World Business Report
1,834 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★ - 236 ratingsThe latest business and finance news from around the world from the BBC
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
US-China relations: How will it affect businesses?
April 26, 2024 22:09 - 26 minutes - 12.1 MBAmerica's top diplomat and the Chinese president have held talks in Beijing as both sides seek to stabilise relations. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned that Washington will act if China does not stop supplying Russia with items used in its assault on Ukraine. Also, in the programme, Roger Hearing finds out how Egypt authorities dealing with the inflation and who created World biggest 3D printer.
Blinken & Xi Jinping in trade talks
April 26, 2024 15:24 - 26 minutes - 12.1 MBCould the US Secretary’s visit to Beijing further improve the US-China relationship that still crackles with tension and suspicion? Devina Gupta speaks to Prof Henry Gao, an expert in global trade at Singapore Management University. Over to Haiti and it is day one of the new interim government there which is trying to crackdown on gang violence we speak to the boss one of the main telecom companies - about what it is like to do business in this chaos and his hopes for stability. Messaging ...
US economic growth slows but inflation grows
April 25, 2024 22:10 - 26 minutes - 12.1 MBThe US economy grew by less than forecast in the first three months of this year but inflation gathered pace, which could delay an interest rate cut. Official figures revealed the economy expanded at an annualised rate of 1.6%, far below expectations and the growth seen in the final months of 2023. Meanwhile, inflation, which measures the pace of price rises, has increased.
Venice begins charging visitors an entrance fee
April 25, 2024 15:16 - 26 minutes - 12.1 MBDay trippers will have to pay €5 to visit the famous Italian city. The local government wants to discourage low-budget tourists who don't stay overnight in Venice. We get the latest. Mining giant BHP has proposed a buyout of Anglo American. The $39bn deal would forge the world's biggest copper miner in times when the price for this mineral is soaring. We look into the details. And we hear about the challenges US businesses operating in China are facing.
US warns China about supplying arms to Russia
April 24, 2024 15:05 - 26 minutes - 12.1 MBThe US Secretary of State Antony Blinken travels to Beijing in an attempt to curb support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. We look into the details. Boeing reports results after a difficult quarter, and what happens to movies once they have been taken down from streaming platforms? We find out.
UK passes bill to send asylum seekers to Rwanda
April 23, 2024 15:07 - 26 minutes - 12.1 MBThe British government wants to deter migrants from crossing the English Channel illegally on small boats. We get the latest. Greece has come a long way from the sovereign debt crisis it fell into in 2009. But challenges still remain, we hear about them. And we take a look at Elon Musk's latest row, this time, with Australia's Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese.
EV price war hits global market
April 22, 2024 15:14 - 26 minutes - 12.1 MBTesla has cut its prices again in a number of major markets - including the US, China and Germany - as the electric car giant run by multi-billionaire Elon Musk faces falling sales. The move comes after it reported a sharp fall in its global vehicle deliveries in the first three months of this year. Also, Vishala Sri-Pathma finds out of why government military spending increased in all five geographical regions and why Northern Ireland and its economy are betting big on film, TV and gaming.
The future of TikTok in the US
April 19, 2024 22:24 - 26 minutes - 12.1 MBUS lawmakers could vote on a bill that corners the app's owner ByteDance with a stark choice: to sell or be banned. Also in the programme, the French government addresses shrinkflation concerns with a new rule that will require stores to tell customers when a product becomes smaller but its price stays the same or increases. And we look into why sales of wine have dropped in China.
Will Congress pass the long-awaited Ukraine aid bill?
April 19, 2024 15:17 - 26 minutes - 12.1 MBAfter months of delay, the US House of Representatives appears poised to hold a vote this weekend on tens of billions of dollars worth of American military aid for Ukraine and Israel. The Republicans in Congress have been holding out on this issue for many months - tying it to immigration reform - but now House leader Mike Johnson says he's determined to bring the matter to a vote. Also, Ed Butler finds out why the number of bitcoin being produced will halve and what is happening in India a...
Google's controversial dismissals over Gaza
April 18, 2024 22:13 - 26 minutes - 12.1 MBThe tech giant terminates 28 staff who protested against a contract signed with the government of Israel. We get the latest. India's Bombay Stock Exchange warns investors against a deepfake video of its chief executive officer. We find out why. And we take a look at what is happening inside the board of LVMH now that the chairman and CEO, Bernard Arnault, has integrated two more of his children.
Official corruption... when ships are in port
April 18, 2024 15:26 - 26 minutes - 12.1 MBThe UN has estimated the global Cost of Corruption at some 5% of the world's Gross Domestic Product. Today our sister programme Business Daily has been looking at this - specifically through the lens of shipping, and the demands of routine bribery facing sea-farers. Many of the goods we buy and consume have at some stage reached us by cargo ship... But for the seafarers who make that happen, it’s not always an easy process. Ruth Alexander of Business Daily and The Food Chain tells more abou...
