enFRANCE 24’s analyses of the economic events and technological innovations shaping our world, including economic trends, energy markets, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and space exploration.https://www.france24.com/en/business-tech/Fri, 18 Sep 2026 15:30:49 GMTBusinesshttps://www.france24.com/en/french-fishermen-to-end-blockades-over-fuel-prices French fishermen have agreed to lift their blockades at fuel depots and ports, including Nice, after talks with the government over financial aid. They say soaring fuel prices since the start of the war with Iran are pushing them to the brink. Also in the segment: India could be hit by fresh US tariffs if it keeps buying Russian oil. US lawmakers approved a new sanctions package that ratchets up the economic pressure on Moscow and its trading partners.   f44a23e4-b2d6-11f1-ad61-07d2e1dc9a13Thu, 17 Sep 2026 20:43:00 GMTKate MOODYBusinesshttps://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/business/20260917-us-federal-reserve-hikes-interest-rates-for-the-first-time-in-three-years The US central bank raised its benchmark rate by .25 percent, with new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh defying President Donald Trump's desire for lower rates. Consumer banks and bond markets react. Also, OpenAI reveals new incidents of AI misconduct as fears grow that the technology could escape human control. 6698fb1c-b270-11f1-8730-7fa9e492671fThu, 17 Sep 2026 09:08:23 GMTBryan QUINNBusinesshttps://www.france24.com/en/us-federal-reserve-defies-trump-with-interest-rate-hike The US Federal Reserve has raised its key interest rates for the first time in three years, as it seeks to bring down high inflation. The policy decision sets up a potential confrontation between Chairman Kevin Warsh and President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly called on the central bank to cut interest rates. Also in this segment: France extends fuel subsidies as fishermen’s protests gather momentum, and Hong Kong seeks to fall in line with Beijing's economic vision.  710cfc58-b20f-11f1-8744-e126d0d9fc5eWed, 16 Sep 2026 21:38:45 GMTKate MOODYBusinesshttps://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/business/20260915-horizontal-or-vertical-europeans-invited-to-vote-on-future-banknote-designs People in the single-currency Eurozone have been invited to vote on the designs of upcoming euro bank bills. Proposed designs include historic figures like Marie Curie and Leonardo da Vinci, as well as a vertical format. They are expected to enter circulation around 2030. But first, as higher fuel prices stemming from the Iran war hurt consumers, fishermen in southern France scuffled with police as they tried to blockade an oil depot.  5510d66e-b147-11f1-acc6-15aa3989ebe4Tue, 15 Sep 2026 20:52:12 GMTYuka ROYERBusinesshttps://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/business/20260914-nigeria-s-dangote-refinery-kicks-off-blockbuster-ipo Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote launched the biggest-ever share sale on the African continent, listing 4.1 billion shares in his Lagos refinery on the stock exchange.  He framed it as a "people's IPO" to give all Nigerians a chance to share the plant's wealth potentials. Trading is expected to start in November. Meanwhile, global oil prices continued to advance as attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels forced Saudi Arabia to shut down its East-West oil pipeline.  0cda3672-b07c-11f1-a9f6-e5693c06a267Mon, 14 Sep 2026 20:46:19 GMTYuka ROYERBusinesshttps://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/business/20260910-record-heat-and-drought-make-this-year-s-champagne-stronger For the first time, French champagne producers are allowed to sell their bubbly with more than 13% alcohol, as record heatwaves and drought have resulted in grapes containing unusually high levels of sugar. They fear that climate change may eventually force them to permanently rewrite the rules governing winemaking.  Also in the segment, the European Central Bank raised interest rates for the second time this year amid higher energy costs, as a potential new gas crisis looms over Europe.  e8c5856e-ad53-11f1-8464-5f4441d89969Thu, 10 Sep 2026 20:12:35 GMTYuka ROYERBusinesshttps://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/business/20260910-apple-s-new-foldable-iphone-expensive-gadget-or-bold-statement John Ternus, Apple's new CEO, unveiled the tech giant's latest smartphone on Wednesday. The foldable iPhone Duo will go on sale on October 23rd starting at $1,999, making it the most expensive iPhone to date. The move is a bid to comfort the US company's position at the top of the global smartphone market. Also in this edition, we head to Argentina where President Javier Milei's free market approach has led to a downturn in manufacturing. 