World Business Report

The European Union is racing to secure a trade agreement with President Donald Trump to avert sweeping tariffs. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed optimism, saying “decisions” could be near. We also examine why children's films are once again powering Hollywood's box office.And how mounting pressure is pushing gaming platforms to censor adult content.

A trade deal between the United States and Japan has been announced with Donald Trump's threatened tariffs cut from 25% to 15%. Andrew Peach hears from experts about what that means for the two countries, and the rest of the world. Two former bankers convicted of manipulating interest rates after the global financial crisis of 2008 have their convictions quashed in the UK. Plus the Malaysian government gives everyone 100 ringgit - approximately 24 USD - to help with the cost of living. You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.

The Philippines and Indonesia join Vietnam in getting tariff reductions from Washington — but what does this mean for the rest of the region?Plus, A London court orders the estate of late tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch to pay nearly $950 million to Hewlett-Packard over the Autonomy deal. And Coca-Cola confirms a switch to raw cane sugar — a move backed by President Trump but raising eyebrows among U.S. corn growers.

The pharmaceutical giant Astra Zeneca has announced it's to invest $50bn in the US by 2030 as President Trump threatens the sector with tariffs.At a collapsed gold mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo people are using their hands and basic tools to try to reach victims who are trapped underground. And Andrew Peach looks at the rise of ride hailing apps in Thailand and the impact it's having on taxis and Tuk-Tuks.You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.

We look at global container shipping volumes to assess how tariffs are reshaping trade flows. Two former U.S. Fed chairs, Ben Bernanke and Janet Yellen, issue a rare warning about political pressure on the central bank — could it damage America's economic credibility? In Japan, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba faces fresh economic headwinds after losing control of both houses of parliament. And in the UK, we visit an Oxfam bookshop in Hove where a donation from Nick Cave is turning rare books into hot sellers.

Japan's ruling coalition has lost its majority in the country's upper house, but Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has said he has no plans to quit. How will it affect country's economy? More than 30 of Germany's largest companies are gathering in Berlin to boost investor confidence in Europe's top economy. And will NYC mayoral proposal reforms from Zohran Mamdani really work? You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.

The European Union sharpens its sanctions against Russia, targeting its financial and energy sectors. Ukraine's President Zelensky calls the move "essential and timely", while the Kremlin warns it will backfire. We also head to Japan, where voters are heading to the polls this weekend in a crucial Upper House election that could determine the Prime Minister's political future amid rising inflation, ageing demographics, and the threat of U.S. tariffs on car exports. Plus, we look at how cryptocurrency theft has hit a record high in 2025, with cybercriminals and even violent attackers making off with billions in digital assets.You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.

Migration, tariffs and challenges of an ageing population are being discussed ahead of an election in Japan's upper house. What could President Trump's Big Beautiful Bill Act mean for African economies? And the European Union announces an 18th round of sanctions on Russia.

The US Congress has passed its first major cryptocurrency legislation — the GENIUS Act, aimed at regulating stablecoins and paving the way for wider adoption of digital assets in everyday finance. Also on the programme, Meta settles an $8bn lawsuit over data privacy breaches tied to the Cambridge Analytica scandal. Roger Hearing asks what the outcome means for Big Tech. And Arsenal smash records with the world's most expensive women's football transfer.

A fire at a newly opened shopping centre in Iraq has killed dozens of people. The blaze in the eastern city of Kut broke out at the Hyper Mall and rapidly engulfed its walls. After a year of prolonged negotiations marked by dramatic twists and turns, the Canadian retailer Alimentation Couche-Tard said it was abandoning its multibillion-dollar bid to acquire the owner of 7-Eleven convenience stores. Plus, we look at the CEO of Nvidia, Jensen Huang's visit to China amidst the resumption of selling H20 chip to China.

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.

The agreement, which has limited detail so far, has been welcome by the presidents of Indonesia and the United States. Jakarta plans to buy Boeing planes and Indonesian goods will face a US tariff of 19%. This rate is lower than had previously been threatened. And Senegal's credit rating has faced another downgrade after revelations its former government concealed billions in debt. Plus, why the company behind Labubu dolls expects profits to more than triple in the first half of 2025.(Photo: Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto waves as he arrives following overseas visits at Halim Perdana Kusuma airportin Jakarta, Indonesia, 16 July 2025. Credit: MAST IRHAM/EPA/Shutterstock)

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.

