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World Business Report

1,793 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 13 hours ago - ★★★★ - 236 ratings

The latest business and finance news from around the world from the BBC

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Episodes

Sam Bankman-Fried sentenced to 25 years in prison

March 28, 2024 23:23 - 26 minutes - 12.1 MB

On the show we find out how a Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi has launched its first electric vehicle and is now securing orders. Plus, Should your employer be able to tell you how to wear your hair? We hear from a social influencer about how she’s been discriminated over her choice of hairstyle in France. Also, we find out how Padel is becoming the world's fastest-growing sport and finally could a law in Florida stop kids under 13 from accessing social media?

What now after Baltimore bridge collapse?

March 28, 2024 11:41 - 26 minutes - 12.1 MB

We hear about the aftermath from the United States Chamber of Commerce and the founder of a brewery that's located near the site of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Also, Disney and Florida appear to have settled a legal dispute. Plus, should America adopt Australian-style pensions? And Slovakian flying-car technology is off to China.

Baltimore bridge collapse: the economic impact

March 27, 2024 16:03 - 27 minutes - 12.6 MB

We take a look at some of the costs that will come from the accident, like the reconstruction of the bridge and compensation for the victim's relatives -and who will likely have to pay for them. The Swedish fashion brand H&M has said it had to delay its spring collection due to the disruption caused by the Red Sea crisis. We take a look at the details. Africa's debt has increased sharply in recent years. Now, delegates have gathered at a conference in Accra, Ghana, to find solutions. We ...

Container ship crashes into a bridge in the US

March 26, 2024 23:36 - 27 minutes - 12.5 MB

Rahul Tandon examines the economic impact of the crash in a busy shipping lane in Baltimore. We also hear how much it might cost to repair. Shares in Donald Trump's media company have soared by more than 55 per cent, after it began trading on the Nasdaq stock market. Truth Social raised money through a shell company called a SPAC before being listed. We hear how the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau is trying to boost tourism. During Covid, that industry was decimated, and the country'...

Baltimore Key Bridge collapses after ship collision

March 26, 2024 16:11 - 27 minutes - 12.5 MB

Baltimore's Key Bridge collapsed after a container ship crashed into a supporting pylon. The port near the bridge is the largest in the US for specialised cargo. We get the latest. A huge amount of food is wasted every day, often because farmers are unable to keep it cold after it’s harvested. We look into some of the potential solutions. And as more countries around the world tighten rules around vaping, we talk to Tadeu Marocco, CEO of British American Tobacco, who says that a blanket ...

Boeing boss quits after plane-maker plunged into crisis

March 25, 2024 23:28 - 27 minutes - 12.6 MB

Rahul Tandon reflects on the departure of the company’s Chief Executive David Calhoun. He is set to leave at the end of the year. Could Pakistan be set to resume trade talks with India? We hear from a former Pakistani ambassador to the UK and the US. And we examine why rental costs have risen sharply in some parts of Spain.

Boeing boss to step down as firm faces safety crisis

March 25, 2024 16:23 - 27 minutes - 12.6 MB

Boeing is under pressure after an unused door blew out of a Boeing 737 Max in January shortly after take-off. Will Bain looks at what the changes at the top will mean for the aviation giant as it faces heavy scrutiny following safety incidents and manufacturing issues. Also on the programme: A deadline for Donald Trump to put up the $464m (£365m) penalty for inflating his net worth is due to expire Monday. If he doesn't, the New York Attorney General may start freezing his bank accounts a...

Trump’s social media business set to go public

March 22, 2024 23:14 - 22 minutes - 10.2 MB

Donald Trump’s social media business is set to become publicly listed after shareholders of a company approved the deal. This will potentially unlock a $3bn windfall for the former US president. Roger Hearing will be hearing how exactly Trump is expected to make money from this. The FBI say there's a criminal investigation into what happened when a panel fell off a Boeing plane in mid-flight back in January. We find what this means for the passengers that were onboard. And we look at the...

