Business Matters

Voters head to the polls in Japan this weekend in a crucial Upper House election. The vote comes amid rising economic pressures, including the threat of US tariffs on key exports like cars, high inflation, low productivity and a rapidly ageing population. Also, the EU cuts its price cap on Russian crude oil to 47 dollars a barrel. France says it could force Moscow into a ceasefire in Ukraine.And after three decades on air, could The Late Show become too expensive for US television to sustain?

The US Congress has passed the GENIUS Act — the first federal bill aimed at regulating stablecoins, a type of cryptocurrency tied to the value of the US dollar. Also on the programme: the US Federal Reserve weighs inflation risks and Trump's tariff threats The BBC's Victoria Craig speaks to Boston Fed President Susan Collins. And Uber invests $300 million in Lucid Motors, with plans to launch its own fleet of self-driving robotaxis.

We look at the continuing tensions between President Donald Trump and the Chairman of the US Federal Reserve Jerome Powell.There could be more than 10 million extra people needed in the Russian labour market by 2030. Rahul Tandon hears from a Russian demography expert.And what will happen to renewable energy in the US?You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.

Will ending two public holidays in France help to reduce national debt? Rahul Tandon talks to a professor at the Toulouse School of Economics.Indonesia also agreed to purchase $15 billion in US energy, $4.5 billion worth of agricultural products and 50 Boeing jets, “many of them 777's,” Trump said later on social media.The US technology giant Nvidia says it will soon resume sales of its high-end artificial intelligence chips to China The move reverses a ban on sales of its chips to Beijing, a ban imposed by President Donald Trump's administration in April, over national security concerns.And we look at the new trend - hiring etiquette coaches for Gen Z employees.You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.

US President Donald Trump is “very, very unhappy” with Russia, and threatened with secondary tariffs of up to 100% if there is no progress on peace deal within 50 days.Also, the European Union has pledged countermeasures against the United States if the US administration introduces 30 per cent tariffs on imports from the bloc next month.And the latest economic data shows that prices in the Latin American economy rose by 1.6% in June, does it mean that the strategy of Argentine President Javier Milei doesn't work anymore?You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.

A preliminary report into the Air India crash last month has found that fuel supplies to the engines were cut shortly after take-off causing them to lose thrust. The report also found no mechanical issues with the plane or its engines, bringing renewed focus on to the actions of the two pilots, as two fuel switches on the plane appear to have been switched off manually.Presenter, Victoria Craig, speaks to the BBC's India business correspondent, Archana Shukla, to get the latest.Also on the programme: President Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump visited central Texas today to survey where flash floods killed 120 people last weekend. How might disasters like this be avoided in the future?Joining Victoria to discuss business stories from around the world are Andy Uhler, Energy Journalism Fellow at University of Texas at Austin and Amita Arudpragasam, writer and policy analyst based in Sri Lanka.

U.S. President Donald Trump is threatening to put a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports. Brazil promises to retaliate with a 50% tariff of its own. So what does this escalating trade row mean for Embraer, one of the world's biggest aircraft manufacturers based in Brazil? And could it make your morning cup of coffee more expensive? Italian chocolate giant Ferrero is buying one of America's oldest breakfast cereal companies, Kellogg's in a $3.1 billion deal. But are people still eating cereals for breakfast? Plus, why would an airport commission airport sounds to play to passengers ? Throughout the programme, Roger will be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world, James Mayger, Bloomberg's reporter on Chinese Economy and Government, who's in Beijing, and Stephanie Hare, researcher on technology and ethics in London.

The US president, Donald Trump, has made public the tariffs he intends to slap on imports from another group of countries, including Brazil, from the start of August. The chipmaker Nvidia has become the first company in the world to reach a market value of $4tn on Wednesday. David Harper hears from experts. And Donald Trump has said the United States is shifting from aid to trade in its relationship with Africa as he welcomed five presidents from the continent to the White House.Throughout the programme, David will be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world – Zyma Islam, Senior Reporter at the Daily Star in Dhaka in Bangladesh, and Silicon Valley journalist and author Mike Malone in California in the USA.

