World Business Report
Analysis of the big global business and economic issues, as they affect consumers and investors. Broadcast on weekdays.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
How the rise in jet fuel prices impacting the global aviation industry?
Airline's could start going bankrupt the boss of one aviation company tells World Business Express. And why two tech titans are heading to the courts in California. Presenter: Sarah Rogers Producer: Victoriya Holland Editor: Justin Bones
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…
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…
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…
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…
Iran seizes cargo ships in Strait of Hormuz
Iran has seized two cargo ships and warned that reopening the Strait of Hormuz will be “impossible” if a US blockade continues. Sarah Rogers asks what that means for the US and hear from a business operating inside Iran. We also hear how businesses are expecting to benefit from a…
EU frees up money for Ukraine
The European Union has unlocked a $100 billion loan for Kyiv - money that’s been stuck for months. Hungary had been holding it up, arguing it wasn’t receiving Russian oil through a key pipeline that runs across Ukraine. That line was damaged after a Russian strike earlier this year, but…
US senators grill new Fed chair
Andrew Peach is joined by George Conboy as we look at Kevin Warsh’s grilling before the US Senate's banking committee and examine the prospects for the world’s largest economy, with expert analysis from economist Courtney Shupert. With US president Donald Trump extending the ceasefire with Iran, we speak to oil…
The new head of the Fed?
Kevin Warsh - Donald Trump’s nominee for the post as chairman of the Federal Reserve, the US central bank - appears before senators in a bid to convince them he is the right man for the job. Some senators have threatened to block him unless a criminal probe into the…
US businesses begin claiming tariff refunds
Andrew Peach hears from businesses reclaiming 'Liberation Day' tariffs in what promises to be the biggest repayment programme in history. Elsewhere, electric car sales have increased by 50% - in part due to the rise in fuel prices. And, we find out why nostalgia is still what it used to…
Tensions in the Gulf as US seizes Iranian ship
Global financial markets have headed south again after tensions between the US and Iran took a turn for the worse over the weekend. American forces attacked and then seized an Iranian cargo ship just east of the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran has responded by saying it will retaliate. Plus,…