Media merger could provide $3bn windfall for Trump

March 22, 2024 16:15 - 27 minutes - 12.5 MB

Donald Trump’s social media company, Truth Social, has been given the go-ahead to go public in a vote by shareholders. The deal could provide a $3bn windfall as the ex-president fights legal penalties. Hundreds of doctors in Kenya are striking today demanding better pay and conditions - we speak to one medic who is taking part. And as the Indian Premier League gets underway, we look at how much more the world's richest cricket league could grow as a business.

US Department of Justice and 16 other states sue Apple

March 21, 2024 23:20 - 27 minutes - 12.5 MB

The US has filed a landmark lawsuit against Apple in which they are accused monopolising the smartphone market and crushing competition. Roger Hearing will be looking at what this means for the company going forward. Turkey has raised interest rates to 50% to fight inflation at 67%, we find out how it affects ordinary citizens. And as the EU moves to close unpaid internships but unions say it's not enough.

US sues Apple over iPhone 'monopoly power'

March 21, 2024 16:09 - 27 minutes - 12.4 MB

The US Justice Department alleges Apple used its control of the iPhone to illegally limit competitors and consumer options. Apple deny the claims. Also in the programme: The Biden administration unveils the strictest ever US car emission limits to boost EVs; and why a Swedish pharmacy chain is banning the sale of anti-ageing skincare to children.

Fed signals three interest rate cuts in 2024

March 20, 2024 23:04 - 27 minutes - 12.5 MB

The US central bank left interest rates unchanged at a range of 5.25% to 5.5%, a 23-year-high. We look into the details. Tech firms in Denmark have come together to develop and roll out a new computer game intended to engage girls in science and technology outside of the classroom. We get the latest from our correspondent. And the world's most expensive drug will soon be available in the US at a price of $4.25m. We hear about the rare disease it treats and the high cost of developing medic...

EU imposes tariffs on Ukrainian produce

March 20, 2024 16:23 - 27 minutes - 12.5 MB

The European Union has agreed to extend duty free imports of Ukrainian produce, which have been a lifeline for its war-torn economy. But to ease farmer’s concerns about being undercut, price caps have been brought in on some Ukrainian items, including oats, eggs, poultry and sugar. Will Bain looks at why - and what impact it could have on the Ukrainian economy. Microsoft has hired DeepMind co-founder, Mustafa Suleyman, to lead its new AI division. What does this tell us about the company’s ...

Hong Kong passes controversial security law

March 19, 2024 23:26 - 26 minutes - 12.3 MB

Hong Kong lawmakers have passed a security law that critics fear will further erode civil liberties in the city. Will tougher restrictions scare away foreign investors? Bangalore, home to some of the biggest IT companies in India, is battling an acute water shortage. We get the latest from our correspondent. And Star Wars creator George Lucas steps into the boardroom power battle at Disney to support the firm's CEO, Bob Iger. Will the force be with him? Presenter Sam Fenwick finds out.

Bank Of Japan ends negative interest rates

March 19, 2024 16:21 - 26 minutes - 12.3 MB

Japan’s central bank brings the era of negative interest rates to an end with its first rate rise in 17 years. Rahul Tandon looks at why and what this might mean for global markets. As the government in Pakistan continues to limit access to social media sites, we hear from a digital marketing boss in the country, about the effect on their company. And as Unilever announces plans to create a stand-alone business for its ice cream products, including Ben & Jerry's and Magnum, we speak to one...

Electricity and food shortages lead to rare protests in Cuba

March 18, 2024 23:15 - 27 minutes - 12.5 MB

The island is experiencing one of its worst crisis in the last three decades, with people struggling to get staples like milk and bread. Presenter Sam Fenwick examines the difficulties the Cuban economy is facing. Former US President Donald Trump hasn't been able to find a private company to guarantee the $464m million he's been ordered to pay in a New York civil fraud case. We hear about the consequences this could have for the former US president. And --why the number of stolen luxury ...