0c425b22-acee-11f1-bfc3-8d76b8e55cdaThu, 10 Sep 2026 10:28:18 GMTCharles PELLEGRINBusinesshttps://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/business/20260909-european-space-sector-in-the-spotlight-as-paris-hosts-international-space-summit Paris's Grand Palais will host a two-day International Space Summit this Wednesday to promote global cooperation in the sector. A number of deals and investments for European space firms are expected to be announced as part of a wider plan to strengthen Europe's position in a field dominated by the US and China. Also in this edition: the US and Canada are locked in a tit-for-tat battle over tariffs. 634a203a-ac26-11f1-9d7b-51e6e0840641Wed, 09 Sep 2026 09:17:52 GMTCharles PELLEGRINBusinesshttps://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/business/20260908-canada-pm-stands-his-ground-as-ottawa-s-retaliatory-tariffs-on-us-goods-take-effect Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said it was a shame that trade talks with the US collapsed but that he would continue to fight to protect Canada's sovereignty. Meanwhile, his government's promised counter-tariffs on $20 billion worth of US exports took effect. Also in the segment: Cuba says economic damage from decades of US trade embargo has risen to a record $8 billion.  d53fc106-abc0-11f1-a8ce-5d25218809f1Tue, 08 Sep 2026 20:11:06 GMTYuka ROYERBusinesshttps://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/business/20260908-trump-threatens-ban-on-bombardier-as-canada-s-retaliatory-tariffs-kick-in Canada's retaliatory tariffs of up to 50 percent on approximately $19.8 billion worth of US goods came into effect this Tuesday, further escalating the trade war between the two neighbours. At the same time, US President Donald Trump is threatening to ban sales of all Bombardier aircraft in the US, in spite of the Canadian company's deep web of US suppliers. Also in this edition: Iran raises the price of gasoline and French startup Mistral AI is now valued at €21 billion. 3acbd800-ab5a-11f1-960b-f327b1ecd539Tue, 08 Sep 2026 09:16:17 GMTCharles PELLEGRINBusinesshttps://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/business/20260907-volkswagen-s-osnabr%C3%BCck-plant-to-switch-from-cars-to-defence Crisis-hit Volkswagen has struck a preliminary deal to sell its Osnabrück plant in Lower Saxony to the state government and Israeli investor Aurelius Capital.  From mid-2027, the iconic factory is expected to start producing equipment for Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, the company behind the Iron Dome missile defence system. But first, we take a look at the state of the German economy following the far-right AfD's historic election win in Saxony-Anhalt.  e70e7a0e-aafc-11f1-8762-c3f6884f5929Mon, 07 Sep 2026 20:52:55 GMTYuka ROYERTech 24https://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/tech-24/20260907-driverless-taxi-services-are-rolling-out-fast-across-the-world From Austin to London, the current robotaxi boom is raising hard questions about safety and jobs. We take a closer look in this edition of Tech 24. 52170c8e-a9f5-11f1-9e31-9b447c8e7aa4Mon, 07 Sep 2026 12:29:33 GMTCharlotte LamBusinesshttps://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/business/20260907-german-startup-notches-europe-s-first-successful-private-orbital-launch German startup Isar Aerospace becomes the first company to achieve a successful private orbital space launch. But first: Germany's far-right AfD party scores a big electoral victory, pushed along in part by the country's structural economic crisis and its fiscal policies. 5eb99626-aa97-11f1-b6e7-9365a386766eMon, 07 Sep 2026 09:32:58 GMTBryan QUINNBusinesshttps://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/business/20260903-el-ni%C3%B1o-weather-phenomenon-set-to-deliver-massive-blow-to-global-economy The UN warns El Niño is a "supersized" phenomenon that will hit the global economy. Meanwhile, UK cider producers are feeling the impact of drought. Plus, Nvidia buys AI developer platform Hugging Face for $12.9 billion.  1eeed936-a7cf-11f1-8c2a-c9b691556019Thu, 03 Sep 2026 19:52:47 GMTCamille KNIGHThttps://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/people-profit/20260903-please-welcome-the-newest-member-to-our-team-the-ai-agent This week, we're looking look at efforts to incorporate artificial intelligence into the workplace. But not just your run-of-the-mill generative AI chatbot: we're focusing on actual AI agents. These are autonomous programs designed to take on tasks and work through a series of steps without the user having to specify every move. And they're moving into our everyday lives – helping people plan holidays, shop online and take care of other routine tasks. 