World Business Report
Analysis of the big global business and economic issues, as they affect consumers and investors. Broadcast on weekdays.
President Putin in China to boost strategic ties
What’s the importance of the Russian President Vladmir Putin’s visit to China? Rahul Tandon explores the possible economic benefits to both countries.We hear how Russia is still managing to export oil via other countries around the world, and in effect making the sanctions ineffective. The Ambassador-at-Large with Singapore's Ministry of…
Latvia banking chief: frozen Russian assets could help Ukraine
In a BBC exclusive, Latvia's central bank governor, Mārtiņš Kazāks, highlights how the interest from frozen Russian assets could help finance Ukraine’s army. EU ambassadors have already agreed this in principle. Also, Will Bain finds out why foreign investors in Georgia might reconsider their future after a controversial funding law…
US announces tariffs on a range of Chinese imports
Presenter Sam Fenwick assesses the impact of US tariffs on Chinese goods. Joe Biden is putting them on imports, including electric cars and semiconductors. We hear from the business community in Georgia worried a new law will put off foreign trade. It requires organisations which receive more than 20 per…
Biden calls for rising tariffs on Chinese imports
The White House has confirmed the United States is putting tariffs on 18 billion dollars worth of imports from China. They'll target sectors like electric vehicles, batteries, steel and critical minerals. The US government accusing China of "unfair trade practices".Also, in the programme, we find out why one of the…
Brazilian floods show little sign of slowing
Flooding in Brazil continues, bringing despair to residents and businesses alike. Can emergency government funds offer hope of rebuilding? Meanwhile, Sam Fenwick looks at what's expected in the Australian budget, and what Melinda Gates' departure from her namesake foundation means to the world of philanthropy
Georgia protests: Will the new law harm the economy?
Hundreds of Georgians joined protest against a foreign influence bill, described by critics as the "Russia law". People are concerned that the new law could be used by the government to clamp down on opponents, and could harm Georgia's hopes of joining the European Union.Also, Will Bain finds out why…
Is the UK economy out of the woods?
The UK has emerged from recession – but can it hold its ground? And how does it compare to the rest of the world?Elsewhere, Emily Thomas digs into the agricultural impact of the floods in Brazil, and looks back at Chinese president Xi Jinping's visit to Europe.
Apple faces backlash over advert
The tech giant Apple has faced an online backlash in response to an advert featuring books and musical instrument being crushed, to demonstrate how their creativity has been compressed into the latest iPad.Also, with music catalogue company Hipgnosis facing a takeover, is it worth a price tag of $1.6 billion?…
Air India Express cancels 85 flights
Almost three-thousand cabin crew members in India have taken part in a mass sick leave in protest for better working conditions. Air India have cancelled 85 flights while travel disruption continues for hundreds of passengers. Also, on the show – find out why Korean women are reluctant to have children…
Whistleblower: parts sent to Boeing had 'serious defects'
A former employee of Boeing's biggest supplier has claimed that sections of 737 Max aircraft regularly left its factory with serious defects.Spirit Aerosystems builds fuselages for the 737 Max, which are then shipped to Boeing’s own plant for final assembly.Speaking publicly for the first time, former quality inspector Santiago Peredes…
Europe eyes latest rate cut
We speak to the head of Sweden’s central bank, after it voted to cut interest rates; making it one of the first to do so in the region. The bank moved ahead of the U.S Federal Reserve for the first time this century.Elsewhere, Ed Butler looks at why Ghana could…
TikTok takes revenge
TikTok has filed a lawsuit aiming to block a US law that would ban in the video app in the country unless it is sold by its Chinese parent company.In the filing, the social media company called the act an "extraordinary intrusion on free speech rights" of the company and…
Saudi’s growing deficit in the spotlight
Saudi’s state-oil company Aramco saw profits drop this week, but its payout to the government will still reach an eye-watering $31 billion. We see if the Saudi economy can cope with all its expensive mega projects.Also, Ed Butler explores the latest issues at Boeing, and finds out why India is…
EU and France holds talks with Xi
On his first visit to Europe since 2019, president Xi Jinping has been talking about trade ties. The West is worried about cheap Chinese imports of electric cars.Also, Rahul Tandon finds out why global petrol demand growth could halve in 2024 and what impact the shutdown in Israel would have…
Xi Jinping returns to Europe
Chinese leader Xi Jinping chooses France for his first visit to the continent after a five-year absence. We get the latest. Kosovo is home to Europe’s largest zinc, lead and silver mine. We visit it to know a bit more about central Europe’s smallest economy per capita. And we hear…
Israel stops trade with Turkey
The Israeli Foreign Ministry is to reduce Turkish imports both to Israel and to the occupied Palestinian territories. It’s also appealing for sanctions against Turkey for violating existing trade agreements. Also, in the programme, we look at Brazil’s plans to propose a global annual tax for billionaires at the G20…
Turkey says it is stopping trade with Israel over the war in Gaza
Last month, Ankara introduced partial restrictions citing being refused permission to drop aid into Gaza. Their response was to introduce restrictions on trade. Now, it appears that all imports and exports from Israel have been blocked. The country’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz said this was "how a dictator behaves" "and…
What’s in a name?
The Co-op Live Arena is Europe's biggest, with a capacity of 23,500. But fans have reacted with shock and confusion after it called off its opening concert at the last minute. We're outside the venue - and will ask what it means for the Co-op - which has bought the…
US holds interest rates for sixth time
The US Federal Reserve says it needs greater confidence that inflation is easing before cutting interest rates. We get the latest from our correspondent in New York. The housing market is one of the industries most impacted by the higher cost of borrowing. We hear from buyers and sellers. And…
Pakistan’s Finance Minister says he wants IMF bailout package to be the last
Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb exclusively speaks to World Business Report about the latest and 24th International Monetary Fund bailout for the country - and says it should be its last.In this extended podcast version of the interview with Mr. Aurangzeb, he talks to Will Bain about the steps he…