A big week for central banks around the world

March 18, 2024 16:38 - 30 minutes - 13.8 MB

As investors wait to see if Japan’s central bank will bring to an end eight years of negative interest rates, Rahul Tandon speaks to a former economist at the Bank of Japan about whether the policy has worked - and what would they do in the current economic climate. China's industrial production picked up in the first two months of 2024, accompanied by faster growth in the high-tech manufacturing and the consumer goods manufacturing sectors - so is the economy getting back on track? The nu...

US opiod crisis

March 15, 2024 23:30 - 27 minutes - 12.5 MB

The United States is warning the rest of the world that the US is the canary in the coalmine when it comes to the global opioid crisis. Our presenter Will Bain will be hearing what the US plans on doing. Also, the man who bankrolled Nikki Haley's failed bid for the US Presidency warns where his cash might go next. And there is big news in K-pop for the UK as a band is set to grace the main stage of one of the world's biggest music festival for the first time.

Russians go to the polls

March 15, 2024 16:11 - 23 minutes - 10.9 MB

We take a look at Russia's economy as the nation holds the first presidential elections since the beginning of war with Ukraine. Major internet disruption has been reported in various countries across Africa. We hear about the consequences it is having on businesses. And Japanese carmakers Nissan and Hinda want to join forces in the electric vehicle market. What impact will this have in the auto industry?

A bid to buy TikTok

March 14, 2024 23:25 - 27 minutes - 12.4 MB

Former Secretary of the U.S. Treasury Steven Mnuchin said he is arranging a team of investors to purchase Chinese social media giant TikTok. Our presenter Roger Hearing will be looking at how significant this move will be to stop Chinese influence in America. There is a defeat in the UK courts for the Australian who claims to be the man who founded Bitcoin. And Denmark moves to conscript women into the armed forces for the first time as part of a beefing up of its defences - but there are...

Corporate defaults hit highest rate since 2010

March 14, 2024 16:26 - 27 minutes - 12.4 MB

Companies across the world struggle to pay debts as the impact of higher interest rates starts to kick in, according to S&P. We look into the details. As US legislators discuss the future of TikTok in the country, we hear from a business that relies on the app to boost sales. And in Bangalore, also known as India's Silicon Valley, a severe water crisis is putting companies under stress. We hear more from our correspondent.

How will a new bill aimed at TikTok affect US businesses?

March 13, 2024 23:04 - 27 minutes - 12.5 MB

The US House of Representatives has approved a landmark bill that could see TikTok banned in America. The measure would give the social media giant's parent company ByteDance six months to sell its controlling stake, or the app will be removed in the US. Many people are concerned about the possible ban, including US business owners who use TikTok to boost sales. Also in the programme, presenter Will Bain asks why the EU has decided to regulate AI and talks to a major donor from the US elec...

What will happen to TikTok in the US?

March 13, 2024 16:05 - 27 minutes - 12.5 MB

US House of Representatives passes bill that could force TikTok's owner to sell the app or see it banned in the country. We get the latest from our correspondent. The European Union has approved the world's first comprehensive framework for constraining the risks of artificial intelligence. We look into the details. And the European Commissioner of Agriculture, Janusz Wojciechowski, talks to World Business Report about recent farmers' protests in the continent.

US inflation rises to 3.2%

March 12, 2024 23:02 - 27 minutes - 12.4 MB

The inflation rate in the US picked up in February, as prices for petrol and housing pushed higher. The annual rate, which measures the pace of price increases, was 3.2% in February, up from 3.1% in January, the Labor Department said. Airfare, car insurance and clothing were among the items driving the increase over the month. Also, in the programme, Sam Fenwick will talk to a doctor striking in South Korea and finds out how the climate change is having a big impact on the cost of bananas.

Boeing whistleblower found dead

March 12, 2024 16:21 - 27 minutes - 12.5 MB

Former Boeing employee John Barnett had being giving evidence in a lawsuit against the firm in the days before his death. Transportation Attorney Mary Schiavo is a former Inspector General at the US Department of Transport – she told Vivienne Nunis about Mr Barnett’s testimony. Haiti's Prime Minister Ariel Henry has announced he will leave office as soon as his government forms a presidential council, after being blocked from re-entering the country. We get the latest. Chinese smartphone...