The US chip giant Nvidia has announced that it will resume sales of its H20 chip to China. This follows a meeting between chief executive Jensen Huang and President Trump earlier this month. Kenya's government has scrapped electronic travel authorisation (ETA) requirements for most African and Caribbean nations in a bid to enhance regional integration and boost tourism. Also, how far do you have to go to get your grocery shop done? Probably not 10 hours, which was the trip residents of Burringurrah in Western Australia, 1,000 km north of Perth, had to do until recently. Will Bain hears from one of the people living in there.

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.

Regional security and trade have taken centre stage during Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit to China, spanning three cities – Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu. Trade ministers from the European Union are meeting in Brussels to discuss relations with the United States following Donald Trump's threat to impose 30% tariffs against the bloc. Will Bain hears of European worries over what that will mean for their industries. And Miller Lite, the company that created the light beer category in 1975, is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

President Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump have visited central Texas today to survey where flash floods killed 120 people last weekend. As search teams continue to search for more than 160 people still missing, Mr Trump and his wife met families affected by the floods and first responders.Dr Sam Brody, Director of the Institute for Disaster Resilient Texas and a Professor at Texas A&M University discusses how disasters like this might be avoided in the future.Also on the programme, what impact could the 35% tariffs for Canada announced by Trump yesterday have on businesses there and why the post-covid trend of converting office buildings to homes is gathering momentum in New York.

President Trump says he'll impose a thirty five percent tax on imports from Canada... and more if it retaliates. Meanwhile, countries attending the gathering of East and Southeast Asian foreign ministers are threatened with tariffs of up to fifty percent. Andrew Peach hears from a former Malaysian government minister. And it's World Population Day... but what can governments do if their population is getting smaller and older? You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.

U.S. President Donald Trump is threatening to put a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports. Brazil says it will retaliate with a 50% tariff of his 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, how are data centres affecting your water supply?

As the UK government targets developing nations with new trade measures, we hear from trade minister Douglas Alexander on whether it can prove to be a workable lifeline for African countries affected by western states cutting their international aid budgets. David Harper speaks to Dr.John Asafu-Adjaye of the African Centre for Economic Transformation in Ghana on how US president Donald Trump's 'trade not aid' policy is being received on the world's second largest continent. Elsewhere we find out how the price of coffee could rise sharply with The White House's threat to put 50 per cent tariffs on imports from Brazil. And will recent cyberattacks and power cuts ensure many countries don't turn away from the old fashioned fall back of cash. The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.

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.

What could the threat of a 50% tariff mean for Chile's copper producers as prices for the metal hit a record high in the US?Also, why is the price of solar panels falling if demand is still growing?And we're at the largest agricultural show in England to hear what's on the mind of farmers.You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.

The US President Donald Trump has announced a 50% tariff on imports of copper, which is critical to electric vehicles, military hardware, semiconductors and a wide range of consumer goods. Sam Fenwick hears from experts in the industry. Also, shares in major US renewable companies took a hit after the President signed an executive order tightening their access to clean energy tax breaks. Plus WeightWatchers, the weight management business, has announced a new era as it emerges from a major debt restructuring. It's after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States in May.

The reaction to President Trump's letters promising steep tariffs from next month. We'll hear how businesses in Japan and Bangladesh are preparing.Why China's dominance in rare earth minerals comes at the cost of polluted water and contaminated soil?And one of the world's biggest professional gaming events, the E-sports World Cup, gets underway in Saudi Arabia.You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.

Japan and South Korea face 25% US tariffs from 1 August. Donald Trump sent tariff letters to twelve other countries on Monday with details of the tariffs they could face. Sam Fenwick gets insight on what President Trump could be thinking from Matthew Bartlett — a Republican strategist and former Trump appointee to the State Department during his first term.Also, we hear about vibrant street murals which are bringing flocks of tourists to a once-deserted hamlet in southern Italy.

The US President Donald Trump is due to announce new tariffs for countries who haven't struck trade deals with the US. How are businesses reacting? We'll hear from a business owner in Germany.Also, why the Thai government has decided against gambling on casinos?And a row in India about leather slippers on the Prada runway.

President Trump has signed his flagship bill into law — slashing taxes and welfare, while boosting military and immigration spending. But what does this mean for America's economy and global standing? And with new tariffs looming, can the U.S. reach a trade deal with its partners before tensions boil over? Plus, We explore the rise of Velvet Sundown, the mysterious AI-powered band drawing in over 850,000 Spotify listeners without a single live show, interview, or known band member.

The US tax and spending bill suggests that to subsidise electric vehicles and solar panels. President Donald Trump is also trying to encourage American allies in Europe and Asia to buy more US liquid natural gas and oil. But experts are arguing that this could allow China a free run at becoming the world's first electricity superpower. Also, US President Donald Trump says his administration will probably start notifying trading partners from Friday of the new US tariff on their exports effective Aug. 1. And fifteen years after their explosive split, music legends Liam and Noel Gallagher are reuniting for an Oasis tour that kicks off today in Cardiff, Wales.

