World Business Report
Analysis of the big global business and economic issues, as they affect consumers and investors. Broadcast on weekdays.
Trump flies to China for talks with Xi
Tariffs, tech competition, the Iran war and Taiwan top the agenda for the two superpowers. Trump, last visited in 2017. He returns to a stronger, more assertive China. Tens of thousands take to the streets of Buenos Aires to protest the economic policies of Argentina's President Javier Milei. And India…
US price worries: customers tighten purse strings
Are higher prices in the US starting to show up in household bills as inflation moves closer to 4%? We’ll be looking at where that pressure is coming from, how long it might last, and what it means for businesses and consumers already feeling the squeeze. Also today, after an…
US inflation leaps to 3.8%
The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have caused higher energy and grocery prices. The average US price for a gallon of unleaded is at its highest level since July 2022, at $4.50. A Japanese snack maker says it's been forced to print its packaging in black and white because…
Oil deadlock deepens
Oil prices are rising as tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt supply, with petrol in parts of the US now topping six dollars a gallon. We’re joined by David Malpass, former US Treasury Under-Secretary under President Trump and former World Bank President, to discuss the global economic impact…
Narendra Modi urges Indians to WFH
The PM says austerity measures will cut India's fuel use and save foreign exchange. India imports 90% of its oil. Its fuel bill has spiked since the US and Israel's war on Iran. President Emmanuel Macron goes on a charm offensive in Africa. He's visiting Kenya for the two day…
Why is US consumer confidence at a record low?
US job numbers are rising and the stock market is booming near record highs. So why are consumers feeling so pessimistic about the economy? As a Mexican trade mission visits Canada, the two countries look to deepen economic ties. Also Instagram’s direct messages are no longer fully private, and gamers…
Donald Trump warns EU of new tariffs by July 4
Last week, the US President threatened to raise the tariff on the import of EU cars to 25% if the European Parliament delayed a new EU/US tariff agreement. The annual conference of ASEAN, the grouping of South East Asian states, is meeting in the Philippines with the shadow of the…
EU and airlines disagree on fuel shortage concerns
As airlines cut flights over high jet fuel costs the EU's transport commissioner says passengers must still be compensated. We hear from the Global Fashion Summit in Copenhagen on how the industry is responding to rising costs and supply chain issues. And would you sue for guaranteed access to a…
Air Asia boss admits high fuel costs are hard to manage
Tony Fernandes, the chief executive of the low cost carrier, has been speaking to the BBC. He says the current high fuel costs are more complex for the airline to manage than covid was. Danish shipping giant Maersk says it will be able to adapt if charges are introduced for…
How Ted Turner changed the media landscape
Ted Turner, founder of CNN died today. We hear from Brian Selter, CNN media correspondent and Lisa Napoli who was an intern in its early days to look back on his life and legacy. It’s also been another turbulent day with oil prices fluctuating dramatically as President Donald Trump believes…
India and Vietnam look to deepen economic ties
Oil prices drop after reports that the US and Iran are close to a peace deal. Donald Trump says the war could end with an agreement, and warns strikes will return if not. From the Gulf, we hear how the conflict is already reshaping investor thinking. India is chasing $20…
Tensions rise in the Persian Gulf
With the US and Iran trading fire in the Strait of Hormuz, the ceasefire wobbling and oil prices continuing to rise, Sam Fenwick discusses the latest developments as the situation in the Persian Gulf continues to fray. We hear from Nikolas Tsakos, founder and CEO of one of the world's…
What's life like for seafarers stuck in the Strait of Hormuz?
The ceasefire between Iran and the US is looking increasingly fragile after another day of attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. As tensions rise, so are concerns about the welfare of the 20,000 seafarers believed to be stranded around the passage. In Brussels, European finance ministers have been meeting to…
Hostility fears escalate in the Persian Gulf
Are ships moving in the Persian Gulf and could it lead to the resumption of hostilities between the US and Iran? Andrew Peach finds out more on the latest developments and speaks to maritime expert Captain John Konrad. Meanwhile, with two clubs celebrating joining the English Premier League, we hear…
GameStop wants eBay for $56bn
Video game retail chain GameStop has made a surprise $56bn bid to take over the online marketplace eBay. GameStop’s CEO says he plans to create a competitor to Amazon. Also, the US military says it’s started guiding ships through the Strait of Hormuz as part of President Donald Trump’s “Project…
Trump announces 25% tariffs on cars from the EU
The US President Donald Trump has announced a new hike on cars and trucks imported from the European Union, accusing the EU of not adhering to their trade deal. In the meantime, Beijing has announced that fifty-three African states will be enjoying trade-free trade with China - all except one,…
Global fertiliser shortage threatens 2026 crop yields
A third of the world's fertiliser is sourced from the Persian Gulf region. Farmers' are now predicted to produce smaller crops this year, affecting 10 billion meals a week. French car maker Renault says there's been a huge increase in interest in electric vehicles since the start of the war…
Oil hits new highs - how bad will it get?
We hear how oil prices have been swinging sharply, with Brent crude briefly hitting 126 dollars a barrel as tensions in the Gulf raise concerns about supply and the wider global economy. Saudi Arabia is to stop funding the LIV Golf tour after spending billions to lure top players away…
Oil prices on a rollercoaster ride
The price of Brent crude hit a four year high on Thursday before falling back. Markets were reacting to comments from President Trump about maintaining Strait of Hormuz blockade. Gulf oil producers are running out of storage space for oil production, as exports remain restricted. And Saudi Arabia is pulling…
Powell says he will stay on as Federal Reserve Governor
Jerome Powell says he will continue to stay on as Federal Reserve Governor, even after his chairmanship ends. We look at what this means for the future of the US central banking system. Three ships have been hijacked off the coast of Somalia in the past week. We look into…