US President Donald Trump has threatened a 50% tariff on copper imports. Sam Fenwick hears how critical the metal is in electric vehicles, military hardware, semiconductors and a wide range of consumer technology. Mass federal job cuts can proceed for now after an update from the US Supreme Court. Plus how WeightWatchers, the weight management business, has emerged from a major debt restructuring. Sam Fenwick will be joined by Jessica Khine, a business development consultant based in Malaysia, and Rema Rahman, White House and Legal Affairs editor at The Hill, in Washington.

Japan and South Korea face 25% US tariffs in August. Donald Trump also sent tariff letters to twelve other countries on Monday with details of the tariffs of up to 40% that they could face. We hear from the US Consumer Technology Association on what tariffs could mean for stores across America. Also, as the trading day starts in Tokyo and with elections on the horizon, we ask how Japan's government will interpret President Trump's latest tariff threat.And how street art is encouraging thousands of tourists back to a once-deserted village in southern Italy. Throughout the programme, Sam will be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world: Peter Landers, Wall Street Journal Asia Business and Finance Editor in Beijing, and Erin McLaughlin, Senior Economist at the Conference Board in new York.

President Trump has signed his flagship policy bill into law, slashing taxes and welfare while increasing funding for the military and immigration enforcement. But what impact will this have on the U.S. economy and its global relationships? As new tariffs threaten EU agricultural exports, can trade deals be secured before tensions escalate?Plus, we take a look at Velvet Sundown — the mysterious band pulling in over 850,000 monthly Spotify listeners without a single live performance, interview, or identifiable member.

Donald Trump's flagship finance bill has finally passed through congress. But what does it mean for the economy – and for low-income Americans relying on federal support? Plus, Hollywood rolls out yet another Superman reboot – is there still an appetite for the caped crusader? And with Oasis reuniting on stage, we explore the tour merchandise expected to rake in millions.

President Trump has announced a 20 percent tariff on Vietnamese goods under a new trade deal. In return, Vietnam will remove all tariffs on American imports.Also, members of Congress locked in debate over Trump's major finance bill. And as Del Monte declares bankruptcy - are we all falling out of love with canned food?

After hours of stalemate, Republicans in the US Senate have narrowly passed Donald Trump's mega-bill on tax and spending, meaning the proposed legislation has cleared one of its key hurdles. Also, US President Donald Trump has suggested that Doge, the cost-cutting agency Elon Musk helped set up, could be used to hurt the billionaire's companies – as the former allies continue their public dispute over Trump's budget plans. And it's 25 years since one of the world's first and longest transnational bridges was opened in northern Europe – the Öresund Bridge – but it is facing new challenges. Throughout the programme, Roger Hearing will be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world – Mehmal Sarfraz, the Pakistani journalist and analyst who's in Sunnyvale, California, but usually based in Lahore; and Dante Disparte, Chief Strategy Officer at the financial technology company Circle in Washington.

Global supply chains are in trouble, driven by crises due to tariffs, geopolitical shocks and Middle East instability, according to the latest survey carried out by CIPS Pulse of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply. Roger Hearing hears from Ben Farrell, CIPS CEO. Also, Italian luxury fashion brand Prada has said it acknowledges the Indian roots of its new footwear line, days after the design sparked a controversy in India. Why is it that cassava, a major food source across the world, doesn't make more money for one of the biggest producers – Nigeria? And President Donald Trump blamed AT&T for technical issues in a conference call he has been holding with American faith leaders. Throughout the programme, Roger Hearing will be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world – Peter Morici, economist and professor of business at the University of Maryland, who's in Alexandria, Virginia - and Jennifer Pak, China correspondent at Marketplace, usually based in Shanghai but today she's in Canada.

There's another twist to the tariffs tale... US President Donald Trump says he's stopping trade talks with Canada over a tax he's not happy about. The US and China have reached a trade truce on critical minerals... but how critical is the deal? And Glastonbury has a hippy roots, but it's making serious money.... we'll hear how it generates hundreds of millions for the British economy. You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.

In the US, the economy shrinks, jobless claims rise, and tariffs start to bite... Will steps toward an agreement with China help the situation?There's been a tax shake-up in Africa's biggest economy... Nigeria's President signs off on sweeping reforms. But will they be felt on the ground?And after nearly four decades in charge… Vogue's Anna Wintour is stepping back. What's next for fashion's most powerful woman?You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.

