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World Business Report

BBC World Servicewww.bbc.co.uk

The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.

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Episodes

Donald Trump and Xi Jinping discuss tariffs, trade, and AI

US President Donald Trump is in China to meet with his counterpart Xi Jinping. They're expected to discuss their current tense trade relationship, the Middle East war, and negotiate an extension of their trade truce agreed in October that paused tariff escalation between the two nations. India has raised import tariffs on gold and silver purchased abroad to ease pressure on foreign exchange reserves after feeling the squeeze from rising energy prices. They're the world's second largest consumer ...

May 13, 202626 min

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 hikes the tariff on imports of gold and silver from 6% to 15%.

May 13, 20269 min

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 awkward intervention from President Macron, we get the mood from the tech-focused Africa Forward summit, where leaders and investors are debating the future of digital growth on the continent. And we hear why eBay has ruled...

May 12, 202626 min

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 of ink shortages caused by the crisis in the Persian Gulf. And it's the first day of the Cannes Film Festival in the south of France, one of the biggest events in the world of cinema.

May 12, 20269 min

Fmr World Bank Chief: "China should stop hoarding food and fertiliser"

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. David Malpass, former US Treasury Under-Secretary under President Trump and former World Bank President, tells Sam Fenwick that China should stop hoarding food and fertiliser And what does all this mean on the ground for small businesses already under pressure? Also, Nintendo shares fall after a price hike for its new Switch 2 console, as booming deman...

May 11, 202626 min

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 Africa Forward Summit, a gathering meant to showcase France’s new policy for the continent. And singer Dua Lipa is suing Samsung for $15mn for using her image without her permission

May 11, 20269 min

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 face higher prices as console costs climb. [Picture: Customers shop for groceries at a Publix supermarket in Miami, Florida, USA. Photo Credit: CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstoc...

May 08, 202626 min

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 war in the Persian Gulf hanging over the event. And at least 11 miners have died after an accident at an artisinal mine in Kenya

May 08, 20269 min

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 sun lounger on your holidays?

May 07, 202626 min

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 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, Danish shipping giant Maersk says it will be able to adapt if charges are introduced for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. And the African nation of Madagascar is struggling to deal with fuel shortages as a result of the war in the Persian Gulf.

May 07, 20269 min

How Ted Turner changed the media landscape

We look back on the life of the CNN founder, Ted Turner, who has died. We hear from Brian Selter, CNN chief media analyst, and Lisa Napoli who was an intern in the network's early days. Also, conflict in the Middle East has driven aluminium prices to a four-year high. So how will this affect the price of cars and canned goods? And with six weeks to go before the FIFA World Cup, how US hotels are seeing fewer bookings than they expected. (Picture: Turner Enterprises Chairman Ted Turner participat...

May 06, 202627 min

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 billion in trade with Vietnam as leaders from both countries meet to deepen economic ties. And are weight‑loss drug makers facing a new dose of competition? Presenter: Bisi Adebayo Producer: Niamh Mc Dermott...

May 06, 20269 min

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 largest independent tanker operators, as well as trade union representative Sascha Meijer, on what this means for those stuck on tankers in the Middle East. Elsewhere we tell you why the price of oil you hear on th...

May 05, 202626 min

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 discuss the economic impact of the war. And why is the Met Gala, fashion's biggest night under a controversial spotlight? Presenter: Bisi Adebayo Producers: Niamh Mc Dermott and Barbara George...

May 05, 20269 min

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 about the financial challenges facing those joining football's elite. And, why the success of the vintage clothing industry is attracting criminals. Global business news, with live guests and contrib...

May 04, 202626 min

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 Freedom”. And steel boss Lakshmi Mittal and vaccine maker Adar Poonawalla have bought a majority stake in Indian Premier League cricket team the Rajasthan Royals for about $1.65bn Presenter: Bisi Adebayo ...

May 04, 20269 min

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, the small land-locked state Eswatini, as it recognises Taiwan. And in France there is confusion over a new law allowing bakeries to stay open on the 1st of May. Picture: "U.S. President Donald Trump attend...

May 01, 202626 min

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 in the Middle East. And "slàinte mhath" or "cheers" in English! The USA is to cut import duties on scotch whisky, following the recent visit of King Charles II.

