World Business Report

We have the latest from New York with the BBC's Michelle Fleury. And we hear from Beth Benike, the owner of Busy Baby baby products in Minnesota. Plus we ask Diane Swonk, KMPG's Chief US Economist what this all means for the US economy?

Buenos Aires comes to a halt as workers stage another general strike over labor reforms - with protestors gathering outside Congress, as politicians inside debated. We hear the latest from the ground. US imports continued to outpace exports last year, pushing the country's trade deficit to a record high of about 1.2 trillion dollars. Meanwhile, Canada has narrowed its trade deficit thanks to aerospace exports. We speak to the president a Miami‑based consultancy that looks at trade figures.And Nestle has unveiled its full year results - announcing it was streamlining its operations, including selling its remaining ice cream business to Haagen-Dazs owner Froneri. We hear from someone who represents investors in Nestle as a fund manager with the Lichenstein State Bank and ask if recent baby formula controversy has damaged the company's overall financial position.(Picture: Demonstrators take part in a protest outside Argentina's National Congress on the day lawmakers discuss labor reforms proposed by President Javier Milei's in Buenos Aires, Argentina February 19, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian).

Buenos Aires comes to a halt as workers stage another general strike over labour reforms, with protestors gathering outside Congress, as politicians inside debated. Also, why has the US trade deficit reached a record-high of $1.2 trillion. And, as Nestlé announces its full years results we hear why the company is selling off its ice-cream business. (Picture: Demonstrators take part in a protest outside Argentina's National Congress on the day lawmakers discuss labor reforms proposed by President Javier Milei's in Buenos Aires, Argentina February 19, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian).

Leanna Byrne looks at the opening of India's AI Impact Summit, where the withdrawal of Microsoft founder Bill Gates has cast a shadow after he cancelled his keynote appearance. His foundation says he stepped back to avoid distracting from the event.France and Germany are at odds over their joint next-generation fighter jet project, raising doubts about its future.And the IMF warns China is relying too heavily on industrial subsidies.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg appeared in a California court on Wednesday, defending his leadership in a landmark case over whether social media is addictive for children.Banking giants JPMorganChase is to open more than 160 new branches in over 30 states. So why the move back into launching physical banks when a lot of the industry is moving away from them - and towards online banking?And Researchers say the world's main coffee-growing regions are getting hotter every year because of climate change - and that means coffee bean prices have almost doubled. We go to Brazil and hear from one coffee producer. (Picture: Mark Zuckerberg, Chief Executive Officer of Meta Platforms, arrives for a court appearance at the Los Angeles County Superior Court in downtown Los Angeles, California, USA, 18 February 2026. Credit: CHRIS TORRES/EPA/Shutterstock).

The Meta boss defended his leadership and answered questions about Instagram, with reports from the courtroom saying he was testy under questioning. Also, why is JPMorganChase opening more than 160 new bank branches in the United States in a world of online banking? And a coffee producer in Brazil explains how climate change has seen coffee bean prices almost double. (Picture: Mark Zuckerberg, Chief Executive Officer of Meta Platforms, arrives for a court appearance at the Los Angeles County Superior Court in downtown Los Angeles, California, USA, 18 February 2026. Credit: CHRIS TORRES/EPA/Shutterstock).

We hear from a tour guide in Tokyo as the number of oversees visitors to Japan has fallen for the first time in four years partly because of a big drop in tourists from China after a diplomatic row between the two countriesAlso a farmer tells us about the impact of a Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in South Africaand inflation falls in the UKPresenter: Leanna Byrne Producers: Amber Mehmood and Huma Shah Editor: Justin Bones

With the European Union launching a formal investigation into fast fashion giant Shein over the Chinese business' possible breaches of digital law, we hear from Thomas Regnier on what the EU Commission's concerns are. Andrew Peach speaks to Oscar-winning film and TV producer Tom Nunan on the latest in Netflix and Paramount's tug-of-war over Warner Bros. Elsewhere, German drugs giant Bayer proposes to pay more than US$7.25bn (£5.35bn) to settle claims that its weedkiller Roundup causes cancer. And Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz for military drills... but will it affect global oil prices? The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC. (Picture: People walk past a Shein pop-up store at immersive retail space Future Stores, ahead of its grand opening in London, Great Britain, on 24 September, 2025. Credit: Isabel Infantes / Reuters.)

