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

7 hours ago

Business

Meat sector warns Flemish restrictions on labour migration could undermine food supply

The Belgian meat industry has criticised a proposal by Employment minister Zuhal Demir (N-VA) to tighten labour migration rules, warning it could jeopardise food security.  The plan would make it harder to

2 days ago

Business

Proportion of private-sector employees with disabilities is falling, study shows

Only 0.23 per cent of employees in Belgium’s private sector had a disability in 2024, a decrease of around 8 per cent compared to 2023, according to figures from HR specialists Acerta

5 days ago

Business·Society

European Central Bank cuts eurozone interest rate for seventh time to 2.25%

The European Central Bank (ECB) has cut the eurozone interest rate for the seventh time since June 2024, reducing it by a further 0.25 percentage point to 2.25%. The ECB made the

6 days ago

Business

Dieselgate: Testaankoop and Volkswagen close case without appeal

After years of legal wrangling, consumer organisation Testaankoop and car manufacturer Volkswagen have agreed not to appeal a July 2023 ruling by the Dutch-speaking court of first instance in Brussels in the

1 week ago

Business

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

1 week ago

Business

Xi Jinping calls on EU to jointly resist ‘unilateral bullying’

Chinese president Xi Jinping has called on the EU to join China in opposing “unilateral bullying”, according to state news agency Xinhua. “China and Europe should shoulder their international responsibilities (…) and

2 weeks ago

World·Business

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 weeks ago

Business

Spotify paid out 34m euros in Belgian music royalties last year

Spotify has paid out over 34 million euros in music royalties to Belgian rights holders in 2024, an increase of 11 per cent compared to 2023. It’s the first time the streaming

2 weeks ago

Innovations·Business

Belgian Court of Audit recommends suspension of SNCB train contract with Spanish firm

The auditor of the Belgian Council of State has recommended that the decision by the national railway company SNCB to award a major train contract to the Spanish manufacturer CAF be suspended,

2 weeks ago

Business

Solvay opens rare earths production line in France to boost European supply

Solvay has inaugurated a new production line for processing and refining rare earth elements in La Rochelle, France, the Belgian chemicals group announced in a press release on Tuesday. It is the

2 weeks ago

Business

Tariff battle pushes Brussels Bel20 index below 4,000 points

The Brussels stock exchange closed deep in the red again on Monday. The Bel20 index lost 3.99 per cent, dropping to 3,930.25 points, the first time since August 2024 that it closed

2 weeks ago

Business

US tariffs will increase import tax on Belgian beer fivefold

The United States is quintupling its import tax on European beer from 5 per cent to 25 per cent, according to foreign minister Maxime Prévot. The news, first reported by De Standaard,

3 weeks ago

Business

Future of North Sea energy island in limbo as government delays decision

The Belgian government has postponed its decision on the development of the Princess Elisabeth energy island in the North Sea, Energy minister Mathieu Bihet announced on Monday. The government wants to take

3 weeks ago

Business

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

3 weeks ago

Business

Frozen fries producer Lutosa invests €225 million in Waregem site

Frozen potato products manufacturer Lutosa is investing 225 million euros in its Waregem plant, the company announced on Saturday. The investment will increase the plant’s capacity and make it more sustainable. Lutosa

1 month ago

Business

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

1 month ago

Business

Germany: Auto giant Audi to slash 7,500 jobs from workforce

The cut represents 8% of the carmaker’s global workforce. It is the latest blow to the German automotive industry, which is already reeling from a stuttering shift to electric cars and stiff

1 month ago

Business

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

1 month ago

Business

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

1 month ago

Business

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

1 month ago

Business

Trump threatens 200% tariff on European alcohol as trade war escalates

President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened to impose a massive tariff on European alcohol in response to the European Union’s retaliation against his steel and aluminum tariffs – a tit-for-tat escalation of

1 month ago

Business

Germany’s Rheinmetall eyes growth chance as Europe rearms

German arms producer Rheinmetall says a new “era of rearmament” in Europe promises it huge prospects of growth. The plans to boost defense spending come as US interest in the continent’s security

1 month ago

Business

Trump tariffs on steel, aluminum imports go into effect

All steel and aluminum imports into the US will now face a sweeping levy of 25%. Canada, Mexico, Brazil and South Korea would be among the countries most heavily affected by the

1 month ago

Business

EU announces ‘countermeasures’ to US steel, aluminum tariffs

The EU has announced tit-for-tat measures against some US goods in response to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. The EU tariffs will hit a range of goods, including steel and aluminum.