US budget: Biden to increase tax for wealthy earners and corporations

March 11, 2024 23:13 - 26 minutes - 12 MB

US President Joe Biden delivered a $7.3 trillion election-year budget to the Congress. It contain proposal to raise taxes on wealthy earners and corporations and bring back a child tax credit for low and middle-income earners. The money will also help to fund childcare programs, funnel $258 billion to building homes, provide 12 weeks of paid family leave for workers, and help fund law enforcement. Also, in the programme, Devina Gupta finds out why more farmers are filing for bankruptcy in ...

Haiti: "Insecurity kills people and the economy"

March 11, 2024 16:11 - 27 minutes - 12.4 MB

Haitian economist Enomy Germain explains the challenges businesses face in the country. We hear from him and a businessman based in Port-au-Prince. Dozens of paintings from a private collection of Russian and Ukrainian modern art have been sold to museums and private collectors around the world. But suspicions on their authenticity are now emerging. We look into these accusations. And we talk to an Internet pioneer about the latest controls on the firms that dominate the web: the Europea...

Congress move that could ban TikTok in the US sparks user revolt

March 08, 2024 23:09 - 27 minutes - 12.5 MB

The Chinese-owned app urged users to call politicians to complain about a bill that would force its parent company to either sell or shut down TikTok in the US. We ask an expert about the implications this could have. A power company has admitted it might be responsible for the start of the largest wildfires in Texas history. We get the latest. And 10 years after Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 disappeared from radar screens, leaving 239 people missing presumed dead, the case continues t...

Binance vs Nigerian government

March 08, 2024 16:02 - 27 minutes - 12.5 MB

Nigeria has been wrangling with the crypto-exchange Binance and recently stopped all transactions using local currency. The move comes after a tumultuous two weeks for the exchange in Nigeria where government officials blamed Binance for facilitating currency speculation and foreign exchange manipulation. The soaring exchange rates have worsened the cost of living for Nigerians. Also, in the programme, the presenter Will Bain finds out what the spike in violence might mean for foreign in...

Sweden joins Nato after decades of neutrality

March 07, 2024 23:21 - 27 minutes - 12.4 MB

The country becomes the 32nd member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation after two years of negotiation. We look into the consequences this can have. As award season continues in Hollywood, we hear about the impact last year's strikes had on the industry. And we explore why a growing number of Americans are choosing to switch to local community banks.

Tech giant ASML set for Dutch exit?

March 07, 2024 16:19 - 27 minutes - 12.5 MB

Dutch company ASML producing machines which can make the most advanced computer chips and it's the only company in the world with that kind of technology. It's not a surprise that the current government is trying to ensure it continues to invest in the Netherlands. The semiconductor equipment maker is considering expanding abroad after it voiced concerns over the country’s hardening stance on migrants. Also, in the programme, the presenter Roger Hearing will find out of how tensions in th...

Nikki Haley quits her presidential campaign

March 06, 2024 23:22 - 27 minutes - 12.5 MB

Republican candidate Nikki Haley suspends her presidential campaign after losing against Donald Trump on Super Tuesday. Vivienne Nunis will be looking at what happens to the billionaire backers funding her campaign. With global cocoa prices soaring, we speak to the CEO of Lindt chocolate about its boost to profitability. And the widely loved late Colombian author Gabriel Garcia Marquez has a new book out.

Israel's economy over impact of the war

March 06, 2024 16:07 - 27 minutes - 12.5 MB

Israel's $500-billion economy has taken a hit during the more than four-month-old war in Gaza, during which thousands of people have left the Israeli workforce and gone to serve in the military. The country's Economy and Industry Minister - Nir Barkat has told the BBC that winning the war was the top priority for Israel despite the economic toll. Also, in the programme, we we'd look at the position of women in the Irish economy and the UK spring budget.