President Donald Trump's massive finance bill has cleared its final hurdle in Congress — but what could it mean for the U.S. economy and for poorer Americans who rely on government support programmes? Also, Superman is back on screen — but is the superhero genre starting to lose its shine? And as Britpop legends Oasis prepare to kick -off their long-awaited reunion tour in Cardiff, fans are snapping up merchandise from pop-up stores across the UK and Ireland.

US President Donald Trump's huge budget bill is heading for a final vote in the US House of Representatives. Democrats warn it includes the largest cut to Medicaid in US history, while Republicans argue it will spark economic growth. We hear from a US based green energy company about the impact of the bill on the country's renewables industry. Leaders from across the globe have been meeting in Seville to discuss the growth of world debt. A new UN-backed Borrowers' Forum promises to give developing countries a united voice to tackle mounting debt. But why are critics saying it's not enough?Plus, Sam Fenwick asks could Elon Musk's Starlink revive Lebanon's crumbling Telecom sector?

President Trump announces 20% tariff on Vietnamese goods. Under the agreement, Vietnam will charge no tariffs on imports from the US.Also, members of Congress are wrangling over Donald Trump's sweeping finance bill. Plus, we explore why remittances to Mexico from workers in the U.S. have seen a sharp decline.

The US, Japan, India, and Australia are joining forces to secure critical minerals supplies essential for next-generation technologies.In the UK, why is the finance minister appear visibly upset during a House of Commons debate? The US Senate narrowly passes Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' but now it faces the House of Representatives.In Switzerland, the Women's Football European Championship is kicking off with record sponsorship deals, rising TV audiences, and sold-out stadiums highlighting the tournament's economic momentum.Plus, do you look at the faces printed on your banknotes? Sam Fenwick finds out why a bank is redesigning notes.

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.

The US Senate holds marathon vote on President Donald Trumps “big, beautiful bill" which has reached 45 consecutive votes, making it the longest vote-a-rama in Senate history.There's a stark warning that cuts to USAID could lead to 14 million additional deaths. What does this mean for economic stabilities of the countries facing these cuts?In Japan, the country is standing firm against pressure to open up its rice market to the US. Plus, one of Europe's most iconic landmarks that drives business and economic growth turns 25.

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, as a key tariff deadline set by US President Donald Trump draws closer, talks between the United States and many other countries, including India, have hit roadblocks over import duties on auto parts, steel, and agricultural goods. And 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.

While businesses on both sides of the Atlantic are hoping that the UK-US trade deal - which comes into effect today - will provide a much needed boost, we look at whether Canada can get a breakthrough in talks with their North American neighbour in Washington. Sam Fenwick discusses how backlogs are piling up at major shipping ports across Europe as logistic companies struggle to deal with US president Donald Trump's unpredictable trade policies, while unusually low water levels on the Rhine make it even harder for barges to move goods through Germany and the Netherlands. And have you ever tried to scam a scammer? We find out how an AI bots creator in Australia is tackling the growth of fake calls and text messages. The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.

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.

The US and China have agreed a new trade deal. Will it finally improve relations between the world's two biggest economies and speed up the flow of strategic minerals? Bisi Adebayo will be discussing why it is such a big deal. In Brazil, the Supreme Court is taking on Big Tech firms after ruling that social media platforms can now be held directly responsible for users' illegal posts.And it's the end of an era, as Microsoft finally waves goodbye to the dreaded blue screen of death after 40 years. The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.

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.

With the World Bank awarding $150 million to Syria and $250 million to Lebanon in order to help the two Middle Eastern countries infrastructures redevelop after turbulent periods, we discuss what needs to be done to grow their economic confidence. Ed Butler finds out how so-called ticket-pullers are employing teams of people to make millions of dollars through scalping tickets from top UK concerts. And after years of liberalised rules on cannabis, how Thailand may be thinking of cracking down once more on legal weed. The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.

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.

At least two people have been shot dead during protests in Kenya, which marks the first anniversary of deadly anti-tax demonstrations that left 60 people dead. Security forces have barricaded key roads in Nairobi and fired tear gas. Keen to avoid a repeat storming of parliament, President William Ruto has appealed to protesters not to threaten peace and stability. NATO allies agree to boost their military spending off the back of pressure from US President Donald Trump, but is Europe's defence industry ready for wartime demand? And what happens when E-sport stars call it quits? We look at life after the leaderboard in a billion-dollar industry. The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.