Podcast Summary: De 7 – Episode 09/01

Host: Bert Rymen
Date: January 9, 2026
Main Themes:

• Declining new car sales in Belgium
• Crucial vote for the EU-Mercosur agreement
• Continued rally of chip manufacturer stocks

Episode Overview

In this episode of De 7, journalist Bert Rymen brings listeners up to speed on the seven key points to start the day strong. The episode covers the concerning drop in new car sales in Belgium, a pivotal day for the European-Mercosur trade agreement, and the ongoing momentum in semiconductor shares, all framed with insights into technology, business, and international affairs.

1. Steeds minder nieuwe auto's verkocht in België

(Fewer new cars sold in Belgium)

• Belgium’s car market continues to shrink, with fewer new vehicles registered year-on-year.

• The auto sector faces a 7% contraction, signifying challenges for engineers, financial managers, buyers, and technicians.

• The episode highlights how this downturn impacts not just manufacturers but also service providers connected with the automotive industry.

  “Dat is vooral lastig voor ingenieurs, financial managers, kopers en technici.”
  (That’s especially tough for engineers, financial managers, buyers and technicians.)
  [00:41]

2. D-day voor het Europees Mercosur-akkoord

(Pivotal moment for the EU-Mercosur agreement)

• The European Union is expected to make a key decision regarding the trade agreement with Mercosur nations: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

• The agreement is designed to offer the European industry new export markets and support higher production, especially for agricultural and industrial products.

• There are concerns about competition and environmental standards, fueling political debate within the EU.

  “Het wordt een extra afzetmarkt voor hogere productie van landbouwproducten in Amerika én voor industrieproducten op de Europese markt.”
  (This creates an extra sales market for higher agricultural production in America and industrial products on the European market.)
  [01:17]

3. Aandelen chipproducenten blijven knallen

(Chip stocks continue to soar)

• Shares of semiconductor manufacturers, such as Nvidia, Micron, and Samsung, are setting new highs.

• The growth is fueled by the ongoing AI boom, which directly increases demand for advanced chips.

• The host discusses how AI-driven platforms are becoming essential, pushing chipmakers to the forefront of the tech investment landscape.

  “De grotere trend is dat AI, en in het bijzonder de producenten van deze chips, een platform geworden zijn.”
  (The bigger trend is that AI, especially chip producers, have become a platform.)
  [02:01]

4. Internationale Zaken: VS, Venezuela, en Groenland

(U.S., Venezuela, and Greenland developments)

• The podcast touches briefly on former President Trump’s continued influence.

• Mentions ongoing tensions and strategic maneuvers involving Venezuela and the potential geostrategic importance of Greenland.

• Reference to the New York Times discussing historic perspective on Greenland and its security implications for NATO.

  “Alexer we need Greenland from a national security situation. It’s so strategic.”
  (We need Greenland for national security. It’s so strategic.)
  [02:33]

5. Tommy Hilfiger tekent grootste deals in sport en lifestyle

(Tommy Hilfiger signs major new sports deals)

• Tommy Hilfiger is announced as the new sponsor for Liverpool FC, both men’s and women’s squads, marking their largest football deal in 20 years.

• CEO Stefan Larsson, a veteran from Ralph Lauren, is leading the brand’s expansion via high-profile partnerships.

• The deal also includes sponsorships in American motorsports (Formula One/Cadillac) and U.S. sailing (GP team), signaling Hilfiger’s stronger push into sports and lifestyle markets across Europe.

  “Dit is de grootste deal van het merk met een voetbalclub in 20 jaar.”
  (This is the brand’s biggest deal with a football club in 20 years.)
  [03:02]

  “Larsson zegt: met sportpartners zoeken we extra zichtbaarheid.”
  (Larsson says: with sports partners, we’re seeking extra visibility.)
  [03:17]

6. Belgische economie: lichte groei in de dienstensector, industrie blijft achter

(Belgian economy: services grow, industry lags)

• Latest figures show moderate growth in Belgium’s service sector, while industrial activity stays flat.
• The divergence reflects broader European trends amid shifting post-pandemic consumer habits.

7. Digitalisering en jeugd: Digital for Youth initatieven

(Digitization and youth: Digital For Youth initiatives)

• Mention of the Digital for Youth initiative, aiming to bridge the digital divide in Belgium by providing digital access and experience to younger generations.
• The host encourages listeners to check out available resources and opportunities for involvement.

Notable Moments & Quotes

• On the auto sector’s contraction:
  “We creëren een nieuwe drive switch, maar dat is vooral lastig…”
  (We’re creating a new drive switch, but that’s especially tough...)
  [00:39]

• On geopolitical strategies:
  “Het gaat om extra zevende overhoop in de NAVO...”
  (It’s about extra upheaval in NATO...)
  [02:46]

Key Timestamps

• 00:00 – Episode opens, host introduces main topics
• 00:39 – Decline in Belgian auto sales
• 01:17 – Importance of EU-Mercosur trade vote
• 02:01 – Ongoing chip stocks rally due to AI
• 02:33 – U.S.-Greenland-Venezuela geopolitics
• 03:02 – Tommy Hilfiger-Liverpool mega sponsorship
• 03:17 – CEO Stefan Larsson on Hilfiger’s sports ambitions
• 03:35 – Belgian economy growth snapshot
• 03:56 – Announcement: Digital for Youth efforts

Tone & Style

The host, Bert Rymen, maintains a brisk and factual tone, providing quick yet meaningful context behind each headline. The episode is packed with actionable insights relevant for Belgian professionals, with a pragmatic focus on the implications behind the day’s most important news.

Summary prepared for readers seeking a concise yet comprehensive understanding of the podcast’s main content—perfect for keeping informed without listening to the full broadcast.