It's Super Tuesday

March 05, 2024 23:07 - 27 minutes - 12.5 MB

It's Super Tuesday in the US - the biggest day of the 2024 election so far, when people in 15 states will vote for their presidential candidate. Roger Hearing will be bringing us up to date on what the polls are saying. There are concerns that North Korea has been hacking into the south's chip makers as part of its weapons-development. And there has been a breakthrough agreement between Starbucks and its unionised baristas.

China sets ambitious economic target

March 05, 2024 16:49 - 27 minutes - 12.5 MB

China's leaders have set an ambitious target of 5% GDP for the year ahead - despite weaknesses in the world's second largest economy. Will Bain asks former IMF economist David Woo what that target really means. With Super Tuesday upon us, one of President Biden's 2020 campaign pollsters Celinda Lake tells us what she makes of the evening's events to come. Plus we hear from Maarten Boute, the interim chief executive and chairman of the Telecoms major Digicel, about Haiti - and how you try to ...

China: National People's Congress preview

March 04, 2024 23:14 - 27 minutes - 12.5 MB

The National People's Congress starts on Tuesday, bringing together China’s political elite, as well as leaders in business, tech, media, and the arts. Rahul Tandon will be looking ahead to the congress as China’s leading economics official, premier Li Qiang has said he will not address the press this year. Also Apple has been fined $2billion dollars by the EU for violating their anti- trust laws. We hear if it should it have been more for them to feel the impact? And we head to a place ...

Why EU fines Apple for €1.8bn?

March 04, 2024 16:33 - 27 minutes - 12.5 MB

Apple has been fined €1.8 billion by the EU, for breaking competition laws. The penalty is for preventing Spotify and other music streaming services from informing users of payment options outside the Apple app store. The European Commission's decision was triggered by a complaint by the Swedish music streaming service over this restriction and Apple's 30% fee. Also, in the programme, the presenter Will Bain will find out will businesses continue investing in Haiti after the mass jailbreak.

Musk v OpenAI: ideology or money?

March 01, 2024 23:06 - 27 minutes - 12.5 MB

Elon Musk is suing OpenAI, the makers of ChatGPT, arguing it has breached the principles he agreed to when he helped found it in 2015. The lawsuit - which has also been filed against OpenAI boss Sam Altman - says the firm has departed from its original non-profit, open source mission. Musk says that instead of trying to "benefit humanity" - as it was set up to do - OpenAI is focusing on "maximising profits" for major investor Microsoft. Also in the programme, we will talk about offices w...

Poland says restrictions to Ukrainian food products are necessary

March 01, 2024 16:24 - 27 minutes - 12.5 MB

The Polish Agriculture Minister, Czeslaw Siekierski, tells World Business Report that Ukraine will be compensated for the grain destroyed by farmers during protests. Fuel prices in Cuba rise by five times after the government reduces subsidies amid a severe economic crisis. We get the latest from Havana. And Elon Musk is suing Open AI and its Chief Executive Sam Altman because he claims the company has abandoned its mission to develop artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity, n...

Why junior doctors in South Korea are fighting for their rights?

February 29, 2024 23:09 - 27 minutes - 12.5 MB

South Korea is dealing with another day of a doctors' strike. Most junior doctors there have so far defied a government order to return to work by the end of Thursday, despite the threat of legal action. About eighty percent of junior doctors walked out last week in protest against a decision to sharply increase the number of medical school places. They say training more doctors could lower the quality of medical school education and reduce pay. The authorities say the increase will addre...

US to investigate if Chinese electric cars pose national security risk

February 29, 2024 17:17 - 27 minutes - 12.4 MB

President Joe Biden says he worries these vehicles might gather data on US citizens and infrastructure and send it to China. How will this affect the already strained US-China relations? We find out. India’s GDP grew by more than 8% in the final three months of 2023, beating all forecasts by economists. We look into the impact this can have in this year's elections. The number of people out of work in Germany increased more than expected in February. We hear how a slowdown in Europe's larg...