President Trump issues a tariff threat after Spain rejects Nato's defence spending target.Lebanon has secured $250 million in World Bank funding for post-war recovery, to help repair and rebuild critical public infrastructure and essential services.Is the oil giant Shell taking over its rival BP?Plus, Mexico is planning to sue Space X over rocket debris on the beach.Presenter Andrew Peach is joined by Fermín Koop, the Latin America editor for Diálogo Chino and Jyoti Malhotra is editor-in-chief of The Tribune in India.

President Trump joins NATO leaders in Europe for a summit about increasing spending on defence. He is demanding all member states commit to spending 5% of national economic output on defence budgets.In New York, Democratic voters are heading to the polls to choose their nominee for mayor.Plus, would you order lab-grown meat in a restaurant? You can in Australia after the product was approved for consumption.Throughout the program, Andrew Peach will be joined by Marketplace's Kimberley Adams in Washington and David Kuo, co-founder of the Smart Investor in Singapore.

President Trump says Israel and Iran have agreed to a total ceasefire after what he called their twelve-day war. It follows Iran's missile attack on a US airbase in Qatar. We'll look at the impact on aviation and shipping across the Middle East.We explore how the speed of delivering groceries are changing shopping habits in India.Plus, why are other countries envious of Argentina's growth figures? Throughout the program, Andrew Peach will be joined by Simon Littlewood, the founder of the Raffles Crew, a business network in Singapore and Stephanie Hare, a researcher on technology and ethics in Berlin.

Global markets, including the US, have been quietly calm, although there have been warning signs of looming risks and uncertainty after Donald Trump's “liberation day” tariffs announcement. What's behind such market “silence”? Roger Hearing hears from Gillian Tett, the chair of the Editorial Board of the Financial Times and the Provost of Kings College Cambridge, who has been writing about this. And how are businesses navigating global sourcing and supply chain risks and disruptions? A Global Sourcing Risk Index, produced by Proxima and Oxford Economics, shows how much business leaders still need to do. Also, a group of economists, backed by the Vatican, are calling for a reshaping of the international financial system to help developing countries that are heavily in debt and struggling to finance important social issues in their countries like healthcare and education.Throughout the programme, Roger Hearing will be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world: Tony Nash, CEO and founder of Complete Intelligence, an AI-based financial forecasting firm in Houston; and Nga Pham, a journalist based in Taiwan.

A war with Iran has been harming Israel, not just in the physical effect of missile strikes but also the impact of the conflict and instability on Israel's economy. Roger Hearing hears about how the country's economy is coping with this. Greenland's minister for business and mineral resources, Naaja Nathanielsen, tells us how she deals with threats of an invasion by US President Donald Trump. And Thailand, a country that has long kept a tight lid on gambling, could be about to change as the government is looking at legalising casinos to boost tourism. Throughout the program , Roger Hearing will be joined by Anneke Green, a Republican political strategist at Reach Global Strategies and former political speechwriter in Washington; and Sushma Ramachandran, an independent journalist and columnist with the Tribune newspaper in Delhi.

Will the US get directly involved in the Israel-Iran conflict? President Trump says he hasn't made his mind up yet. A shipping insurance expert explains the impact of the conflict coverage costs for vessels in the region.In the UK, employers may soon be forced to list salary brackets on job adverts. We'll find out why.And do you ever wonder where old mobile phones, computers, and fridges get recycled? One place is Thailand - where recycling is cheaper than in many Western countries. The BBC's Gideon Long joins Thai government officials on a visit to a recycling plant.

President Trump is demanding Iran's ‘unconditional surrender' as the conflict with Israel enters its sixth day. The US leader was supposed to be in Canada for the G7 summit, but decided to leave early. Has his absence there overshadowed its talks on Ukraine? We'll hear from a reporter who's at the summit.Meanwhile in Brazil, oil exploration rights are up for auction - even as the country prepares to host the UN climate conference COP30. An environmental activist tells us why oil exploration in the South American country must be stopped.And is China's biggest car manufacturer BYD playing fair? Our reporter has been speaking with the firm's executive vice president.Global business news, with live guests and contributions from Asia and the USA.