Boeing faces fierce scrutiny
April 17, 2024 22:21 - 26 minutes - 12 MBA Boeing engineer has told US lawmakers that he was harassed and threatened after he raised concerns about the safety of the company's planes. We hear from engineers and their claims. President Biden is set to call for a tripling of US tariffs on steel and aluminium. His demand for tariff hikes comes as he tackles fraught relations with China. Should players be excluded from betting on a game? The jury’s out for one NBA player who was given a lifetime ban by the NBA for breaching gambling ...
US election 2024: Is it worth it for campaign backers?
April 17, 2024 15:21 - 26 minutes - 11.9 MBworrying reports for Donald Trump's campaign of what may be an impending cash shortfall. The Financial Times has calculated that he's raised $75mn less for his presidential bid than Joe Biden in recent months, and has 270,000 fewer unique donors than he had at the same stage of his White House run four years ago. So what difference does money make when it comes to winning US elections? Also, Ed Butler finds out why German sportswear giant Adidas hits huge profits from sales its Yeezy colle...
Is the American economy out of the woods?
April 16, 2024 22:49 - 24 minutes - 11.4 MBEconomic growth in the US will be stronger than expected – but what does this mean for small businesses? We hear from an American business owner about the impact of an economic boom coinciding with inflation. Also, a UK legislation to ban cigarette sales leads to questions being raised on how tax duty for those specific sales will be recovered. Plus, is the return of investment worth much for countries hosting global events? It has been estimated that in preparation for the Olympic game...
Global economy ‘resilient’ but may be headed for trouble
April 16, 2024 15:45 - 26 minutes - 12.1 MBThe global economy is set to grow 3.2% this year, slightly more than previously expected, according to the International Monetary Fund. It’s optimistic assessment in today's keenly awaited Global Growth forecast, suggests the world is heading for a soft landing rather than a crash over the next few months. Ed Butler talks to a former deputy director of the IMF. He also finds out what matters to young Indian voters as the country’s election gets closer, and talks to a Kenyan doctor about why...
Tesla announces workforce redundancies
April 15, 2024 23:53 - 26 minutes - 12.1 MBRedundancies are expected after Tesla announces it will lay off more than 10% of its global vehicle workforce. Also how has a rise in consumer spend affected America’s economy which is grappling with inflation? Plus, the truth behind truth social continues as we look how Trump Media shares have been falling. And finally, is America’s immigration system broken? Our reporter Erin Delmore has been looking at the political and bureaucratic issues adding to America's labour shortage.
The costs of conflict for business in Israel
April 15, 2024 15:43 - 26 minutes - 12.1 MBIsrael's economy is struggling in the wake of conflict with Hamas in Gaza. We hear from a start-up in the EV sector how tensions between Iran and Israel will affect businesses. Also, presenter Will Bain, looks at why Tesla is set to lay off more than 10% of its global electric vehicle workforce. And how Japan’s biggest brewer Asahi plans to expand its production of zero and low-alcohol drinks.
Inside Ukraine’s energy crisis
April 12, 2024 22:25 - 26 minutes - 12.1 MBOn today’s program we find out why Ukraine is suffering its worst power crisis since Russia launched its invasion. Also, find out why South America’s largest economy is grappling with high inflation. Plus, activists have begun a hunger strike on the island of Tenerife, in protest at what they see as the destructive growth of tourism on the Canary Islands. And finally, find out how an American Farm Grows $1,700-Per-Pound White Truffles…
The challenge to produce vaccines in Africa
April 12, 2024 15:07 - 26 minutes - 12.1 MBModerna has halted plans to build a Covid-19 plant in Kenya alleging the demand after the pandemic has fallen dramatically. Rahul Tandon explores the different challenges that keep Africa missing out on investments to develop vaccines and the consequence this has on the population. And shareholders of United States Steel will vote on a planned takeover of the company by a Japanese firm. We hear why not everyone's happy with the deal.
The European Central Bank has held interest rates steady at a record high of 4%
April 12, 2024 10:44 - 26 minutes - 12.1 MBAs the European Central Bank holds interest rates steady at a record high of 4%, Vivienne Nunis asks whether the EU is ahead of the US in the race to reduce interest rates. We examine the economic relationship between Japan and the United States - as the Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida addresses the US Congress. Plus in another Japan-US relationship issue, we talk about Shohei Ohtani, a baseball, a home run, and a woman who feels she's lost out on $100,000 as a result.
Vietnamese billionaire sentenced to death for $44bn fraud
April 11, 2024 15:19 - 26 minutes - 12 MBProperty tycoon Truong My Lan has been found guilty of embezzling from one of the country's largest banks for 11 years, and given a rare death sentence. We get the latest from our correspondent. And as the political crisis deepens in Myanmar, we hear the latest report from the United Nations which says the middle classes in the nation are at risk of being wiped out.
