Down to Business English

The global sportswear market has changed a lot since Down to Business English first covered ‘Sneakernomics’ back in 2019 (D2B 154). Nike and Adidas are still major players, but they are facing new pressure from challenger brands, changing consumer behavior in China, and the rise of domestic competitors like Anta Sports. 
In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan get Down to Business with the changing landscape of the global sportswear industry. They begin by looking at the major players in the market, including Nike, Adidas, Anta Sports, Lululemon, and Puma. Then they explore why Nike, in particular, appears to be facing headwinds. Dez explains the argument that Nike may have moved too far toward celebrity culture and fashion, and too far away from the sports performance identity that made it so dominant in the first place. They also discuss how Adidas followed a similar path through its high-profile partnership with Kanye West, now known as Ye. The conversation then turns to China, where Nike’s sales have fallen sharply. Skip and Dez discuss the role of weak consumer spending, rising ‘buy local’ sentiment, and the Guochao movement — the ‘National Trend’ that encourages younger Chinese consumers to support products that combine modern design with Chinese cultural identity. Finally, they look at how newer brands like Hoka and On are gaining market share by building clear product identities, and how Anta Sports is trying to expand its global influence through a planned 29% stake in Puma. D2B 410 revisits the business of sneakers and sportswear. From Nike’s challenges and Adidas’s celebrity partnerships to China’s Guochao movement, the rise of Hoka and On, and Anta’s planned stake in Puma, this episode shows how the sportswear market is no longer shaped by just one or two dominant names. Do you like what you hear? Become a D2B Member today for to access to member-only episodes, our --NEW!!! -- INTERACTIVE AUDIO SCRIPTS, PDF Audio Script Library, Bonus Vocabulary episodes, and D2B Member-only episodes. Visit d2benglish.com/membership for more information.

New Zealand is losing workers at a record pace, with tens of thousands of citizens leaving the country and many heading to Australia. In this episode, we look at why so many New Zealanders are leaving, what is pulling them overseas, and how this growing labor exodus is affecting the country’s economy and public services. In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega get Down to Business with New Zealand’s growing labor exodus. They begin by looking at the scale of the departure, including the number of New Zealand citizens who left in 2025 and the fact that most of them moved to Australia. Then they explore the main reasons behind the trend, including the high cost of living, better employment opportunities, and lifestyle factors. Samantha also shares her own perspective from New Zealand, explaining how this ‘brain drain’ is affecting younger workers, families, and professionals in sectors like education, healthcare, and tech. Finally, they discuss the longer-term implications for New Zealand. They look at teacher shortages, pressure on the healthcare system, an aging population, and what could happen if too many skilled workers continue to leave the country. D2B 408 explains why New Zealand’s labor exodus has become such an important economic and social issue. From higher wages in Australia to growing shortages in teaching, nursing, and other key sectors, this episode shows how migration can reshape a country’s workforce, public services, and long-term future. Do you like what you hear? Become a D2B Member today for to access to member-only episodes, our --NEW!!! -- INTERACTIVE AUDIO SCRIPTS, PDF Audio Script Library, Bonus Vocabulary episodes, and D2B Member-only episodes. Visit d2benglish.com/membership for more information.

Oil prices are rising, flights are being canceled, and businesses around the world are feeling the pressure. But another major conflict is also affecting business: a legal fight between AI company Anthropic and the US government. In this episode, we look at how this case raises important questions about business ethics, government power, and the future of AI. In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega get Down to Business with a major legal dispute between Anthropic, the company behind Claude AI, and the US government. They begin by talking about the wider business situation. Rising oil prices and instability in the Middle East are already affecting transportation, production, and financial markets. Then they turn to the main story. The US government told AI contractors that they must allow all lawful uses of their technology. Anthropic agreed to most of these uses, but refused two. The company did not want Claude to be used for mass domestic surveillance or fully autonomous lethal weapons. Next, Skip and Samantha explain how the government responded. Anthropic was labeled a ‘supply chain risk to national security’, and federal agencies and contractors were told to stop using its technology. They also look at the effects this decision had on military systems, government contractors, and the wider tech industry. Finally, they explore the bigger issue behind the case: can a private company keep its ethical limits when the government wants more control over its products? D2B 406 looks at a major conflict between corporate ethics and government power. As AI becomes more important in business and national security, this case shows how difficult it can be for companies to protect their values while working with the state. Do you like what you hear? Become a D2B Member today for to access to member-only episodes, our --NEW!!! -- INTERACTIVE AUDIO SCRIPTS, PDF Audio Script Library, Bonus Vocabulary episodes, and D2B Member-only episodes. Visit d2benglish.com/membership for more information.

South Korea’s cosmetics industry has become a major global force. In 2024, South Korea ranked as the world’s second-largest exporter of beauty products, ahead of the United States and behind only France. In this episode, we look at how K-beauty has grown alongside the global rise of Korean popular culture — a phenomenon known as ‘Hallyu’, or the ‘Korean Wave’. In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan get Down to Business with the rise of South Korea’s K-beauty industry. They begin by explaining the meaning of ‘Hallyu’ and how the worldwide popularity of Korean dramas, K-pop, and film helped create a wider global interest in Korean brands and lifestyle trends. Then they turn to the business side of the story. They look at South Korea’s strong export performance in cosmetics, the role social media and influencers play in promoting K-beauty products, and why product quality still matters even in a market driven by trends. They also explain how South Korea’s highly developed network of ODMs, or original development manufacturers, allows brands to move from concept to store shelves in less than six months. Finally, they explore what makes the industry so competitive — from relentless innovation and unusual ingredients to major players like Amorepacific and the growing international interest in Korean beauty brands. D2B 404 explains how K-beauty became a global business success story. From the cultural power of Hallyu to the commercial strength of social media strategy, rapid product development, and highly efficient ODMs, South Korea’s cosmetics industry shows how culture and business can reinforce each other on a global scale. Do you like what you hear? Become a D2B Member today for to access to member-only episodes, our --NEW!!! -- INTERACTIVE AUDIO SCRIPTS, PDF Audio Script Library, Bonus Vocabulary episodes, and D2B Member-only episodes. Visit d2benglish.com/membership for more information.

On February 20, 2026, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruled that the U.S. President cannot use the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose trade tariffs. That decision removes a key legal basis behind the 2025 tariff program — but it does not remove uncertainty for global business. In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega get Down to Business with the court decision that reshaped the U.S. tariff story. They review the timeline of how the tariff policy expanded in 2025 — including reciprocal tariffs that ranged from 10% to 50% and were framed as a response to U.S. trade deficits. Then they break down the Court’s main point in plain English: “regulating” trade is not the same thing as taxing imports — and under the U.S. Constitution, Congress (not the President) controls taxes and duties. Finally, they look at how other countries are reacting and ask the next big business question: if companies paid tariffs under IEEPA, what happens now — and will refunds be possible? D2B 402 explains why the Supreme Court struck down IEEPA-based tariffs — and why this ruling doesn’t automatically mean trade will “go back to normal”. With refunds still unclear and the administration already moving to alternative tools like Section 122, companies are still operating in a highly uncertain environment. Do you like what you hear? Become a D2B Member today for to access to member-only episodes, our --NEW!!! -- INTERACTIVE AUDIO SCRIPTS, PDF Audio Script Library, Bonus Vocabulary episodes, and D2B Member-only episodes. Visit d2benglish.com/membership for more information.