World Business Report
Analysis of the big global business and economic issues, as they affect consumers and investors. Broadcast on weekdays.
Businesses assess Trump tariffs on drugs, trucks and furniture
US President Donald Trump has announced a new wave of tariffs, including a 100% levy on branded or patented drug imports, 25% tariffs on heavy-duty trucks, 50% on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities and 30% on upholstered furniture. Andrew Peach looks at how people in these sectors have reacted to…
Donald Trump announces new wave of tariffs on branded pharmaceutical products
US President Donald Trump has announced a new wave of tariffs, including a 100% levy on branded or patented drug imports from 1 October - unless a company is building a factory in the US. We hear from Germany's VFA association of pharmaceutical companies. And, the price of love -…
Trump signs TikTok deal
US President Trump has signed an executive order that will hand TikTok to a group of investors who include Larry Ellison, one of the richest men in the world and the founder of the tech company Oracle. Also, US house prices are climbing, supply can’t keep up with demand, and…
China commits to its first ever emissions targets
The world’s biggest polluter, China, is promising to cut carbon emissions for the first time - but what does that mean for businesses trying to keep up? And Ticketmaster agrees clearer pricing after an investigation in the UK. You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44…
US set to support Argentina's economy
The US has said that it's currently in negotiation for $20 billion to support Argentina’s economy. President Javier Milei thanks the US government for the “support and confidence”. Canada has assembled an AI task force in Ottawa .It wants to prepare a strategy and has promised millions of dollars to…
What will Germany’s new budget mean for the economy?
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz introduces the 2026 budget with €126.7 billion in new investments for infrastructure, transport, schools, and other major projects. Leanna Byrne talks to the head of the investment bank ING and we get reaction from business industries in Berlin. New Zealand's central bank has appointed its first…
Nvidia investing $100 billion in OpenAI
The world’s most valuable company, Nvidia, is investing $100 billion into OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, to build what it calls the next generation of artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, Jaguar Land Rover, owned by India’s Tata Group, is still struggling to get cars off the production line after last month’s cyberattack…
Could Argentina expect a financial lifeline from the US?
As presidents Javier Milei and Donald Trump meet the White House is hinting it could step in to support Argentina's economy. We look at how Argentina got here, and a local wine maker tells how the US tariffs are hitting her industry. Also, Nigeria has cut its central bank interest…
Could doctors be exempt from Trumps $100,000 visa fee?
The White House said doctors could be exempt from the Trump administration's new $100,000 fee for high-skilled H-1B visa applications. We hear from the President of the American Medical Association. In India, everyday essentials are getting cheaper after its Prime Minister cut tax rates. We then go to Uzbekistan where…
What will Trump’s H-1B visa move mean for the US economy?
Another day, another announcement from the US administration. The H-1B - a special visa which allows companies to hire highly skilled foreign workers, now comes with a $100,000 price tag. Our presenter, Sarah Rogers, speaks to an immigration lawyer from the US on what this will mean. Also, tax simplification…
US-China talks: What’s been agreed?
US president Donald Trump and China's leader Xi Jinping were in talks for more than two hours today. It’s their first call in over three months, but has anything come out it to help the trade impasse between Washington and Beijing? With the details murky, Roger Hearing dissects what any…
TikTok talks: who wins if Washington strikes a deal?
The future of TikTok in the US hangs in the balance today with two President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi jinping talking over the phone. Will Bain gathers fresh perspectives on why the short video app matters so much to American users and creators. Also, Premier League tickets…
Disney suspends talk show host
Disney has suspends top U.S. talk show host Jimmy Kimmel over controversial political remarks. We look at the business reasons and ramifications behind the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel. US President Trump has warned European leaders to stop buying Russian oil. He said that cutting off those revenues is the key…
Trump and Starmer forge tech alliance
President Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer have signed what they’re calling a Tech Prosperity Deal, committing to deeper UK–US cooperation on artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and nuclear power. Leanna Brynne explores what this means for tech businesses. And Zoom’s head for Europe and the Middle East explains how the…
US Federal Reserve cuts interest rates
The US central bank - the Federal Reserve - has lowered interest rates for the first time since President Trump began his second term. But what does this actually mean for companies? We speak to two business owners to find out their thoughts. ank - the Federal Reserve - has…
Will the Federal Reserve deliver its first 2025 rate cut?
Leanna Byrne looks ahead to the U.S. Federal Reserve meeting on interest rates — will it deliver the first cut of 2025? We also explore how the soaring cost of tomatoes is adding to America’s food inflation and stretching household budgets. And after nearly half a century, Ben & Jerry’s…
Trump decertifies Colombia as US ally in drugs war
Colombia loses its certification as a US ally in the war on drugs, as Trump accuses it of failing to rein in record cocaine production. We look at what it could mean for investment in the country - and hear from Colombia’s Ambassador to the US on what comes next…
Jaguar Landrover extends production shutdown after cyber breach
Jaguar Land Rover has extended its production shutdown until at least 24 September as it struggles with the fallout from a major cyber-attack. Also, Indian and US officials hold their first talks since Washington hit Delhi with a 50% tariff over Russian oil and weapons purchases. And Argentina’s president Javier…
US to stop the clock on TikTok ban
As President Trump announces on social media that the US and China have reached a framework deal on the future ownership of Tiktok, presenter Sam Fenwick asks who might buy the social media platform? Also, the Pope calls out the widening pay gap between bosses like Elon Musk and other…
US and China reach deal to keep TikTok running
A breakthrough deal on TikTok as the US and China reach an agreement, keeping the app alive for American users. Presenter Leanna Byrne also looks at the Pope’s concerns over executive pay. And why Labubu dolls are losing their charm.