We hear from Banff where the meeting of world leaders is taking place, as Donald Trump returns to Washington. Also, it's just three weeks until US tariffs could hit America's trading partners. Ed Butler looks at what the impact might be on Malaysia and Thailand. And, the Trump Organization announces plans for a golden mobile phone, made entirely in America.

How could the Israel-Iran attacks impact the global economy? We speak to experts on the region.What's happening with global shipping? We speak to a company which transports freight in Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East.Also, what about the health of the Israeli economy? We hear from the former Deputy Governor of the Bank of Israel.

A London-bound Air India plane carrying 242 people crashes in a residential area shortly after take-off in Ahmedabad, western India. We hear from Anita Mendiratta, a specialist on aviation. And we look at how the premier of the Canadian province of Alberta - the landlocked neighbour of the United States - has put forward plans for a new crude pipeline from the province to the Port of Prince Rupert in British Columbia to export through the Pacific.

Disney and Universal are suing AI photo generation company Midjourney alleging its popular image generator had become a "bottomless pit of plagiarism". Rahul Tandon finds out how likely the lawsuit is to be successful. Also, can we expect peace between the US and China in their crucial trade war as both sides say they have agreed on a "framework" for a deal?We find out why the new LinkedIn data reveals that the rate of women being hired into leadership has dropped for the third year in a row.And we hear how tensions between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk might be affecting investors. You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.

After two days of London talks, the US and China agree on a trade framework - pending approval from Presidents Trump and Xi, reports say.Pakistan announced that their defence spending is increasing by 17% in the fiscal year ending June 2026 - we get reaction from Uzair Younus, Principal at the Atlantic Council's Asia GroupAnd a new Apple feature will reportedly block out hold music. We hear from Debbie Wiseman, a conductor and composer who has turned her hand to hold music in the past.

As fresh protests erupt over President Trump's immigration and deportation policies, we ask: how much does Los Angeles's economy rely on undocumented workers? We speak to Julia Gelatt from the Migration Policy Institute and Mark Krikorian of the Centre for Immigration Studies.Also on the programme: as the US–China trade dispute hits growth, both sides return to the negotiating table.And we hear from Spanish meat producers concerned about the impact of potential US tariffs.

The US and China have announced their delegations will meet in London to talk trade on Monday... so has a phone call between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jin Ping signalled an end to the tariff war between the World's biggest two economies?Andrew Peach discusses whether Elon Musk's time at the White House achieved anything for the tech sector that will survive his rift with President Trump. Elsewhere, we are on the road in China with a truck but no driver, and the fashion statement that's set to go up for auction in Paris.Global business news, with live guests and contributions from Asia and the USA.

US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk are locked in an increasingly personal and public fight, with the US president now threatening to cancel the tech billionaire's lucrative government contracts. Also, the European Union urges China to lift export controls on rare earth minerals crucial to industries from automotive to electronics. And we explore how Japan is eyeing new commercial opportunities on the moon.

The new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is expected to meet with US President Donald Trump on Thursday to discuss tariffs and the war in Ukraine. A report by the US Congressional Budget Office in Washington found Wednesday that President Donald Trump's tax bill adds $2.4 trillion to US debt. Also, Rahul Tandon looks at the impact that hackers are having on some of the world's best-known retailers and other brands – North Face, Cartier and Victoria Secret are the latest companies being targeted. Throughout the programme, Rahul Tandon will be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world: Karen Percy, a senior freelance reporter in Melbourne, Australia, and Walter Todd, President & Chief Investment Officer, Greenwood Capital, based in South Carolina, US.

The global steel industry prepares for impact as Donald Trump signs an order for a 50% tariff on steel and aluminium. He announced the move last week in front of a crowd of steel workers in Pennsylvania. In South Korea, the liberal candidate, Lee Jae-myung, has been confirmed as the clear winner of the presidential election. The tech billionaire, Elon Musk, has stepped up his criticism of Donald Trump's planned tax and spending bill, calling it a "disgusting abomination". A White House spokeswoman said the president would not change his position on what he calls the "big beautiful bill".Throughout the programme, Rahul Tandon will be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world: Andy Xie, an independent economist in Shanghai, China, and Anneke Green, Republican Political Strategist at Reach Global Strategies in Washington, US.