A $35 billion deal would see France delivering over 100 Rafale jet fighters. The talks are taking places as a major conference on AI gets underway in Delhi. Also, Warner Brothers Discovers says it will temporarily re-open negotiations with Paramount Skydance in another takeover twist. And we hear about a mini gold rush near Johannesburg in South Africa.Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Craig Henderson

Delhi is hosting an artificial intelligence summit with politicians and tech executives from more than 20 different countries convening in India to discuss how AI could reshape economies and regulation. Elsewhere, Sam Fenwick looks at what a major factory closure means for South Africa's sugarcane farmers. And, who will actually buy Warner Brothers Discovery? (Picture: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (left) after he inaugurates India AI impact Expo 2026 in New Delhi, India. Credit: PRESS INFORMATON BUREAU HANDOUT/EPA/Shutterstock)

Delhi is hosting an artificial intelligence summit with politicians and tech executives from more than 20 different countries convening in India to discuss how AI could reshape economies and regulation. Elsewhere, Sam Fenwick looks at what a major factory closure means for South Africa's sugarcane farmers. And, who will actually buy Warner Brothers Discovery? (Picture: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (left) after he inaugurates India AI impact Expo 2026 in New Delhi, India. Credit: PRESS INFORMATON BUREAU HANDOUT/EPA/Shutterstock)

The US entertainment giants Disney gets tough with ByteDance over alleged copyright infringement.Disney accuses the Chinese tech firm ByteDance of stealing its intellectual property by training its new AI tool, Seedance, on Disney characters and images of real-life actors. ByteDance says it will address Disney's concerns.Cuba cancels a prestigious cigar festival in a worsening fuel crisis caused by the US blocking oil from reaching the island. We examine the chequered history in relations between Cuba and the US.And Dave Stewart, one half of British eighties pop duo, The Eurythmics, talks to the BBC about his new business venturePresenter: Gideon Long Senior Producer: Craig Henderson

The US entertainment giant accuses ByteDance of stealing its intellectual property by training its new AI tool, Seedance, on Disney characters and images of real-life actors. ByteDance says it will address Disney's concerns. Plus, Cuba cancels a prestigious cigar festival in a worsening fuel crisis caused by the US blocking oil from reaching the island. And Dave Stewart from the British eighties pop duo, The Eurythmics, talks about his new business venture. Presenter: Gideon Long Senior Producer: Craig Henderson

Cuba goes dark as fuel shortages affect power supplies. We hear from the people affected by the outages, and the price the island nation is paying as the darkness spreads. As we approach the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we speak to the man in charge of keeping the power going as Ukraine approaches a humanitarian crisis.In Bangladesh, we get reaction as the Bangladesh National Party and allies win a commanding, two‑thirds‑plus majority in the first general election since the student‑led uprising that drove Sheikh Hasina from office in 2024. And we ask - what next for an economy hit so hard by US tariffs? And PlayStation has surprise‑launched a new God of War game, Sons of Sparta, on the PS5. We hear from a gaming expert on why this franchise is such a big deal.(Picture: A bicitaxi rides in a street of Havana, on February 13, 2026. Credit: YAMIL LAGE / AFP via Getty Images.)

The next government faces the huge task of restoring stability to key sectors, including the vital garment industry. We hear from a denim manufacturer and young voters about what they want next. And the designer behind Japan's Hello Kitty character for more than four decades is stepping down. Presenter: Andrew Peach Producer: David Cann Editor: Stephen Ryan

President Trump says greenhouse gas emissions do not endanger public health, rolling back a landmark finding that formed the legal basis for US climate regulation. Andrew Peach gets reactions. Also, South Africa's president sets out his plans to tackle growing water shortages. And a dispute over the future of Ben & Jerry's ice cream.(Photo: US President Donald Trump speaks in the Roosevelt Room at the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 12 February 2026. Credit: WILL OLIVER/EPA/Shutterstock).

