World Business Report

The United States military has seized two tankers linked to Venezuelan oil. This comes as Venezuela's state-run oil company is confirming – for the first time – that it is negotiating the sale of crude oil to the United States after the US Energy Secretary said that Washington would control Venezuelan oil sales 'indefinitely'. Also, the global race between the world's biggest companies and countries to build the most powerful computers ever seen. And Warner Brothers Discovery is telling its shareholders to once again reject an updated bid from Paramount Skydance, calling it inferior.(PHOTO: The vessel tanker Bella 1 [now called the Marinera] at Singapore Strait, after U.S. officials say the U.S. Coast Guard pursued an oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela, in this picture taken from social media on March 18, 2025. Credit: Hakon Rimmereid/via REUTERS)

The US President says the interim authorities in Venezuela will be turning over up to fifty million barrels of what he called sanctioned oil to the United States.Staying in the US where the Department of Health has frozen child care and family assistance in five Democrat- governed states, alleging -- without providing evidence -- concerns over fraud and misuse of public funds in state- run programmes.Flights across parts of North Western Europe are continuing to face major disruption due to wintry conditions. One of the worst affected airports is Schipol in the Netherlands - a major hub for travellers. And – the BBC's Economics Editor Faisal Islam reports on one of the world's most advanced computers - Google's ‘Willow', a quantum computer which is the centre of a battle between the world's biggest tech companies.

As people wonder what happens next, we talk to a student and business owner about their hopes for Venezuela's future, and explore the economy beyond oil production. Also, does sacking football managers make good business sense?And we hear from gym enthusiasts keen on a German fitness trend.You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.(Picture: People walk in front of graffiti reading "Free Maduro" during a women's march toward the office of interim President Delcy Rodriguez in Caracas, Venezuela, January 6, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria)

Six European leaders today rallied to Greenland's support after the President Donald Trump said the US ‘needed Greenland'.The UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and Denmark said in a joint statement, that Greenland ‘belongs to its people...and only Denmark and Greenland can decide on matters concerning their relations"We look at Greenland's business community and how it is responding to all the uncertainty over its future.Also – as the first retail sales of Xmas are revealed…will it be a bumper year for companies relying on seasonal shopping.And, as Manchester United part company with yet another manager, we look at the cost to the club in replacing Ruben Amorim, and those who have gone before him….Presenter: Leanna Byrne Senior Producer: Craig Henderson

We get a sense of what prices and the jobs market are like in Venezuela, and also look at the country's oil sector.And we also talk the about the global obsession surrounding Korean skincare and cosmetics - K-beauty.You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.

Markets give their verdict on America's dramatic military intervention in Venezuela. Shares of US oil giants like Chevron and Exxon Mobil are soaring... after President Trump suggested they can play a lead role in restoring Venezuela's oil industry But there's been criticism from China and Iran - traditional allies of Venezuela - and from Spain, which is home to an estimated 600,000 Venezuelans many who have fled the economic troubles in their home country.We speak to a former US ambassador to Venezuela, Patrick DuddyAnd – you may have heard of South Korea's K-Pop phenomenon…we look at how K-Beauty is now taking centre stage.Presenter - Leanna Byrne Senior Producer - Craig Henderson

The Chinese car company BYD has overtaken Elon Musk's Tesla as the world's biggest seller of electric vehicles. We unpack how it happened.How viable is it to be a content creator? We look at how TikTok became a political flashpoint between the US and China.And good news for pasta lovers? The US has slashed proposed tariffs on imports from Italy.(Photo: A worker cleans up a BYD Dolphin. Credit: MAST IRHAM/EPA/Shutterstock (15865396e))

In Iran, at least seven people have been killed in anti-government protests that were triggered by a sharp fall in the value of the currency, a rising cost of living and an economy that's labouring under Western sanctions. The price of cigarettes looks set to rise in India. What will it mean for tobacco farmers?Also, factory activity in the Euro Zone area contracted further last month.Presenter: Gideon Long Producer: Ahmed Adan and Amber Mehmood Editor: Justin Bones

Syria rolls out redesigned banknotes as part of a currency reform aimed at rebuilding after years of war. Russia, meanwhile, is pressing ahead with tax rises to help fund the war in Ukraine as the invasion nears its fourth year. Rahul Tandon asks what realistic economic choices remain for governments under that kind of strain. In the US, New York City has a new mayor: Zohran Mamdani. We speak to an adviser who served on his inaugural committee about what his agenda means for the city's economy. And our North America Technology Correspondent Lily Jamali reports back after a year investigating whether the gains from artificial intelligence are being shared more widely accross America - or still concentrated among a few firms and regions.