1 month ago

Business

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

1 month ago

Business

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

2 months ago

Business

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

2 months ago

Business

China aims for 5% economic growth despite challenges

Xi Jinping’s government hopes to see a 5% economic growth rate in 2025, the same goal as 2024, despite slowing consumer demand at home and what looks like a new trade war

2 months ago

Business

Trump’s tariffs on Canаda, Mexico and China come into effect

Stocks and shares dropped as China and Canada plan to retaliate to the US tariffs. Other US trading partners are fearing similar measures. China announced it will impose additional tariffs of up to

2 months ago

Business

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

2 months ago

Business

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

2 months ago

Business

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

2 months ago

Business

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

2 months ago

Business

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

2 months ago

Business

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

3 months ago

Business

India central bank cuts interest rates amid easing inflation

Central banks around the world cut interest rates last year, with India maintaining higher rates due to lingering inflation. New Delhi now aims to boost urban consumption, which had been a motor

3 months ago

Business

India-Germany submarine deal: What does it mean for Russia?

Germany’s Thyssenkrupp will build six submarines for the Indian Navy along with its Indian partner. However, the deal is not necessarily a sign that New Delhi will end its defense sector dependence

3 months ago

Business

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.

3 months ago

Business

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

3 months ago

Business

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

3 months ago

Business

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,

3 months ago

Business

Billionaires growing richer faster than ever, says Oxfam

Oxfam said trillionaires are expected to emerge within the next decade, as the richest 1% now own 45% of global wealth, while 44% of humanity lives on less than $6.85 per day.

3 months ago

Business

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.

3 months ago

Business

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

3 months ago

Business

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

3 months ago

Business

Pakistan: World Bank announces $20 billion funding plan

The World Bank will supply Pakistan with $20 billion of loans over the next decade which are expected to be invested in nutrition, education and renewable energies in the hope of stimulating

3 months ago

Business

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

3 months ago

Business

LA fires could be ‘costliest’ natural disaster in US history

The devastating wildfires which have hit Los Angeles and other parts of southern California could be one of the costliest natural disasters in US history. They’re also wreaking havoc for already struggling

3 months ago

Business

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

3 months ago

Business

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

4 months ago

Business

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

4 months ago

Business

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

4 months ago

Business

US: TikTok asks Supreme Court to block nationwide ban

TikTok has filed an emergency appeal at the US Supreme Court to delay a law that could see the popular video app banned as early as next month. TikTok on Monday asked the

4 months ago

Business

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

4 months ago

Business

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

4 months ago

Business

German central bank slashes growth outlook for 2025, 2026

Germany’s Bundesbank has drastically trimmed its economic forecasts for the next two years, citing persistent economic woes and structural issues. Separately, there was also grim news about Germany’s exports. The German Bundesbank on Friday

4 months ago

Business

Germany: VW workers announce second strike as cuts loom

The IG Metall workers union said it would increase the pressure ahead of a fourth round of negotiations in the labor dispute. The union accused VW management of ‘slipping layoffs under the

5 months ago

Business

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

5 months ago

Business

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

5 months ago

Business

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

5 months ago

Business

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

5 months ago

Business

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

5 months ago

Business

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

5 months ago

Business

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.