Cost of living shock: US Inflation is up
April 10, 2024 22:15 - 26 minutes - 12 MBConsumer prices in the US rose faster than expected last month. The CPI measure of inflation rose 3.5% over the 12 months to March, up from 3.2% in February, the US Labor Department said. How will the new law restricting abortion in Arizona affect the state’s clinics? Plus UK Paralympic legend Baroness Tanni-Grey Thompson tells us what she makes of the news that athletes will soon be paid for winning an Olympic gold medal.
EU court removes Russian oligarchs from sanctions list
April 10, 2024 15:58 - 26 minutes - 12.1 MBThe EU General Court removed Mikhail Fridman and Petr Aven off an EU sanction list
How is the surging price of commodities affecting the global economy?
April 09, 2024 22:23 - 26 minutes - 11.9 MBCommodities - the raw materials that power business around the globe - are surging in price. And that suggests investors betting on a prolonged expansion—and a potential rebound in inflation. The S&P GSCI, which tracks commodity prices has advanced 12% this year. Copper and oil have gained more than 10% and 17%, respectively. Gold is also posting fresh records, rising 13% to $2,332 a troy ounce. So what's going on? Also, in the programme, the presenter Roger Hearing finds out why some polit...
March marks new global heat record
April 09, 2024 15:26 - 26 minutes - 12.1 MBAs the impact of climate change expands across the world, a top European court issues the first ruling against a country for climate inaction. We get the latest from our correspondent. And we go to Spain to hear why the government is scrapping its golden visa scheme.
TSMC expands US chip manufacturing in Arizona
April 08, 2024 22:07 - 26 minutes - 12.1 MBThe world's largest chip maker, TSMC - The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, has announced it will take advantage of generous US subsidies to build cutting-edge tech in Arizona. The Biden administration has committed more than six billion dollars in subsidies and five billion in possible loans to support the plan. Also, in the programme, the presenter Sam Fenwick finds out what it's like to experiencing complete darkness a rare total solar eclipse.
Yellen's China visit comes to an end
April 08, 2024 15:27 - 26 minutes - 12.1 MBAs U.S Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen, wraps up her four-day visit to Beijing, Rahul Tandon looks at what the trip could mean for future relations between the U.S and China. Tens of thousands of people in the gaming industry sector have lost their jobs in the last few months. Reporter Izzy Greenfield explains what’s going on. And as North America waits to watch a total solar eclipse we hear from the business community in Rochester, New York, how the event has delivered a ‘tourism boom’ f...
Rare earthquake shakes New York
April 05, 2024 22:11 - 26 minutes - 12.1 MBA rare earthquake that struck New York City has swayed landmarks and cracked roads. Roger Hearing has been speaking to a stockbroker who describes the moment of impact. We also hear from the co-director of the Global Resilience Institute Dr Daniel Aldrich about whether New York is prepared to withstand a quake of a larger magnitude. Also on the program discover why emerging economies joining US and Europe in shielding domestic manufacturers from a rising tide of Chinese imports. And final...
McDonald's buys back 225 outlets in Israel
April 05, 2024 15:23 - 21 minutes - 10 MBMcDonald's has announced its buying restaurants back, and bringing them in house - after the former franchise owner gave free meals to Israeli soldiers. That decision sparked a McDonald's boycott in many other countries across the world. We find out what happens when global brands and global politics collide.
Gucci splashes out on a new $1.3bn office in Milan
April 04, 2024 23:19 - 28 minutes - 13.3 MBGucci splashes out on a new $1.3bn office in Europe’s biggest property deal since 2022
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to meet Chinese government officials
April 04, 2024 15:31 - 25 minutes - 11.9 MBUS Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen stresses the importance of maintaining trade relationships and dialogue between the nations, as she spoke to reporters in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou. China accuses the West of feeling threatened by their cheaper exports to developing economies, but Yellen stands by her assessment that China is saturating the markets, driving down competitors. Also, in the programme, we will talk about Google and how its search engine is powered by artificial ...
Taiwan quake to hit some chip output
April 03, 2024 22:17 - 26 minutes - 12.1 MBWe look at what the effects of chip suspension mean for Asia's semiconductor supply chain. Plus, Roger Hearing speaks to the executive vice president of Taiwan Residential Earthquake Insurance Fund to highlight the estimated cost of damage so far. Also, Zimbabwean president declares state of disaster due to drought And finally, Disney secures its happy ever ending after convincing shareholders they’re heading in the right direction
How has the Taiwan earthquake hit their semiconductors sector?