At midnight on 01 January, Bulgaria became the 21st country in the European Union to adopt the Euro currency. Also, Serbia's main oil refinery has been given more time to find a new owner, as it tries to avoid US sanctions against Russian-owned oil companies. And, we visit the Chinese village at the centre of red paper lantern production.

Netflix is screening its latest hit at the cinema and MTV is closing music-video channels. What can the latest moves in the entertainment business tell us about how streaming is changing our viewing and listening habits?

In our last episode before the end of the year, we ask: what could 2026 hold for the global economy? Will the US keep powering ahead, is China finally turning a corner, and how much further can interest rates really fall?And we speak to an applied futurist who advises businesses and governments on the pressures shaping the years ahead. We ask what his key predictions are for 2026, and what they could mean for workers, companies and governments.Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Haider Saleem and Amber Mehmood Editor: Stephen Ryan

From buying his first shares at just 11 years old to now retiring at 95, we look back at what has made Warren Buffett one of finance's most successful figures - and hear from someone who knows him about his legacy.China is the world's second-largest economy and official figures show strong growth. But a new report suggests the reality may be different. We speak to one of the people behind that report.Also, we look at the upcoming trial of a former military officer accused of blowing up one of Europe's largest gas pipelines.(Picture: Warren Buffet. Credit: EPA)

Iranian shopkeepers are taking part in protests as the currency hits a record low against the US dollar, and annual inflation is running at over 40 percent. Denmark's national postal service is delivering its last letter today, bringing an end to four centuries of letter delivery by the state-owned firm PostNord. And, just before he retires, we say goodbye to Warren Buffett and look back at his career. Also how artificial intelligence is driving a shake up in the legal profession worldwide. Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Ahmed Adan Editor: Justin Bones

Traders in Iran have staged a second day of protests in Tehran, with many closing their shops and marching through key commercial areas to protest the collapse of the rial. Videos on social media show crowds chanting slogans against the government of President Masoud Pezeshkian, as officials warn against unrest and blame sanctions for the currency's sharp fall.Also, the hacking of Jaguar Land Rover has highlighted growing cyber vulnerabilities in the global car industry.And with global military spending at record highs, we look at how defence budgets have surged in response to war and rising geopolitical tensions, with analysis from defence budget expert.(Image: A Iranian man sells boiled beetroot and lava beans in Tajrish Bazaar in Tehran, Iran, 08 December 2025. Credit: ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH/EPA/Shutterstock.)

One year on from South Korea's worst air crash, families say they're still waiting for answers. Also, South Korea's biggest e-commerce firm, Coupang, has agreed to pay over a billion dollars in compensation to its users for a massive data breach. We also look back at the hacking of one of the UK's most famous brands – Jaguar Land Rover. And the new James Bond game, 007 First Light, has been delayed until the end of May.Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Ahmed Adan Editor: Justin Bones

We're looking at what's happening inside Cambodia, amidst that border conflict, with incursions going deeper into the territory from the Thai military. What are the economic consequences for Cambodia? Also we're looking at the sliding global oil price, and what Nigerians do for fun at the year's end.You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.

Ex-Malaysia PM Najib Razak has been jailed for 15 years for abuse of power and money laundering - Bisi Adebayo looks at the details.Japan approves a record-breaking budget with defence spending at a new high.And we head to to Nigeria, where 'Detty December' is proving to be big business, a point echoed by Nigerian singer and event co-founder Darey Art Alade.

Frey Lindsay looks back on the stories shaping the world of money and work in 2025. It's been a year where tariffs have grabbed many of the headlines and we hear from our correspondents around the world on the impact they've had. We also hear about the biggest toy and collector craze of 2025 - the Labubu doll.

In Pakistan, the government has sold its national carrier, PIA, in an auction which was televised live. The airline sold for $482 million. Gideon Long speaks to Muhammad Ali, the privatisation adviser to Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. We hear from two countries at the sharp end of Donald Trump's tariffs over the past year - India, which is on 50% US export tariffs, and South Africa facing 30%. And in the UK there is a blue and smelly cheese called Stilton which many people traditionally eat at Christmas. In fact 40% of sales are in the six weeks before Christmas. But its makers are on a mission to change all that and make Stilton a year round nibble. (PHOTO: View of a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) passenger plane at Islamabad International Airport, Pakistan October 3, 2023. Credit: REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro/File Photo)

Leanna Byrne is joined by Russ Mould of AJ Bell to look back at the market moments that defined the year from tariffs and precious metals to the growing influence of artificial intelligence. Plus,the latest US jobs figures show a fall in new applications for unemployment benefits. And India launches its heaviest-ever rocket yet, another sign of its ambitions to compete in the fast-growing global satellite industry.

