on suspicion of fraud, prosecutors say. Austrian prosecutors on Thursday said Rene Benko, who founded the property group Sigma,
4 months ago
China to start probing US exports of 'mature chips'
China to start probing US exports of 'mature chips'

China to start probing US exports of ‘mature chips’

Beijing has accused US companies of having an “unfair competitive advantage.” Days ago, the US announced new rules for exporting computer chips aimed at stopping advanced tech from being sent to rivals.
5 months ago
Davos: Wars top global concerns ahead of WEF
Davos: Wars top global concerns ahead of WEF

Davos: Wars top global concerns ahead of WEF

Ahead of next week’s annual World Economic Forum in Davos, a survey suggests that industry leaders see armed conflict as the biggest potential threat to global economies in 2025. Armed conflict and
5 months ago
German economy shrank once again in 2024
German economy shrank once again in 2024

German economy shrank once again in 2024

The Federal Statistical Office has reported a 0.2% contraction in GDP, making it the second year in a row the economy has fallen. Germany has been struggling with a cost of living
5 months ago
US: SEC sues Elon Musk for securities violation over X
US: SEC sues Elon Musk for securities violation over X

US: SEC sues Elon Musk for securities violation over X

US financial regulator has sued Elon Musk for failing to properly disclose his purchase of Twitter shares, a secrecy that allowed him to buy stock at “artificially low prices.” The US Securities
5 months ago
Chinese exports rise in December, beating expectations
Chinese exports rise in December, beating expectations

Chinese exports rise in December, beating expectations

China’s trade surplus increased in 2024, with Germany one of the many countries operating at a deficit to Beijing. Chinese factories were rushing to produce as much as possible ahead of Donald
5 months ago
Honda and Nissan launch negotiations for historic merger
Honda and Nissan launch negotiations for historic merger

Honda and Nissan launch negotiations for historic merger

Collaboration between the rival Japanese car makers set to create the world’s third-largest automaker by sales. The auto giants are faced with increasing competition from electric vehicles made in China. Honda and
5 months ago
Eurozone inflation rises less than expected, more in Germany
Eurozone inflation rises less than expected, more in Germany

Eurozone inflation rises less than expected, more in Germany

Inflation across the Eurozone continued to rise in November, but less than expected. Germany, however, was among those countries which bucked the trend. Inflation in the European Union’s single currency area has increased for
5 months ago
Nissan, Honda inch closer to possible merger
Nissan, Honda inch closer to possible merger

Nissan, Honda inch closer to possible merger

The two Japanese carmakers confirmed reports that they would be ‘collaborating’ more closely. They were also holding talks with Mitsubishi, with whom they have a parts-sharing agreement for electric vehicles. Japanese car
6 months ago
China retail growth slows, agency calls for 2025 support
China retail growth slows, agency calls for 2025 support

China retail growth slows, agency calls for 2025 support

New Chinese economic performance indicators for November show growth but a slowdown in retail sales despite efforts to incentivize spending. Beijing is bracing for possible impacts of a second Trump term in
6 months ago
China retail growth slows, agency calls for 2025 support
China retail growth slows, agency calls for 2025 support

China retail growth slows, agency calls for 2025 support

New Chinese economic performance indicators for November show growth but a slowdown in retail sales despite efforts to incentivize spending. Beijing is bracing for possible impacts of a second Trump term in
6 months ago
Merkel's book already the most successful of the year
Merkel's book already the most successful of the year

Merkel’s book already the most successful of the year

The ex-chancellor’s memoir “Freedom” has already sold 200,000 copies in Germany in just one week on bookstore shelves. Merkel has embarked on a whirlwind promotion tour in Europe and the US. Angela
6 months ago
China hits back at US chip sanctions with bans on exports
China hits back at US chip sanctions with bans on exports

China hits back at US chip sanctions with bans on exports

Beijing said it would restrict exports to the United States of some key components for making semiconductors. The development comes after Washington announced curbs targeting China’s ability to make advanced chips. China announced
6 months ago
France's Macron hosts Nigeria's Tinubu for talks in Paris
France's Macron hosts Nigeria's Tinubu for talks in Paris

France’s Macron hosts Nigeria’s Tinubu for talks in Paris

‘Nigeria is open for business,’ President Bola Tinubu said after his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. Nigeria is France’s top trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu arrived in France on Thursday
6 months ago
German economy grows slower than expected in third quarter
German economy grows slower than expected in third quarter

German economy grows slower than expected in third quarter

According to preliminary data from the federal statistics office, the economy grew only 0.1% compared to the second quarter. Economists hope sinking inflation will drive consumer spending. The Federal Statistical Office, or
6 months ago
VW talks: Union demands deal before Christmas
VW talks: Union demands deal before Christmas

VW talks: Union demands deal before Christmas

Volkswagen has threatened plant closures and layoffs in a bid to reduce labor costs. Workers could declare strikes starting in December if talks fall through. Workers’ representatives have called for a deal
6 months ago
Why are US authorities seeking sale of Google Chrome?
Why are US authorities seeking sale of Google Chrome?

Why are US authorities seeking sale of Google Chrome?

US antitrust officials have proposed that Google should be forced to sell its Chrome browser after the company was found guilty of illegally monopolizing the search market. How important is Chrome for
6 months ago
Germany: Police remove Tesla protesters from forest camp
Germany: Police remove Tesla protesters from forest camp

Germany: Police remove Tesla protesters from forest camp

Authorities say those protesting the US carmaker’s expansion plans will be allowed to return after the area is combed for WWII bombs. Environmentalists have fought expansion for months and call authorities dishonest.
6 months ago