Boeing has 90 days to fix safety concerns

February 28, 2024 23:10 - 27 minutes - 12.6 MB

US aviation regulators have given Boeing 90 days to come up with a plan to fix safety problems, this comes after a door panel blew off the 737 Max aircraft last month. Sam Fenwick will be hearing what the regulators are recommending. We look at if the merger of Disney and Reliance could create a media powerhouse big enough to rival Netflix and other streaming networks. And the woman at the centre of one of the biggest US political scandals teams up with a major Fashion brand.

South Korea: Birth rate falls to new record low

February 28, 2024 16:19 - 27 minutes - 12.5 MB

Economic incentives fail to boost population in the nation with the lowest fertility rate in the world. We find out why more South Koreans are deciding not to have children. Country Garden, the largest private property developer in China, is facing a winding-up petition filed in Hong Kong by a creditor. We look into the details. And Apple has reportedly cancelled its plans to build electric vehicles after a decade working on the them. We hear about the reasons that may have led them to d...

Michigan presidential primary election

February 27, 2024 23:20 - 27 minutes - 12.4 MB

As the people of Michigan head to the polls to choose their candidates for the up-coming US election. Sam Fenwick will be looking at what drivers the states economy. We get the latest on why Nigeria is experiencing the worst economic crisis in a generation as inflation continues to soar. And the Geneva Motor Show is now taking place in the Swiss town for the first time since the Covid outbreak.

Nigerians take to the streets over soaring food and fuel prices

February 27, 2024 16:20 - 27 minutes - 12.6 MB

Trade unions begin two days of protests across the country against president Bola Tinubu's economic reforms. We find out what is happening in Africa's largest economy. Japan's population declined by nearly one million people last year, as the ageing of society gathers pace. We look into the factors that are fuelling this population crisis. And as the Cigar Festival takes place in Cuba, we get the latest on this luxury industry.

Ukrainian grain destroyed near Polish border

February 26, 2024 23:05 - 27 minutes - 12.6 MB

As farmer protests in Europe continue, Polish farmers have directed their anger towards Ukraine. Around 160 tons of Ukrainian grain have been destroyed in Poland. Farmers there say that they face unfair competition from Kiev. Sam Fenwick will be hearing how the financial loss is small compared with what it symbolises. Despite a heavy loss in the South Carolina primary, money is still rolling in for Nikki Haley's bid for the White House. We hear from one of her donors. Meanwhile a billion...

Farmers protest across Europe

February 26, 2024 16:25 - 27 minutes - 12.6 MB

European farmers complain about what they say is unfair competition from outside the EU and demand action against red tape and low prices. We look at what EU leaders can do to appease the demonstrators. The Irish airline Ryanair warns it will have to raise prices due to aircraft shortages caused by delays on Boeing deliveries. We get the latest. And two big media companies are set to merge to create a new mega-media company in India. We find out why they're joining forces.

Nvidia earnings lift global markets

February 23, 2024 23:07 - 27 minutes - 12.6 MB

Chipmaker Nvidia has lifted its earnings to new record levels. Does this suggest a wider boom amongst companies in this sector? The US and the European Union have each announced new sanctions on Russia on the second year anniversary of the conflict with Ukraine. We examine whether they making a difference. AND Germany becomes the latest country to make cannabis use legal. Could the move lead to the emergence of a legal profitable cannabis market?

Ukraine and Russia, two years on

February 23, 2024 16:31 - 27 minutes - 12.6 MB

The United States has imposed fresh sanctions on Russia on the eve of the second anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine. So what impact will they have? And how are Ukraine's people and its economy faring two years on? Devina Gupta talks to Irina, a Ukrainian businesswoman who started a new life in the UK. And she hears from an Ukrainian chicken producer about what it's like to keep going in a war zone.

Boeing 737 Max 9: how the incident will affect airlines?

January 09, 2024 16:21 - 27 minutes - 12.5 MB

The recent dangerous Boeing 737-9 Max grounding has significantly impacted the reputation of manufacturer and airline companies. Alaska Airlines has cancelled more than 200 flights. Tim Jeans, former CEO at Monarch airlines will explain how this incident will affect Boeing's reputation and the work of global airlines.