5 months ago

Business

Germany’s VW and Rivian launch joint electric car venture

The German automotive giant said that it was committing to a $5.8 billion investment to boost its transition to electric vehicles in cooperation with US EV-maker Rivian. Embattled German car manufacturer Volkswagen has launched

5 months ago

Business

Italy reaches deal with Lufthansa over sale of stake in ITA

Rome and Lufthansa had been locked into over a year of tough negotiations on the price and terms of the deal. ITA emerged from the failed national carrier Alitalia in 2020. Italy has

5 months ago

Business

What a Donald Trump victory means for the global economy

With Donald Trump likely to return to the White House, his economic ideas could soon become reality. Expect “America First,” tax cuts, tariffs, trade wars and a cryptocurrency boom. As the world

6 months ago

Business

Netflix offices raided in French and Dutch tax probe

Police and fraud experts raided Netflix’s offices in Paris and Amsterdam as part of an investigation into possible fraud. Dutch authorities said they were acting at the behest of the French authorities.

6 months ago

Business

Boeing factory workers end 7-week strike

Boeing employees accepted the company’s offer for a 38% pay rise. The company is still planning to move forward with major job cuts. The US aircraft giant can now restart production and

6 months ago

Business

EU investigates Temu over illegal products

The European Union’s executive arm wants to ensure the Chinese online shopping platform’s goods “meet EU standards and do not harm consumers.” The European Commission opened an investigation into the Chinese online shopping platform Temu on

6 months ago

Business

EU agency finds banned chemicals in some 6% of cosmetics

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) says it identified 285 cosmetic products “from various sellers and at all price ranges” containing chemicals banned in Europe. Its main investigation method was surprisingly simple. A

6 months ago

Business

Germany metalworkers launch strikes over pay

Warning strikes have begun in Germany’s metal and electrical industries as collective bargaining continues amid Volkswagen’s plant closure plans. Germany’s IG Metall union launched strikes in the metal and electrical industries early

6 months ago

Business

VW intends to shut 3 German factories, works council says

The move will slash thousands of jobs, the Volkswagen works council says. It comes as Germany experiences a sluggish economy and automakers deal with high production costs. German automotive giant Volkswagen (VW) plans on

6 months ago

Business

European Central Bank cuts key interest rate to 3.25%

The decision came after new figures showed inflation across the bloc had fallen to its lowest level in more than three years. The European Central Bank (ECB) has cut borrowing costs for the

6 months ago

Business

Inflation in Eurozone cools to 1.7% in September

The slowdown in consumer price increases comes as the European Central Bank is expected to cut interest rates. Year-on-year inflation in the eurozone slowed to 1.7% last month, slightly lower than previously estimated, according to

6 months ago

Business

German exports to US reach new high as election looms

Germany is exporting its highest level of goods to the US in decades. The upcoming elections between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris could have major consequences for the German economy, with Trump

6 months ago

Business

Boeing says it may raise $25 billion as Seattle strike bites

The US aviation giant has been beset with problems in recent years, and a factory worker strike in Seattle had added short term cashflow issues. It’s tried to reassure the markets it

6 months ago

Business

China ‘confident’ of hitting economic goals

Beijing has disappointed investors who were hoping for an announcement of more stimulus measures. Analysts say its 5% growth goal for 2024 is highly optimistic. China on Tuesday expressed certainty it could meet its

7 months ago

Business

Germany reckons with another recession in 2024 — report

The German government expects the economy to shrink for a second year running and has slashed its forecasts, a leading daily says. An industrial slowdown, lower exports and rising energy costs are

7 months ago

Business

EU greenlights tariffs for Chinese electric vehicles

Germany strongly opposes the tariffs amid fears of a trade war with China. Meanwhile, Beijing called the move “protectionist” and threatened retaliatory measures. The European Union voted on Friday to pave the

7 months ago

Business

US dockworkers end strike after tentative pay deal

The strike involving tens of thousands of workers paralyzed US ports along the East and Gulf Coasts. A lengthy strike, some warned, could become a major challenge for the US economy. US

7 months ago

Business

US: Union slams Boeing’s ‘best and final offer’

The plane-maker said it made a “best and final offer” to striking workers, including bigger raises and bonuses, but the union said the proposal wasn’t good enough. Union negotiators on Monday said Boeing’s

7 months ago

Business

Habeck says Germany’s considering how to support Volkswagen

German Economy Minister Robert Habeck said that Berlin is looking into ways to support ailing carmaker Volkswagen amid the threat of job cuts. The firm has been grappling with weak electric vehicle

