In this engaging discussion, President Joe Biden talks about his plans to block Nippon Steel's takeover of U.S. Steel, emphasizing national security and the impact on blue-collar jobs. He delves into Volkswagen’s urgent call for changes due to falling sales, outlining the threat to German jobs and factories. Additionally, Biden highlights Egypt's troubling transition from a gas boom to severe power shortages, examining the broader implications for energy management and public sentiment. Tune in for insights on these pressing economic challenges!
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Quick takeaways
Volkswagen warns of a critical need to adapt within one to two years to declining sales and market share, indicating potential job cuts and factory closures.
President Biden's decision to block Nippon Steel’s acquisition of U.S. Steel drives political controversy amid concerns for job security in the steel industry.
Deep dives
Biden Blocks Nippon Steel's Acquisition
President Joe Biden plans to block Japan's Nippon Steel from acquiring U.S. Steel for nearly $15 billion, citing national security risks. This decision has sparked political debates, particularly as U.S. Steel is a major employer in Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state for Democrats. Critics argue that the move is more about political strategy than actual security concerns, especially as it could endanger thousands of jobs in the steel industry. The announcement has already led to a notable drop in U.S. Steel's shares, raising alarms among investors about the potential ramifications of this blockade.
Volkswagen Faces Crisis Amid Declining Sales
Volkswagen warns it has only a year or two to adapt to declining sales in Europe, as it prepares to shut down factories in Germany. The company's struggles are attributed to a significant loss of market share in China and a drop in demand for electric vehicles amid ongoing economic challenges. Volkswagen plans to implement cost-cutting measures, potentially including job cuts and factory closures, which contradict previous commitments to its workforce. The situation raises concerns about the broader impact on Germany's economy, given Volkswagen's status as the largest automaker in Europe.
Egypt's Gas Field Hopes Diminish
The Zor gas field off the coast of Egypt was expected to make the country self-sufficient in natural gas, but it has faced significant setbacks. After a few years of production, output has dwindled, leading to gas shortages this summer amidst growing economic challenges and a foreign currency crunch. These shortages resulted in daily blackouts, causing public frustration and disruptions for businesses during extreme heatwaves. In response, Egypt is seeking to restore its natural gas output and is looking toward imported gas from Israel while also aiming to develop alternative energy sources.
Volkswagen calls for drastic measures to bolster profits, and President Joe Biden wants to block a Japanese company’s acquisition of US Steel. Plus, damning findings about the Grenfell Tower fire surface, and Egypt’s journey from gas bonanza to power blackouts
The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Michela Tindera, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.