April 03, 2024 15:35 - 26 minutes - 12.1 MBThe devastating earthquake with a 7.2 magnitude has killed at least nine people and damaged buildings, sparking evacuations at microchip plants. The country is a huge player in the world of microchips - with many large factories supplying the likes of tech giant Apple and AI supremo Nvidia. Those factories however have had to shut their doors temporarily over fears of the aftermath of this devastating earthquake, which has meant a halt in production. Also, in the programme, we will talk ab...
Rebuilding Gaza estimated to cost $18.5 billion.
April 02, 2024 22:25 - 26 minutes - 12.1 MBA World Bank and UN joint report estimates costs to rebuild Gaza’s critical infrastructure to be $18.5 billion dollars – we discuss how it could be funded. Plus have drivers fallen out of love with electric cars? Tesla and BYD report sale losses. We also look at why hybrid work is becoming a popular choice for employees and Disney faces a showdown over its future against billionaire Nelson Peltz.
China property developer Country Garden suspended stock on Hong Kong exchange
April 02, 2024 15:20 - 26 minutes - 12.1 MBThere was good news yesterday about Chinese manufacturing going up, but less good news toay for Beijing about its beleaguered property sector: the property development giant, Country Garden, has suspended trading of its shares in Hong Kong after delaying publication of its annual results. The firm said last week it needed more time to collect information as it restructures its debts. It defaulted on its overseas debt last year. Also, in the programme, the presenter Roger Hearing will tal...
How is the Baltimore bridge collapse impacting business?
April 01, 2024 22:11 - 26 minutes - 12.1 MBA transportation business in Baltimore tells us about how they may have to take a hit to sustain their business as the Baltimore bridge is repaired. Also, the truth behind ‘Truth Social’ – we find out how shares in the business have plunged by 23% after reporting less than a million dollars in revenue for the fourth quarter of last year. Plus, we’ll be looking at how the UK has benefitted from the introduction of a minimum wage, 25 years after it was introduced.
China shows signs of economic recovery
April 01, 2024 15:18 - 26 minutes - 12.1 MBChina's factory output has grown for the first time in six months. Roger Hearing finds out more about why that is good news but the picture remains mixed. Turkey's main opposition party has claimed big election victories in the main cities of Istanbul and Ankara. In Japan overtime per week is being limited to around 18 hours per week for drivers of trucks, taxis and buses. And in Germany part decriminalisation of cannabis will be introduced for over 18s. We hear more from our correspondent J...
WTO warns against protectionism in the global economy
March 30, 2024 02:18 - 50 minutes - 23.1 MBToday we lead with a warning from the head of World Trade Organisation Ngozi Okonja-Iweala about the impact protectionism could have on the global economy. Plus, we find out why Japan is relaxing its visa rules in a drive to boost foreign workers to fill vacancy gaps in certain professions. And finally social media stirs the pot after dubbing French president Emmanuel Macrons visit to Brazil as a honeymoon than a diplomatic summit.
WTO signals danger around trade protectionism
March 30, 2024 00:02 - 27 minutes - 12.4 MBToday we lead with a warning from the head of World Trade Organisation Ngozi Okonja-Iweala about the perils of trade protectionism. Plus, we find out why social media has dubbed French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Brazil as a honeymoon than a diplomatic summit. Also, we look at how local businesses in Jerusalem have been impacted by a decline in tourism and finally, we learn about the pros and cons of daylight saving, as Europe prepares to put its clocks forwards.
WTO warns against fragmentation of the global economy
March 29, 2024 16:22 - 26 minutes - 12.1 MBThe director of the World Trade Organisation Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala says she is concerned about protectionism, which she doesn't think would work in today's world. The "arms race" in AI has been mostly a financial one but now it seems there's a race to grab talent too. We discuss this with Humayan Sheikh, one of the major investors in the British AI firm Deep Mind. And South Africa's Environment Minister Barbara Creecy tells us why one of the best ways to protect her country's wildlife migh...
Was Sam Bankman-Fried's 25-year prison sentence expected?
March 28, 2024 23:23 - 26 minutes - 12 MBWe find out why the Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi has launched its first electric vehicle and is now securing orders. Also, France votes on a law to prevent discrimination against your hairstyle at work. Plus, how Padel is becoming the world's fastest-growing sport. And, could a law in Florida stop kids under 13 from accessing social media?
Sam Bankman-Fried sentenced to 25 years in prison
March 28, 2024 16:24 - 27 minutes - 12.5 MBFounder of crypto exchange FTX has been sentenced for stealing billions of dollars from customers. Sam Fenwick talks to experts and a victim about the consequences of this ruling on the cryptocurrency market. We get the latest from our correspondent in New York.
What now after Baltimore bridge collapse?
March 28, 2024 11:41 - 26 minutes - 12.1 MBWe 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 MBWe 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 MBRahul 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 MBBaltimore'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 MBRahul 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 MBBoeing 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 MBDonald 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 MBDonald 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.