World Business Report
Analysis of the big global business and economic issues, as they affect consumers and investors. Broadcast on weekdays.
Review of the year 2025 - from Tariffs to Labubus
Frey Lindsay looks back on the stories shaping the world of money and work in 2025. It's been a year where tariffs have grabbed many of the headlines and we hear from our correspondents around the world on the impact they've had. We also hear about the biggest toy and…
Pakistani auctions its state airline live on TV
In Pakistan, the government has sold its national carrier, PIA, in an auction which was televised live. The airline sold for $482 million. Gideon Long speaks to Muhammad Ali, the privatisation adviser to Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. We hear from two countries at the sharp end of Donald Trump’s…
The market moments that shaped the year
Leanna Byrne is joined by Russ Mould of AJ Bell to look back at the market moments that defined the year from tariffs and precious metals to the growing influence of artificial intelligence. Plus,the latest US jobs figures show a fall in new applications for unemployment benefits. And India launches…
US economy better than expected
The US economy picked up speed over the three months to September, as consumer spending jumped and exports increased but consumer sentiment is low, Rahul Tandon hears from a business about what things are like on the ground. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a pill version…
Is the US economy in better shape than expected?
New figures suggest the US economy is powering ahead but questions remain about what that really means for businesses? Leanna Byrne looks at what’s behind the data. Also, US regulators have approved the first pill version of the blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy. And could North Koreans be working remotely for…
Another dramatic turn in the Warner Bros Discovery takeover
The American billionaire Larry Ellison has promised more than $40 billion of his money in support of Paramount to buy rival studio, Warner Bros Discovery. Where does this leave antitrust questions around a Paramount or Netflix takeover? Ed Butler hears from Phillip Berenbroick, who served as chief counsel for the…
Why is whiskey maker Jim Beam pausing production?
Leanna Byrne takes a look as Jim Beam, one of the most recognisable names in American bourbon, confirms it will pause production for a year at its main Kentucky distillery from January. India and New Zealand strike a new free trade deal, cutting tariffs and opening markets on both sides…
Is EU money enough for Ukraine?
Ukraine's position has been strengthened by a €90bn loan agreed by the EU after failing to agree on using frozen Russian assets. But is it enough to keep the country going? In Sri Lanka, the International Monetary Fund has also approved a $206 million in emergency financing to help the…
TikTok lives to scroll another day
TikTok’s Chinese owner ByteDance has struck a deal with US and global investors to keep the app operating in America. But who really comes out on top? Could Japan’s interest rate hike offer relief to struggling households? Shipping giant Maersk has sent its first vessel through the Red Sea in…
Will Europe use frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine?
Volodymyr Zelensky has called on EU leaders at a crunch summit urgently to agree to a multi-billion euro loan in frozen Russian money to fund Ukraine's military and economic needs. Andrew Peach hears from EU leaders and an expert in Brussels. Also, Bolivia ends two decades of fuel subsidies, introducing…
Price increases in America ease unexpectedly
It's a big data day for the US, Europe and the UK. What do interest rates decisions and inflation data mean for the global economy? India's textile businesses say high US tariffs are causing major pain for businesses. We hear from the Treasurer of the Tiruppur Exporters Association. And should…
How is the US blockade affecting Venezuelans?
The US has stepped up its blockade on Venezuela’s sanctioned oil tankers, as humanitarian workers are warning that the situation would get worse if food and medical supplies can’t get into the country. We hear from people living in Caracas and someone who has left the country few days ago…
Why will the world use more coal than ever this year?
The International Energy Agency says we'll burn through a record 8.85 billion tonnes of coal in 2025, the first overall increase in fifteen years. We hear from Ro Dhawan, at the International Council on Mining and Metals about a path towards using more clean energy. Plus, the price of oil…
Why is black unemployment rising in the US?
Why are black women are being hit hardest in today’s jobs market? With African American unemployment at a four-year high, we hear from women searching for work. In Japan, a “human washing machine” could soon be hitting the shops. The European Union waters down its own plan to ban petrol…
US jobs report shows rise in unemployment
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has released its long-awaited data, showing mixed signals for the US jobs market. The unemployment rate is at a four-year high of 4.6%, up from 4.4%. The European Union is set to soften its planned ban on new petrol and diesel cars, giving carmakers more…
Will the EU hit the brakes on its combustion car ban?
The European Union once set an ambitious goal: by 2035, all new cars sold would be fully electric. But now, the BBC understands that Brussels is considering scrapping, or at least watering down, its plan to ban new petrol and diesel vehicles. So what could it mean for carmakers and…
Spain hits Airbnb with a major multimillion fine for illegal listings
The Spanish government has fined property rentals giant Airbnb €64m ($75m) for advertising unlicensed apartments. Andres Barragan, Secretary General for Consumer Affairs in the Spanish Government, tells this programme that the short term rent for tourism is rising the rent price. In India, pollution is grinding the economy to a…
Trade tensions: EU vs China
Trade tensions rise as the EU investigates Chinese firms over possible unfair government subsidies. We hear from the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU who says they are being unfairly targeted. Plus, who will pay the new €3 tax on small parcels from China - businesses or consumers? Why…
Australia's under-16s social media ban faces courtroom test
Gideon Long takes a look as online discussion forum Reddit challenges Australia’s ban on social media for under-16s. Plus, after Ben from Ben & Jerry’s criticises the ice-cream maker’s owners, they hit back — speaking exclusively to the BBC. And why are general strikes spreading across several European countries?
Disney & OpenAI deal: Threat or opportunity?
Disney is investing $1bn in OpenAI, letting fans create AI-generated videos with its characters. But what will the deal mean for the future of entertainment? We hear from people across the creative industry. Tickets for next year’s World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico have gone on sale but…