Russia has ordered a block on WhatsApp, as the Kremlin continues to tighten restrictions on foreign messaging platforms and digital communications. Also, China is heading into the Lunar New Year holiday after a turbulent period in its trade relationship with the United States. Despite tensions, Beijing says it's striking deals across Europe, India, Africa and South America. We hear from Rutie Zhang, Chief Strategy Officer at China Minmetal Futures in Shanghai, on what's really driving the numbers.And Irish artists could soon receive a weekly payment worth about three hundred and eighty dollars, under a new government scheme designed to support creative work.Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: David Cann Editor: Stephen Ryan

The US jobs market shows signs of steady but subdued growth. Andrew Peach examines what's driving the numbers, including the impact of tariffs and a tougher immigration crackdown. Also, Dutch brewer Heineken cuts thousands of jobs worldwide as beer consumption falls. And we look at the rise of “biohacking” and whether changing your daily routine could really help you live longer.(Photo: A view of the US Department of Labor in Washington DC, USA, 05 September 2025. Credit: WILL OLIVER/EPA/Shutterstock).

US employers added a greater-than-expected 130,000 jobs in January, helping nudge the unemployment rate lower to 4.3%, according to official government statistics released on Tuesday The figures could help ease fears about the health of the job market, after last year's sharp slowdown as firms wrestled with changes, including major cuts to government spending and a crackdown on immigration. The US added just 181,000 jobs in 2025, according to the latest data, even weaker than previously reported.The Dutch brewers Heineken cuts thousands of jobs after it finds drinkers are consuming less beer. Heineken - which also brews Amstel and Tiger lagers - said the cuts would come from brewing and white-collar roles among its 87,000-strong global workforce. And China teeters on the edge of stagflation as inflation slows and worries continue over why consumers just don't appear to be spending - putting pressure on firms to sell their goods abroad and make profits there.Presenter: Leanna Byrne Senior Producer: Craig Henderson

Cuba has warned international airlines that jet fuel will no longer be available, signalling a deepening energy crunch as the US seeks to squeeze Cuba's oil supply. We find out what this means for tourism. Transparency International says corruption is worsening worldwide, with the global average score in its Corruption Perceptions Index at its lowest level in more than a decade. Our International Business Correspondent Theo Leggett explains what is driving the deterioration - and why it matters for investment and growth. And one Insurance company says it has launched the first insurance comparison app built on ChatGPT, letting customers shop for cover by “chatting” rather than filling in forms. The move has unsettled investors, knocking shares in comparison and insurance sites amid fears AI could disrupt the sector. We hear from one Insurance CEO on how AI could change the way people buy insurance. (Picture: Airplane on a runway in Cuba. Credit: Getty Images).

Oil giant BP is pulling back billions that had been earmarked for shareholders as it looks to steady its finances after a fall in profits. Leanna Byrne asks what it means for BP's longer-term strategy in energy?Also, how unusual is it for a major artist to walk away from a powerful talent agency? And Spotify wraps its fourth quarter with good numbers.

A landmark US trial begins today in Los Angeles, where plaintiffs say Instagram and YouTube were built to addict kids. We hear from our North America Technololgy Correspondent on what the families said today in court.Then to Japan, where Sanae Takaichi's decisive election win is being read by markets positively - sending the Nikkei to record highs. We'll hear from Tokyo and the US on what her strengthened mandate could mean for the Japan-US relationship. And there's a major pharma-versus-telehealth clash: Novo Nordisk is suing Hims & Hers, accusing it of patent infringement linked to semaglutide - seeking to halt sales of unapproved compounded versions and pursuing damages, in a case that could ripple through the booming online weight-loss market.(Photo: Parents who lost children to alleged social media–related harms hold a vigil ahead of a social media addiction trial in Los Angeles on February 5, 2026. Jill Connelly/Reuters: Reuters).

Long:Japanese stocks have surged after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's resounding election win, pushing the Nikkei to a record high. Andrew Peach looks at what it means for Japan's economy. We'll also hear about concerns from Indian farmers over the country's interim trade agreement with the United States. And why a major new international report says businesses often have more financial incentive to damage nature than protect it.