It's election day in South Korea, where voters are choosing the country's next president after months of unprecedented political turmoil affecting the country's economy. For South Koreans, today's vote offers an opportunity to restore stability and forge ahead. US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to hold a phone call to discuss tariffs and trade issues, according to the White House. In Canada, the Prime Minister is meeting with regional leaders to remove interprovincial trade barriers and making it easier for Canadians to trade with each other. Also, the Microsoft founder Bill Gates says improving the health and education of people in Africa will be the priority when he gives away most of his two hundred billion dollar fortune over the next twenty years, the majority of which will go to Africa. Throughout the programme, Rahul Tandon will be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world: Peter Morici, economist and professor of business, who is in Alexandria, Virginia; and Sushma Ramachandran, independent journalist and columnist with the Tribune newspaper in Delhi.

American President Donald Trump has announced at a rally in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that the US will double tariffs on steel imports from 25% to 50% to boost the local steel industry. The announcement is the latest turn in Trump's rollercoaster approach to tariffs since re-entering office in January.Meanwhile, it was the last day at the White House for tech billionaire Elon Musk who has departed from his role at DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency.) We examine what he has achieved in the role, what his priorities will be at Tesla and Space X, and whether he and President Trump can remain friendsAnd with the Indian economy showing a growth of 7.4% between January and March, beating analyst expectations, we analyse what's behind the numbers and if the growth can continueTo discuss these and the big global business news of the day, presenter Devina Gupta, is joined by Andy Uhler, journalism fellow at University of Texas Energy Institute in the US and Rachel Cartland, author and commentator based in Hong Kong.

After US President Donald Trump's tariff policy got a last minute reprieve in the federal courts, we unpick the latest twist in American trade policy. Meanwhile, we hear from an international student at Harvard University caught up in the institution's legal battle with the Whitehouse.Elsewhere, we can reveal how western countries are helping fund Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.And Devina Gupta speaks to the attorney at the centre of the 'largest settlement of a price-fixing case in Canadian history' that's worth $500-million.Global business news, with live guests and contributions from Asia and the USA.

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 President Donald Trump, marking a break from the US president who he helped to win re-election in 2024. And the meat of brown bears, a protected species in the EU, could soon be available to eat in Slovakia after the populist government approved plans for sale. Roger hears from a food tour guide who tested the meat before.Throughout the programme, we will be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world: Michael Malone, a veteran Silicon Valley journalist and host of the Silicon Insider podcast in the US, and Zyma Islam, senior reporter for The Daily Star in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The US President, Donald Trump's administration, has ordered its embassies abroad to pause new applications for student and exchange visitor visas as it prepares to expand social media vetting of foreign students. We hear from former US Education Secretary Arne Duncan – who was in office during Obama's presidency. 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. And Rahul Tandon hears how one woman's quest to buy only US-made goods has been surprisingly difficult. Throughout the programme, we will be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world: Erin McLaughlin, Senior Economist, The Conference Board in the US, and Simon Littlewood, President of ACG Global or a business consultant based in Singapore.

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. In Argentina, the government has announced that its easing currency reporting rules to deal with dollars kept under mattresses. The Argentine government aims to unleash some $271 billion stashed away in mattresses, safes and foreign bank accounts.And Rahul Tandon will look at how Disney's live-action Lilo and Stitch remake beat Tom Cruise at the US box office. Lilo and Stitch, which revisits the 2002 animated family favourite, exceeded expectations with takings of $341m (£252m) around the world. Throughout the programme, we will be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world: Sushma Ramachandran, an independent journalist and columnist with the Tribune newspaper in India, and Fermin Koop, a reporter on environmental and climate change in Argentina.

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 company admitting to obstructing federal aviation officials and paying $1.1 billion in fines. Presenter Rahul Tandon examines these stories and also hears how the murder of George Floyd inspired US banks to invest in small black businesses.

Donald Trump blocks Harvard from enrolling International students to root out anti-Americanism and antisemitism on campus. Harvard has called the move unlawful. A Business body in the United States has been giving 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.Presenter Rahul Tandon also looks at the U.S. Federal Trade Commission decision to drop a case which attempted to block Microsoft's $69-billion purchase of "Call of Duty" maker Activision Blizzard. It has said the case against the long-closed deal was not in the public interest.