May 01, 20269 min

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 from the PGA Tour. And in India, a surge in digital scams has cost victims around two and a half billion dollars, prompting the central bank to step in. (Image Credit: FILIP SINGER/EPA/Shutterstock (16852987h) A di...

Apr 30, 202626 min

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 its funding of the LIV golf tour, after investing around six billion dollars since 2021.

Apr 30, 20269 min

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 concerns of maritime piracy in the area, as experts warn reduced naval patrols could be creating an opening for armed groups. And we go to India where we hear how the glass industry has been suffering due to the war between the...

Apr 29, 202626 min

You could be paying more for fuel for longer as oil price rises again

Oil prices have jumped despite the UAE exit from the OPEC groups of oil producing countries - we'll be looking at why. And more pressure is pilling on social media as a report finds Meta is in breach of EU law for failing to stop under 13 from using Facebook and Instagram. Presenter: Sarah Rogers Producer: Victoriya Holland Editor: Justin Bones

Apr 29, 20269 min

How will leaving OPEC impact the UAE's oil production?

The United Arab Emirates is leaving OPEC and OPEC+ after nearly 60 years of membership, we find out what triggered them to leave. In the US, we hear what is being said in the major court battle between Elon Musk and ChatGPT founder Sam Altman. And we ask if lab-grown diamonds are better for the environment. [Picture: An oil drum with featuring the logo of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Photo credit: Andrey Rudakov/Bloomberg via Getty Images.]...

Apr 28, 202626 min

United Arab Emirates is quitting the Opec and Opec+

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has said it is quitting the Opec and Opec+ groups of major oil producing nations after nearly 60 years. As people continue to feel the pain at the pumps, energy giant BP has announced massive profits - meanwhile oil prices continue to climb. And with the World Cup just weeks away there's a race to finish Mexico City's airport and stadium before kick off.

Apr 28, 20269 min

Is Sierra Leone's diamond industry under threat?

Diamond mines across Sierra Leone are closing, deepening economic uncertainty and raising fears of further conflict. Our presenter Ed Butler travels to the country’s mining region to uncover what’s behind the shutdowns. In the US, a court case is underway between the world’s richest man, Elon Musk, and the head of OpenAI, Sam Altman. And amid ongoing LNG export uncertainty, could coal be on the rise again? We find out what this means for countries in Asia and a mining community in America....

Apr 27, 202629 min

US consumer confidence and electric vehicles

US consumers are feeling less confident about their economy than at any other time. We hear from researchers and businesses about why war in the Middle East is making households fearful of the cost of living and rising energy prices. And, we hear from one of the bosses of electric vehicle giant BYD about how its performing amid the global shift away from fossil fuels. Also, how table-top board game Warhammer is riding the zeitgeist to win new fans.

Apr 24, 202626 min

Expect global markets to fall, says Bank of England

The Bank of England expects stock markets around the world to fall as share prices are not reflecting the many risks facing the world economy, so says the Bank of England Deputy Governor and head of financial stability Sarah Breeden. It is unusual for a senior figure at the Bank to be so forthright on market movements. Breeden, who is also the Bank's head of financial stability, declined to say when she expected markets to fall or by how much, but pointed to a number of factors that markets seem...

Apr 24, 20269 min

Is a $110bn Paramount–Warner deal about to reshape Hollywood?

Shareholders of Warner Brothers Discovery have approved its sale to media conglomerate Paramount Skydance, with the merger valued at $110 billion. Rahul Tandon looks at what the deal could mean for competition, content and consumers. Also, BP suffers a shareholder rebellion over climate reporting. And Meta announces plans to cut around 10% of its workforce. (Picture: The studio lot at Warner Bros. Studios is seen in Los Angeles, California, USA, 23 April 2026. Credit: CHRIS TORRES/EPA/Shuttersto...

Apr 23, 202626 min

Warner Brothers Discovery agree to Paramount acquisition

The shareholders of Warner Brothers Discovery have voted yes to an hundred billion dollar acquisition by Paramount. After fighting off Netflix to reach an agreement, the vote for Paramount became a formality....but then the next battle begins with the regulators. Tens of thousands of employees of Samsung have been protesting at a major factory in South Korea. And why China businesses are feeling the squeeze from the economic impact of the US-Israeli war with Iran. Presenter: Andrew Peach Senior ...

Apr 23, 202611 min
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