The US economy picked up speed over the three months to September, as consumer spending jumped and exports increased but consumer sentiment is low, Rahul Tandon hears from a business about what things are like on the ground. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a pill version of the weight-loss drug Wegovy, according to pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk. And, an important moment for Indian female cricket players seeing their match fees doubled for domestic games.(Photo: A person shops for products imported from Asia at a market in Los Angeles, California, USA, 07 April 2025. Credit: ALLISON DINNER/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

New figures suggest the US economy is powering ahead but questions remain about what that really means for businesses? Leanna Byrne looks at what's behind the data. Also, US regulators have approved the first pill version of the blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy. And could North Koreans be working remotely for US companies?

The American billionaire Larry Ellison has promised more than $40 billion of his money in support of Paramount to buy rival studio, Warner Bros Discovery. Where does this leave antitrust questions around a Paramount or Netflix takeover? Ed Butler hears from Phillip Berenbroick, who served as chief counsel for the US Senate's judiciary subcommittee on antitrust matters. How much money is Morocco spending as host for the African Cup of Nations? Also, we explore Yiwu, China's capital of Christmas(Photo: Paramount, Netflix and Warner Bros logos are seen in this illustration taken December 8, 2025. Credit: REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration)

Leanna Byrne takes a look as Jim Beam, one of the most recognisable names in American bourbon, confirms it will pause production for a year at its main Kentucky distillery from January. India and New Zealand strike a new free trade deal, cutting tariffs and opening markets on both sides. And at the box office, the latest Avatar: Fire and Ash opens more quietly than expected in the US, despite strong takings overseas.

Ukraine's position has been strengthened by a €90bn loan agreed by the EU after failing to agree on using frozen Russian assets. But is it enough to keep the country going?In Sri Lanka, the International Monetary Fund has also approved a $206 million in emergency financing to help the country rebuild after a devastating cyclone. What will taking on more debt mean for the country's future debt sustainability?Elsewhere, the former Chair of the independent board of Ben & Jerry's ice cream independent board has told World Business Report she was forced out by the company's owners, Magnum Ice Cream, following years of tension over Ben & Jerry's outspoken social activism.Also, Sony has more than doubled its stake in Peanuts, bringing Snoopy and Charlie Brown under its corporate umbrella, while the creator's family keeps the remaining 20% share.(Photo: A serviceman of the 66th Separate Mechanized Brigade prepares to launch a Darts middle range strike unmanned aerial vehicle towards Russian troops. Credit: December 16, 2025. REUTERS/Sofiia Gatilova)

TikTok's Chinese owner ByteDance has struck a deal with US and global investors to keep the app operating in America. But who really comes out on top?Could Japan's interest rate hike offer relief to struggling households?Shipping giant Maersk has sent its first vessel through the Red Sea in two years. And how could a new EU finance deal strengthen Ukraine's defence against Russia?Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Niamh Mc Dermott Editor: Justin Bones

Volodymyr Zelensky has called on EU leaders at a crunch summit urgently to agree to a multi-billion euro loan in frozen Russian money to fund Ukraine's military and economic needs. Andrew Peach hears from EU leaders and an expert in Brussels. Also, Bolivia ends two decades of fuel subsidies, introducing tough measures to stabilise the public finances, but will people put up with paying more for fuel?And the economic challenges of making guitars, as Hoffner - famous for making Paul McCartney's iconic violin-shaped bass guitar – has filed for insolvency in Germany. (Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gives a press conference during the EU Council Summit in Brussels, Belgium, 18 December 2025. Credit: OLIVIER HOSLET/EPA/Shutterstock)

It's a big data day for the US, Europe and the UK. What do interest rates decisions and inflation data mean for the global economy? India's textile businesses say high US tariffs are causing major pain for businesses. We hear from the Treasurer of the Tiruppur Exporters Association. And should we be categorising Labubu dolls as a fad?You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Victoriya Holland Editor: Stephen Ryan

The US has stepped up its blockade on Venezuela's sanctioned oil tankers, as humanitarian workers are warning that the situation would get worse if food and medical supplies can't get into the country. We hear from people living in Caracas and someone who has left the country few days ago.Warner Bros has told shareholders to reject Paramount's one-hundred-and-eight billion dollar hostile bid for the entirety of its business. And the Oscars are to be streamed on YouTube from 2029 after the tech firm outbid traditional broadcasters. Photo: Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro gestures, during a march to commemorate the Battle of Santa Ines in Caracas, Venezuela, December 10, 2025. Credit: REUTERS/Gaby Oraa.

