World Business Report
Analysis of the big global business and economic issues, as they affect consumers and investors. Broadcast on weekdays.
Elon Musk’s White House farewell
On the day Elon Musk departs the White House, and his work at DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), Devina Gupta examines what he has achieved in the role, what his priorities will be at Tesla and Space X, and whether he and President Trump will remain friends Also, as the…
Rhode’s beauty blockbuster deal
e.l.f. Beauty acquires Hailey Bieber’s Rhode in a massive $1bn deal. e.l.f. CEO Tarang Amin joins David Harper to discuss the landmark acquisition and their hopes for the brand’s future. Elsewhere, despite Western sanctions, BBC analysis shows that Russia continues to receive billions of dollars from oil exports. New research…
Tariffs, trade wars and courtroom drama
After a federal court ruled US President Donald Trump’s latest tariff levies illegal, his administration have scored a last-minute reprieve. For now, the White House's tariff plan stays in place. But with the legal battle being far from over, we tell you all about the fast changing rules of Trump's…
Court ruling a blow to Trump’s tariffs
A US federal court has blocked Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, which the Trump administration is appealing. The news comes amid ongoing trade negotiations – so what does this mean for a global trade war? And is this the end of the story?
Nvidia earnings boom despite tariffs
Nvidia, a huge success in the tech world, reported its latest quarterly earnings. The chipmaker, vying with Apple for the position of the world's richest company, beat expectations despite export controls. Elon Musk, , the billionaire and co-founder and CEO of Tesla, has criticised one of the signature policies of…
State of emergency in Panama
US banana giant Chiquita has laid off around 5,000 workers following a month-long strike as part of nationwide industrial action. Workers are protesting against new social security laws lowering pensions. In 2023, Panama exported $273m of bananas, making it the 13th largest exporter of bananas in the world. What do…
US-Japan steel deal?
Japanese-owned steelmaker Nippon Steel is expected to close its “partnership” with U.S. Steel at $55 per share, as the US media have reported. On Friday, last week, President Donald Trump said that he has cleared the deal. We hear from Chris Kelly, the Mayor of West Mifflin, a steel town…
Shein accused of breaking EU law
Global fast-fashion retailer, Shein, has been accused of breaking EU law with manipulative sales tactics. We hear from the Director General of the European Consumer Organisation. In Africa, the search for the new president of its top financial institution is almost over. Who could be the new leader for the…
Optimism over US-EU trade talks
The United States President, Donald Trump, has agreed to drop his threat to impose 50% tariffs on European Union imports and extend a deadline to negotiate tariffs with the EU by more than a month. They’re often in the headlines. We take an in-depth look at critical minerals, where they're…
The trillion dollar court battle
Two of the world's biggest energy firms are in court fighting over a new oil project that could be worth a trillion dollars. We hear why the International Energy Agency says the worlds is becoming too dependent on just a few countries for critical minerals that power clean energy technologies…
EU vows to defend interests after US tariff threat
The European trade commissioner says the EU will defend its interests in trade talks with the United States. President Trump has threatened the bloc with fifty percent tariffs. Boeing is to avoid prosecution in a deal with the US Justice Department over a number of crashes. The deal includes the…
Trump threatens tariffs on EU goods and Apple iPhones
US President Donald Trump has said he is recommending a 50% tariff on all goods from the European Union being imported to the United States. We hear reactions from the European parliament and businesses. You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.
US Business body reacts to Donald Trump's "beautiful" bill
Business body in the United States gives reaction to Donald Trump's " big beautiful" bill. It contains tax cuts as well as money for defence spending and funds for his deportation programme. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has dropped a case which attempted to block Microsoft's $69-billion purchase of "Call…
US House passes Trump's mega tax-cut bill
A massive tax and spending bill has just been passed by the US House of Representatives. The so-called mega-bill would extend tax cuts from President Donald Trump's first term, end taxes on tips, and increase military and border spending. The sportwear giant Nike is raising prices - but how much…
US and South Africa trade talks turn tense
A trade talks meeting turned tense at the White House, when President Trump clashed with South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa over discredited claims of white genocide in South Africa. We hear from a key voice in the president Ramaphosa's advisory council. It's a big week for cryptocurrency - Bitcoin hit an…
Will the US Congress pass Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill'?
With US President Donald Trump's tax cut and spending bill facing opposition from both Democrats and fellow Republicans during a rare overnight session in Congress, is America's economy standing at a crossroads? It could bring tax reductions, and tighten the availability of healthcare, but increase the United States' debt by…
EU plans fee on cheap Chinese parcels
The EU plans a €2 fee on cheap parcels from China, hitting companies like Temu and Shein. We hear from the Chief Executive of the European Consumer Association. Syria has a chance to reboot its economy as the EU lifts some sanctions. We hear from Syrian businesses on what this…
The Chinese battery maker powering ahead of its competition
China's Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) supplies major carmakers including Tesla, Volkswagen and Toyota. We ask how it has become one of the world's fastest-growing firms. Elsewhere, a 50-year land dispute off West Africa is now centred on oil deposits. And, the flight attendants in Spain who have been…
From fishing to food exports: What's the UK's deal with the EU?
The UK and the EU have reached a new deal setting out post-Brexit relations on areas including fishing rights, trade and defence. We hear from the Irish fishing community, a food exporter in the UK and what a "youth experience scheme" could mean for businesses in France. Also, Andrew Peach…
UK-EU deal: what impact could it have on businesses?
The UK and the EU have reached a new deal setting out post-Brexit relations on areas including fishing rights, trade and defence. We look through what's actually been agreed, what it means for businesses and consumers right across Europe and find out what it tells us about global trade more…