7 months ago

Business

Tupperware files for bankruptcy as demand shrinks

Once popular for its colorful food storage containers, US firm Tupperware has filed for bankruptcy. The company succumbed to a plummeting demand for its products. Tupperware Brands Inc. and some of its

7 months ago

Business

Boeing US factory workers vote to strike

US factory workers at the embattled planemaker voted overwhelmingly in favor of a strike. The industrial action comes after a series of high-profile safety issues on Boeing aircraft. Boeing workers in the northwestern United

7 months ago

Business

BMW recalls 1.5 million cars over brake issue

German luxury carmaker BMW says it is recalling the vehicles over an apparent brake problem. Partly as a result, the Bavarian company is lowering its sales and profit expectations. BMW on Tuesday announced

7 months ago

Business

Boeing offers 25% pay rise to avoid strike

The aviation giant and a local labor union have agreed to the deal after workers threatened a crippling strike. The company has suffered major financial losses following a series of fatal crashes

8 months ago

Business

Cathay Pacific grounds A350 fleet after engine failure

The Hong Kong carrier said it will inspect all 48 of its Airbus A350 widebody planes after a component of the Rolls-Royce manufactured engine malfunctioned post takeoff. Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Airways

8 months ago

Business

Dutch watchdog fines Uber over driver data protection

A regulator in the Netherlands has slapped ride-hailing app Uber with a €290 million finer for transferring European drivers’ data to the US. The firm described the decision as “extraordinary.” The Dutch data

8 months ago

Business

Australian workers now have the ‘right to disconnect’

A law giving workers the legal “right to disconnect” from work has come into effect in Australia. This gives workers the right to ignore unreasonable contact from their employers outside of work

8 months ago

Business

Lufthansa subsidiary Discover Airlines plans strike

The four-day strike is scheduled to start on Tuesday, trade unions representing pilots and cabin crew said. Founded in 2021, the airline operates 27 aircraft from Munich and Frankfurt to a range

8 months ago

Business

Botswana unearths world’s second-largest diamond

Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi was quick to view and pose with the vast gemstone. Diamonds are a key export for the country, although the company that unearthed the diamond is based in

8 months ago

Business

Germany: Industrial orders up for first time in 6 months

Amid slow economic growth figures, German companies have seen the first month-on-month rise in orders this year. But second-quarter figures overall were still down. German manufacturers received some good news on Tuesday, with

9 months ago

Business

Germany’s unemployment rises as economic growth stalls

July has seen an unexpected jump in unemployment in Germany, with over 2 million people left jobless. The German social welfare system braces itself for spending more on welfare support than planned.

9 months ago

Business

German economy contracts unexpectedly in second quarter

New data shows that Germany’s economic output fell by 0.1% compared to the first quarter. The news dampens prospects of a recovery in Europe’s largest economy. Germany’s economy unexpectedly shrank in the

9 months ago

Business

Large-scale money laundering network uncovered

The Halle-Vilvoorde public prosecutor’s office and federal judicial police have uncovered a large-scale money laundering network. During 13 house searches in Halle-Vilvoorde, Brussels, Mons, Walloon Brabant and Charleroi, eight people were arrested.

9 months ago

Business

Germany: Tesla given go-ahead for Berlin factory expansion

German authorities have granted Elon Musk’s Tesla permission to expand its Gigafactory just outside Berlin. The original plans sparked resistance from locals worried about the environmental impacts. US electric vehicle giant Tesla

10 months ago

Business

German industrial orders decline amid weak foreign demand

The fifth consecutive decline in factory orders and a fall in demand from abroad point to “subdued” industrial activity in the coming months. The Federal German statistics office, Destatis, said Thursday that factory orders

10 months ago

Business

EU slaps tariffs of up to 38% on Chinese electric vehicles

The European Commission has said it is imposing provisional duties on Chinese electric cars to counteract what it called unfair subsidies received by Chinese EV makers. The European Commission on Wednesday announced it

10 months ago

Business