With TikTok being told by the EU to change what it believes is an 'addictive design' or face fines, we speak to cyber-psychologist Dr Sarah Hodge, and France's ambassador for digital affairs and AI, Clara Chappaz, on whether the continent is set to follow Australia's lead and ban children below the 16-years-old from using social media. Will Grant reports on the latest as the critical fuel crisis in Cuba worsens and Havana's fuel pumps run dry. Elsewhere, we look to Japan as the nation heads to the polls this weekend, and Ed Butler hears from Professor Maria Rodas on what it takes to make the perfect Superbowl commercial. Global business news, with live guests and contributions from Europe, Latin America and the USA.(Picture: A TikTok logo is seen in front of the headquarters of the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium. Credit: Olivier Hoslet / EPA / Shutterstock.)

We answer the basic questions you want answering about the AI-Induced sell off of tech stocks this week You'll hear why one of the world's biggest car makers Stellantis has seen its value cut by a fifth And as the Winter Olympics gets under way - we meet the owner of the company making the curling stones on a small Scottish island. Presenter: Leanna Byrne Editor: Justin Bones

After a week of significant drops across many AI and tech-related stocks, we speak to Nobel Prize winner Daron Acemoglu, and economist Cary Leahey of Columbia University in New York, to examine whether the tech bubble could be set to burst. With Nike under investigation by Donald Trump's administration over claims it has hidden evidence that the company is using its so-called diversity, equity and inclusion policies to discriminate against white workers, Ed Butler speaks to Stefan Padfield of the Free Enterprise Project. Elsewhere, Beijing says Panama will pay 'a heavy price' for a court ruling against a Hong Kong port owner, and we look at how a growing trend has led to Kenya's central bank banning people from using bank notes to make floral-like bouquets and decorations. The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC. (Picture: A sign marks Wall Street near the New York Stock Exchange in New York, NY, USA. Credit: Sarah Yenesel/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock.)

Almost $1 trillion has been knocked off the value of software and services companies as investors weigh whether artificial intelligence has been hit particularly hard, so we ask: what does that mean for the profession itself.We also look at why interest rates in Europe and the UK are on holdAnd why Kenya's central bank has banned the use of banknotes in decorative bouquets.

The US is ramping up efforts to secure its supplies of critical minerals. Vice-president JD Vance has proposed creating a new critical mineral trading bloc to loosen China's control over the sector. The approach could reshape global supply chains for materials essential to electric vehicles, semiconductors and defence systems. Ed Butler finds out more. Shares of Ozempic manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, dropped as nuch as 17% in the face of strong competition. Meanwhile its rival Eli Lilly, is forecasting strong growth. What's the outlook for weight-loss jabs? Elsewhere, the US has renewed an agreement that gives 32 African countries access to the US market. The African Growth and Opportunity Act was allowed to expire last September, after 25 years. It's now been re-authorised until the end of 2026, although Washington has warned it may reshape the deal after that.

The maker of Ozempic says tougher competition from generics in India and China will hit profits this year. Leanna Byrne speaks to its chief financial officer.Plus, Spain moves closer to banning social media for under-16s.And the United States renews a trade deal giving 32 African countries duty-free access to its market.

There's a major shift at the top of the Walt Disney Company, as one of entertainment's most iconic brands welcomes a new leader. Ed Butler examines who Josh D'Amaro is, why he's been chosen, and what his appointment reveals about the wider state of the industry.Plus, how high street giant Walmart grew into a trillion dollar business.And the reasons behind strike action by port workers in Bangladesh.(Photo: Josh D'Amaro, Disney Experiences Chairman, who was named next CEO of The Walt Disney Company, poses for a picture in this undated handout image, obtained by Reuters on February 3, 2026. Credit: REUTERS)

French prosecutors raided Elon Musk's X offices in Paris as part of a cybercrime investigation into alleged illegal data extraction and possible links to child pornography.Also, US and India reach trade deal to slash US tariffs on the nation's goods to 18% from 50%.And the European Union has told the BBC it was unacceptable for the US to threaten trade tariffs during its row over the future of Greenland.Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: David Cann Editor: Justin Bones

Ed Butler examines the latest trade deal announced between the United States and India and what each side stands to gain. We also look ahead to President Trump's meeting with Colombia's president amid rising tensions. And is Latin pop music coming of age in mainstream American culture?