The International Energy Agency says we'll burn through a record 8.85 billion tonnes of coal in 2025, the first overall increase in fifteen years. We hear from Ro Dhawan, at the International Council on Mining and Metals about a path towards using more clean energy. Plus, the price of oil is up after US threats of a blockade on sanctioned Venezeulan tankers. And could Amazon be getting a big order for its computer chips?You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Victoriya Holland Editor: Justin Bones

Why are black women are being hit hardest in today's jobs market? With African American unemployment at a four-year high, we hear from women searching for work.In Japan, a “human washing machine” could soon be hitting the shops.The European Union waters down its own plan to ban petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035.We hear how the trucking industry is changing in Canada.And Ed Butler speaks to an 11-year-old farmer travelling from Ireland to Brussels by tractor with his dad, ahead of a major protest.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has released its long-awaited data, showing mixed signals for the US jobs market. The unemployment rate is at a four-year high of 4.6%, up from 4.4%. The European Union is set to soften its planned ban on new petrol and diesel cars, giving carmakers more time to move away from combustion engines. We hear from Wolfgang Weber, CEO of German electro and digital industry association (ZVEI).And the last vehicle will roll off the assembly line at Volkswagen's plant in Dresden today. First time ever the German carmaker closed a manufacturing plant in its home country.You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.Presenter: Leanna Bryne Producer: Victoriya Holland Editor: Justin Bones

The European Union once set an ambitious goal: by 2035, all new cars sold would be fully electric. But now, the BBC understands that Brussels is considering scrapping, or at least watering down, its plan to ban new petrol and diesel vehicles. So what could it mean for carmakers and consumers across Europe?South Korea and the UK have signed a new trade deal.In the US, people applying for a skilled worker visa will now have their social media profiles screened.And who's winning the race to build the most sophisticated AI models?(Photo: An exhaust pipe of a car is pictured on a street in Berlin, Germany. Credit: REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch)

The Spanish government has fined property rentals giant Airbnb €64m ($75m) for advertising unlicensed apartments. Andres Barragan, Secretary General for Consumer Affairs in the Spanish Government, tells this programme that the short term rent for tourism is rising the rent price.In India, pollution is grinding the economy to a halt.And in Paris, workers at the Louvre are on strike in a dispute over demand for extra staff and measures to tackle overcrowding.You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.

Trade tensions rise as the EU investigates Chinese firms over possible unfair government subsidies. We hear from the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU who says they are being unfairly targeted. Plus, who will pay the new €3 tax on small parcels from China - businesses or consumers?Why are most household things still not being recycled?And sport fans in the US will soon be able to subscribe to a new YouTube TV package.[Photo: An attendant walks past EU and China flags in Beijing, China. Credit: REUTERS/Jason Lee]

Gideon Long takes a look as online discussion forum Reddit challenges Australia's ban on social media for under-16s.Plus, after Ben from Ben & Jerry's criticises the ice-cream maker's owners, they hit back — speaking exclusively to the BBC.And why are general strikes spreading across several European countries?

Disney is investing $1bn in OpenAI, letting fans create AI-generated videos with its characters. But what will the deal mean for the future of entertainment? We hear from people across the creative industry.Tickets for next year's World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico have gone on sale but fans say the prices are “extortionate.”In Kenya, a court has frozen a multibillion-dollar US health deal over data-privacy concerns.And Mexico is hitting China with a wave of new tariffs.

Gideon Long speaks to a former Venezuelan diplomat about the US seizure of an oil tanker off the country's coastline. Where was it going and what could it mean for global oil supplies? Plus, the typhoon survivors from the Philippines taking oil giant Shell to court. And how does the World Cup ticket ballot actually work?

Could Americans finally get some financial relief? The Fed has cut interest rates to a three-year low, and President Trump promises to make ‘America affordable again.' We speak to a business owner and a former Federal Reserve economist.Why is silver hitting record highs?And in Italy, the nations food has been granted the world's first-ever heritage status.You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.(Photo: US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell attends a press conference at the Federal Reserve, Washington, DC USA, 10 December 2025. Credit: WILL OLIVER/EPA/Shutterstock (16075439n))

Silver is trading at record highs as demand from the tech industry soars — Leanna Byrne finds out why the precious metal has become one of the market's hottest assets. The boss of Coupang, South Korea's largest online retailer, resigns after the country's biggest-ever data breach. And Amazon plans to double its investment in India by 2030.

President Donald Trump has opened the door for China to buy Nvidia's most advanced semiconductors — a U-turn on President Biden's policy and a move that could reshape the global AI race.We'll also look at what's behind sweeping raids across Argentine football, with tax officials targeting the football federation and several top clubs.And the US job market rose to a five-month high in October. Why?You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.