789010c0-a6d7-11f1-99a0-e145f444c45cThu, 03 Sep 2026 14:25:11 GMTCharles PELLEGRINBusinesshttps://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/business/20260902-us-energy-secretary-vows-oil-output-will-double-on-visit-to-venezuela US Energy Secretary Chris Wright landed in Venezuela on Tuesday ahead of a signing ceremony for a landmark oil deal between the US government and Venezuela. The deal would see the US create and control a private company that will hold 65 billion barrels in proven oil reserves. This agreement is also meant to encourage other US energy firms to invest in the country, in spite of serious challenges. In this edition, we see what other deals could be announced and what those challenges are. 3b69a350-a6a5-11f1-bcec-2550b3ae531dWed, 02 Sep 2026 09:17:57 GMTCharles PELLEGRINA proposhttps://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/a-propos/20260901-subtle-changes-pointing-to-consumer-fatigue-a-challenge-for-fast-fashion-retailers-expert-says A federation of European textile associations called on Tuesday for an import fee of €10 on fashion imports, the latest effort to stem the flood of ultra-cheap competition mainly from China. Speaking with FRANCE 24's Sharon Gaffney, Dr Sheng Lu, Professor at the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies at the University of Delaware, says that it remains to be seen just "to what extent such measures would push groups like Shein to change their business model", adding that fast-fashion retailers may have to start to contend with "consumer fatigue". cf5f9ad6-a64d-11f1-b7a8-592be99a90dbTue, 01 Sep 2026 21:40:54 GMTSharon GAFFNEYhttps://www.france24.com/en/subtle-changes-pointing-to-consumer-fatigue-a-challenge-for-fast-fashion-retailers-expert-says A federation of European textile associations called on Tuesday for an import fee of €10 on fashion imports, the latest effort to stem the flood of ultra-cheap competition mainly from China. Speaking with FRANCE 24's Sharon Gaffney, Dr Sheng Lu, Professor at the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies at the University of Delaware, says that it remains to be seen just "to what extent such measures would push groups like Shein to change their business model", adding that fast-fashion retailers may have to start to contend with "consumer fatigue". e631194a-a64a-11f1-b8c9-c9290005fc0eTue, 01 Sep 2026 21:37:08 GMTFRANCE24Businesshttps://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/business/20260901-global-bond-selloff-deepens-as-us-launches-fresh-attacks-on-iran Oil prices rose, stocks fell and bond yields spiked after the US launched fresh attacks on Iranian targets. Japan's 10-year bond yield hit 3 percent for the first time since 1996. The deepening global selloff comes amid fears over rising inflation and concern over mounting government debt, which in the US has risen above $40 trillion. Meanwhile, in the single-currency eurozone, inflation rose to the highest level in three years in August, driven by higher energy prices.  a46e4fb2-a647-11f1-a6de-7d1a514cfab9Tue, 01 Sep 2026 20:56:44 GMTYuka ROYERThe Debatehttps://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/the-debate/20260901-school-wihout-screens-will-france-s-high-school-phone-ban-fly A lot happened during summer recess: France's constitutional council struck down the core of a new law to ban social media for under-15s, but it did validate the extension to high schoolers of a phone ban already in effect for younger pupils. Why one but not the other? On the first day of school across this country and others, we size up what's best for future citizens, parents and teachers, all grappling in this age of distraction with the lure of screens.  9ed1fbf8-a62e-11f1-b898-b30d8ae45997Tue, 01 Sep 2026 18:23:47 GMTFrançois PICARDBusinesshttps://www.france24.com/en/business/20260901-fast-fashion-retailer-shein-makes-tepid-hong-kong-debut-amid-mounting-headwinds Fast-fashion retailer Shein, known for its ultra-low prices and rapidly produced clothes, made a tepid Hong Kong debut on Tuesday, having raised US$1.7 billion in a high-profile initial public offering. The flotation comes after the company's plans to list in New York and London were derailed by regulatory scrutiny. 05fa7fb4-a5b5-11f1-8038-17d49261330fTue, 01 Sep 2026 03:27:12 GMT© Leung Man Hei, AFPFRANCE 24Businesshttps://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/business/20260831-xi-putin-hold-talks-ahead-of-shanghai-cooperation-organization-summit Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin are among the heads of state attending a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit taking place in Kyrgyzstan. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian is also in attendance, where he held bilateral talks with India's Narendra Modi. Marking its 25th anniversary this year, the SCO has strengthened trade ties among its members as the bloc looks to present an alternative to the US-led world order.  a4cfdb30-a57d-11f1-b7c8-a577c0d2835aMon, 31 Aug 2026 20:51:42 GMTYuka ROYERhttps://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/people-profit/20260831-executive-diversity-and-inclusion-how-to-promote-female-leadership CEO Women Europe is a new initiative launched in June of this year to boost partnerships between Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region. Kate Moody meets with Sandrine El Khodry, president of this new platform and also Executive Vice President for Global Sales and Marketing at Alcatel Lucent Enterprise.  