World Business Report
Analysis of the big global business and economic issues, as they affect consumers and investors. Broadcast on weekdays.
Germany halts arms exports to Israel
Germany's halted its arms sales to Israel in the wake of prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to takeover Gaza City. But despite supplying $565 million worth of military hardware since the 7 October 2023 attacks, how important are Germany's weapons to Israel? We hear what the economic benefits are of…
US firm Lyten acquires assets of bankrupt European battery maker Northvolt
A fresh start for what was once Europe’s most ambitious electric battery manufacturer. We explore why California-based Lyten has stepped in to acquire the bankrupt Swedish firm Northvolt and whether a startup can truly take on China’s dominance in battery technology. Climate change is threatening the purity of France’s famous…
Can countries defy Trump's new tariffs?
As US president Donald Trump's new tariffs begin to take hold, Roger Hearing finds out whether India, Brazil and Canada can survive without a trade deal with the world's largest economy. We hear how scientists and engineers in Sweden are trying to revolutionise the global steel industry by using new…
Can the world survive Trump's new tariffs?
A whole swathe of the tariffs threatened by Donald Trump for months finally come into force in dozens of countries. It sees 15% to 50% added on a variety of imports into the United States. David Harper hears the thoughts of importers, exporters and industry experts.
Trump slaps a further 25% tariff on India
As president Donald Trump's tariff regime on goods entering the United States from 69 countries around the world comes into effect, we discuss the impact it will have on global trade. With India facing a threat of 50% tariffs on exports to the US due Delhi's purchase of oil from…
What do US tariffs mean for Brazillian coffee?
50% tariffs on some Brazillian goods being imported into the US come into force. We look at the details, and ask how much of an effect they will actually have. We're also looking at debt, and its continuing impact on African economies. And - Disney makes a big commitment to…
Trump warns of steep tariffs on pharmaceuticals
President Trump signals pharmaceuticals could be next on his tariffs list. But what does that mean for the makers and distributors of non-branded medicines? We’ll be speaking to an association representing them. Love it or loathe it, AI is creeping into everyday life. But how much of a threat does…
Marketing or misfire? Sydney Sweeny ad fuels 23 percent stock surge
Is American Eagle’s latest ad campaign genius marketing or just bad taste? The play on words, featuring actress Sydney Sweeney, has divided opinion and even caught the attention of former President Trump. David Harper explores whether the backlash actually worked in the brand’s favour. We also speak to the OECD’s…
Tesla awards $29bn of shares to Elon Musk
The world’s richest man could get richer as Tesla’s board moves to give CEO Elon Musk a bigger stake to keep him at the company. We’ll hear from a Tesla investor. Meanwhile, more tariff threats from President Trump - this time against India over its Russian oil purchases. India called…
What South African retailer Shoprite tells us about growth
We begin a new series on Africa’s economic future, as the continent’s population heads toward 2.5 billion. Today, we’re in South Africa. We hear from Pieter Engelbrecht, CEO of Shoprite — the country’s biggest private employer on how customer loyalty helped drive the supermarket’s success. Also, As France ramps up…
US job growth hits pandemic lows as trade tensions rise
The US added 73,000 jobs last month - the weakest performance since the Covid pandemic. Economists were caught off guard, and earlier figures have been revised down. Democrats say President Trump’s trade policy is damaging business confidence and stalling hiring. Meanwhile, tensions with Canada are escalating as Trump hikes tariffs…
Swiss businesses shocked by 39% tariffs
After months of intensive negotiations, the US tariff deadline has finally arrived. Unable to reach a deal at the final hour, Switzerland is reeling from 39% tariffs. We look at how this will affect Swiss businesses, and if it’s likely to stick. Elsewhere, we get the reaction from two other…
The final countdown to President Trump's tariff deadline
The final countdown in on for President Trump's tariff deadline. Without deals in the next few hours, dozens of countries will face the cost of sharply higher tax rates on goods they export to the US - up to close to 50% in some cases. We hear from some of…
US tariff deadline looms
Is President Trump’s trade war gamble paying off? More countries squeeze in last minute deals on tariffs, but many questions remain. Brazil faces 50% levies on its exports to the US. How will this go down with America's coffee-loving consumer? Meanwhile, a potential winner, South Korea is among the countries…
Why will key Brazilian exports escape US tariffs?
President Trump says imports from Brazil will face a 50% tariff from next week. But why did key Brazilian exports get a pass? Also, dissent at America’s central bank, but the Federal Reserve has kept interest rates unchanged. And what does Europe’s pharmaceutical industry think of the EU-US trade deal?…
India reacts as Trump imposes 25% tariffs
President Trump has announced that all Indian goods sold in the United States will face a tariff of at least 25% beginning 1st August. In a post on Truth Social, he accused India of imposing unfair tariffs and trade barriers that make it too difficult for US businesses to operate…
Will Trump agree to China's tariff truce?
The U.S. and China move to extend their tariff truce, but it all hinges on President Trump's approval. We’ll hear from voices inside the negotiations. In Syria, growing numbers of refugees in Turkey are heading back, despite the risks. We find out what’s driving their return. Plus, Sam Fenwick finds…
Can the US and China find common ground?
As trade talks continue between the world’s two largest economies in Stockholm, Rahul Tandon hears from Xiaofei Xu of the South China Morning Post on what’s at stake in the US–China negotiations. Plus, the IMF has raised its global growth forecasts for this year and next. And, the BBC’s Shingai…
Withdrawing EU tariff retaliation plan ‘a mistake': former EU Trade Commissioner
European exports to the U.S. are about to face a steep 15% tariff—while American goods heading to Europe will face a zero tariff rate. Is this a one-sided deal? We speak to former EU Trade Commissioner, Cecilia Malmstrom. We also get perspectives from both sides of the Atlantic: an Irish…
US-EU trade agreement - what's at stake?
The US and EU have struck a new trade agreement, easing tensions over tariffs. Rahul Tandon explores what this breakthrough means for key sectors. We hear from Karin Karlsbro of the European Parliament’s Trade Committee and Hildegard Müller, President of the German Automotive Industry Association as well as Tomas Philipson…