This precious metals rally has been tarnished after a sudden slide in prices. So what does this tell us about metals like gold, known to be the ultimate safe haven. Can we still call it a refuge when things get rocky?Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: David Cann Editor: Justin Bones

US President Donald Trump has nominated Kevin Warsh to lead the US central bank, the Federal Reserve, when the four-year-term of current chairman Jerome Powell's ends in May. Rahul Tandon hears from people who worked closely with Warsh. Also, the BBC visits Maracaibo, once the heart of Venezuela's booming oil industry. And silver and gold prices plummet after their recent rise. (Photo: Kevin Warsh, speaking during the Sohn Investment Conference in New York City, U.S., May 8, 2017. REUTERS/Brendan Mcdermid/File Photo)

The former Federal Reserve governor has deep ties to Wall Street, was previously interviewed for the job in 2017, and has been an outspoken critic of America's central bank. We'll ask how financial markets have responded to the news. Also, Venezuelan MPs have approved a bill to open up its oil sector to private firms. And, Panama's Supreme Court has voided a Hong-Kong based company's canal port contracts.

The Japanese auto giant Toyota says global sales set a new record last year, despite trade tensions. What did Toyota do differently to others? This week, gold has again hit another record high – even though the price has dipped slightly today. Our presenter Rahul Tandon hears from one country that's benefiting from the gold boom. Also, strong iPhone demand boosts Apple's quarterly revenue and profit, as Microsoft faces pressure over spending on data centres.(Photo: Members of the media inspect a Toyota Yaris car displayed during a media preview at the 46th Bangkok International Motor Show 2025 automobile showcase in Nonthaburi, on the outskirts of Bangkok, Thailand, 24 March 2025. Credit: by RUNGROJ YONGRIT/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

The dollar is normally seen as the ultimate safe haven, it's the currency most other currencies benchmark themselves against – so why is it taking a downward spiral? British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been in Beijing meeting President Xi and says steps have been taken to improve trade with China. And Germany is experiencing a potato glut, we find out why.

US technology giant Amazon has confirmed it will cut 16,000 jobs around the world. Andrew Peach hears from former Amazon workers and an AI expert. Also, why German authorities have searched Deutsche Bank buildings in Berlin and Frankfurt. And how Harry Styles will overtake Taylor Swift by adding more London gigs this summer.(PHOTO: An Amazon employee delivers packages in downtown San Francisco, California, U.S., January 26, 2026. REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

The Swiss franc soars to its highest level against the dollar in more than a decade as investors flee the dollar in search of a safe haven. We look at what that means for Swiss exporters and the central bank.Plus, why have several big global companies announced job cuts, even though they appear to be doing well financially?And the boss of Cisco warns of "carnage" if an AI-driven bubble on stock markets bursts.

A free trade agreement dubbed the mother of all trade deals has finally been announced between the European Union and India after two decades of negotiations. What do businesses make of it?Across the globe then to hear why Canadians are boycotting ski resorts in America. In the US, a landmark social media addiction case has tech giants settling before reaching court. And country music is popular (according the Gen-Z). [Photo:President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Luis Santos da Costa shake hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, India. Credit: RAJAT GUPTA/EPA/Shutterstock]

The European Union and India have announced a landmark trade deal as both sides aim to deepen ties amid tensions with the US. It will allow free trade of goods between the bloc of 27 European states and the world's most populous country, which together make up nearly 25% of global gross domestic product and a market of two billion people.Meanwhile, Donald Trump threatens South Korea with more tariffs, and a big shift in the global sportswear business as France's billionaire Pinault family sells a big chunk of its Puma holding to China's Anta Sports.

The Trump administration ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement to step up the removal of undocumented migrants more than six weeks ago, triggering large scale protests across the US. Rahul Tandon speaks to business owners who say staff are too frightened to come into work.In France, the government moves a step closer to banning social media for children under 15s.And as a deadly winter storm batters the US and Canada, a farmer explains how he keeps his animals safe in extreme conditions.[Photo: Protests in Minneapolis. Credit:CRAIG LASSIG/EPA/Shutterstock]