8d61ba5e-7f67-11f1-b589-abb95eb81370Mon, 31 Aug 2026 12:51:55 GMTKate MOODYhttps://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/people-profit/20260831-artificial-intelligence-in-europe-does-advanced-ai-have-a-glass-ceiling What does Europe lose if advanced AI adoption stays at current levels? A report commissioned by US tech giant Amazon Web Services finds that skills shortages and regulatory uncertainty are hindering AI adoption in Europe and 38 percent of European startups are looking to move abroad. Charles Pellegrin talks to Sasha Rubel, AWS's head of generative AI policy for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.  ca8f089c-810f-11f1-96ba-1f5f45bd9f1eMon, 31 Aug 2026 09:39:28 GMTCharles PELLEGRINBusinesshttps://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/business/20260831-xi-arrives-for-sco-summit-putin-meeting-as-regional-bloc-pushes-back-on-us-dominance The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit gets underway in Kyrgyzstan, with the leaders of China and Russia attending. But first: the US hosts G20 finance ministers, while America's massive debt may be painting its new central banker into a corner.  446d899e-a515-11f1-baf8-b1343f316295Mon, 31 Aug 2026 09:33:05 GMTBryan QUINNFocushttps://www.france24.com/en/the-era-of-the-machine-silicon-valley-shows-off-humanoid-robots For decades, humanoid robots belonged to the realm of science fiction. But today, they're one of Silicon Valley's hottest markets. According to consulting firm McKinsey, automation could transform up to 30 percent of all hours worked across the US economy by 2030. Dozens of companies are already developing robots that can interact with people and even help with everyday tasks. FRANCE 24's Pierrick Leurent and Valérie Defert report, with Wassim Cornet. c5126fc6-8b4b-11f1-8adb-47afe8582416Wed, 05 Aug 2026 10:48:44 GMTPierrick LEURENTBusinesshttps://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/business/20260720-andy-burnham-s-promise-to-deliver-tangible-improvements-to-britons-lives-put-to-the-test Former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is set to become the United Kingdom's new Prime Minister this Monday. He will do so having reiterated a commitment to help raise the standard of living in the country. However, the Labour leader's agenda will be tested by the country's financial situation and his prior commitments, both of which will limit the scope of his plans. In this segment, we'll look at how his policies promise to deliver higher growth in the short and long term.   155c4b16-8415-11f1-af5c-9bddbb0cf8b0Mon, 20 Jul 2026 08:29:09 GMTCharles PELLEGRINBusinesshttps://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/business/20260716-us-imposes-a-25-percent-tariff-on-some-brazilian-imports-citing-unfair-trade-practices The United States will slap 25 percent tariffs on some Brazilian goods starting July 22 following a yearlong investigation under the Trade Act of 1974. The probe concluded that Brazil engaged in unfair trade practices. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva condemned the move, saying it was politically motivated to favour his rival for upcoming elections, Flavio Bolsonaro. Also in this edition, we look at the Japanese firm trying to bring back 1980's style corporate culture. f3263f12-80e9-11f1-b4a8-f79c7d583a36Thu, 16 Jul 2026 10:37:21 GMTCharles PELLEGRINBusinesshttps://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/business/20260715-chinese-growth-at-its-weakest-since-covid-19-era-in-second-quarter Official data released on Wednesday shows China's GDP grew 4.3 percent in the second quarter, compared to a year prior. The last time quarterly growth was that weak was in late 2022, when China was feeling the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Slow consumer demand, despite a surge in exports, helps explain the slowdown. Also in this edition, Gibraltar's business community breathes a sigh of relief as the physical border between the British overseas territory and Spain is removed. 79a152fe-8020-11f1-b279-8357c7b23f80Wed, 15 Jul 2026 10:39:40 GMTCharles PELLEGRINBusinesshttps://www.france24.com/en/ukraine-strikes-halt-shipping-on-key-wheat-route-as-russian-fuel-crisis-deepens Ukrainian drone strikes have brought shipping in the Sea of Azov to a near standstill, disrupting a corridor that carries up to a quarter of Russia's wheat exports and sending tremors through global grain and oil markets. They have also knocked out a significant share of Russia's refining capacity, prompting Moscow to ban diesel exports until the end of July and further unsettling global oil markets. In Russian-occupied Crimea, petrol prices have reached a record high. 9685b738-7efa-11f1-ad53-f59c2ffa21eeMon, 13 Jul 2026 21:00:50 GMTCharlotte Lam