World Business Report

We examine how the longest shutdown in the US history has affected the airline industry and hear from stranded passengers and furloughed air traffic controllers. And, on day two of the COP climate conference in Brazil, we talk a South African minister on what it will take to help poorer nations fund the transition to clean energy.

Leanna Byrne gets reactions as a woman known as the Chinese crypto queen has been sentenced to jail in London for laundering billions in stolen bitcoin. Qian Zhimin was convicted of trying to launder more than sixty thousand bitcoins now worth around six and a half billion dollars.In Germany, OpenAI faces a legal setback after a court ruled it infringed copyright by reproducing song lyrics without permission.And Japan's SoftBank cashes out of Nvidia.

We hear from a worker who hasn't been paid in weeks and examine the wider impact on America's economy. And, what's happening on the opening day of the COP30 climate conference in Brazil.

Leanna Byrne looks at signs that the United States may finally be nearing an end to its record-breaking forty-day government shutdown. The Senate has voted to advance a bill to pay federal workers and reopen parts of the government but it still needs approval from the House. Also, two of Africa's biggest diamond producers Botswana and Angola, are in talks to take control of De Beers, the world's most famous diamond company. And in Japan, a surge in bear attacks prompting the government to roll out emergency measures and forcing companies, farmers, and local authorities to spend millions on safety precautions.

There've now been more than two-thousand flight delays or cancellations in the US linked to the continuing government shutdown. International routes aren't being affected, but many air traffic controllers who've gone unpaid are calling in sick or taking other jobs. Jamaica is set to receive a $150 million payout from its catastrophe bond after Hurricane Melissa. It's the first time it's been triggered in full. The World Bank tells the BBC it's a vital boost to the country's recovery. Andrew Peach also examines Elon Musk's trillion-dollar pay award after Tesla shareholders back a record-breaking deal that could make the world's richest man even richer. We hear from one investor who voted against it.

The World Bank has confirmed that Jamaica will receive a full $150 million payout from its catastrophe bond, which is the maximum possible, after Hurricane Melissa met the pre-agreed trigger conditions. Leanna Byrne hears from Jorge Familiar, the World Bank's vice-president and treasurer. Also, one of the biggest broadcasters in the UK has confirmed its "preliminary" discussions with Comcast, owner of Sky, to sell its broadcasting business for around $2 billion. And, as the US government shutdown hits 38 days, we look at one government tax lawyer in Washington DC, who is staying busy by running a full-time hot dog stand. Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Ahmed Adan Editor: Gideon Long

Tesla shareholders have voted to approve a massive pay package meant to retain the services of its billionaire CEO Elon Musk. The deal requires Musk, who is already the world's richest man, to drastically raise the electric car firm's market value over a period of years. Also, U.S. passengers brace for disruption as airports cut flights amid the government shutdown.And a judge in the US state of Texas has agreed to dismiss a criminal case against aviation giant Boeing in connection with two plane crashes that killed more than three hundred and forty people in 2018 and 2019.

Maersk, a global shipping giant, has raised its full-year operating profit forecast to between $9 and $9.5 billion after better-than-expected third-quarter results. We hear from Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc. India and the European Union are intensifying their efforts to reach a trade deal by the end of the year. EU officials are in Delhi for talks. Leanna Byrne hears from one of the men at the heart of the negotiations.And the US government has warned that air travel capacity will be cut by up to 10% at 40 major airports over the coming days if the government shutdown continues.Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Ahmed Adan Editor: Gideon Long

New York's mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, is promising to tackle the city's soaring cost of living. Ed Butler looks at what his victory could mean for businesses.Also, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk agree to slash the cost of blockbuster weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy under a new Medicare deal. And why Shein is facing a backlash in France.

The Chinese online retailer Shein is opening its first permanent shop, using floor space in the prestigious BHV department store in the French capital Paris. But how is this seen in France? Leanna Byrne hears from a protestor and one of the managers of the building. Also, the Chinese government is using a major trade exhibition to sell the country as an investment partner after last week's meeting between President Xi Jinping and Donald Trump. An independent review looking into how to tackle health-related joblessness has warned the UK is sliding into an "avoidable crisis". And for young Ugandans, Zohran Mamdani, born in the capital Kampala and elected as New York's mayor, his rise isn't just political; it's professional too. We hear from a young Ugandan Mamdani supporter.Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Ahmed Adan Editor: Justin Bones

Ed Butler talks with the owner of a Chicago toy importer who's brought his tariff fight all the way to the Supreme Court. From Wednesday, the Supreme Court will determine whether wide-ranging import taxes imposed by President Trump are legal.Also on the show, one of America's best-known TV economists and authors, Andrew Ross Sorkin, on why he fears the AI investment boom could be a bubble.You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.

Tesla's China-made electric vehicle sales of Model 3 and Model Y fell nearly 10% in October from a year earlier, reversing a 2.8% increase in September. Leanna Byrne hears from Mark Rainford, founder of Inside China Auto based in Shanghai. Nintendo said it aims to sell 19 million Switch 2 consoles within this financial year, up from its previous target of 15 million for the smash-hit gadget. Starbucks, the world's biggest coffee chain, is selling the majority stake in its business in China as part of a $4bn deal to the private equity firm Boyu Capital. Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Ahmed Adan Editor: Justin Bones

The US government's been shut down for more than a month now, and if it carries on past this Wednesday it will become the longest shutdown in US history. A group of 500 leading travel-related businesses have signed a letter asking Congress to end the month-long impasse, citing worries about the holiday travel season.Meanwhile, Lithuania's truckers' association says some 2,000 vehicles are stranded in Belarus after the border was closed in response to last week's airspace disruption, when dozens of balloons loaded with illegal cigarettes in Belarus forced the temporary closure of Lithuania's two main airports. The EU denounced the incidents as a hybrid attack.And India is celebrating victory in the women's cricket World Cup. The team has made history not just on the pitch but financially too.You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.

The US government shutdown appears on course to be the longest in history after President Trump made clear he has no plans to negotiate with Democrats over healthcare costs. Leanna Byrne hears from a worker and a food bank in New York. Also, Kimberly-Clark, the company behind Huggies and Kleenex, is buying the maker of Tylenol and Kenvue, in a forty-nine billion dollar deal. Almost ten years after launching its ambitious Vision 2030 plan to diversify away from oil, Saudi Arabia is pouring billions into artificial intelligence and high-tech infrastructure. Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Ahmed Adan Editor: Olie D'Albertanson

Hurricane Melissa leaves Jamaican economy with a huge trail of damage and a massive repair bill to sort out. Some reports suggest the country could face losses of over $14 billion. Presenter Will Bain hears from people on the ground in the country.We also examine why there has been a huge surge in the Amazon share price at the end of busy week for Wall Street. And are modern TV's really any better than plasma ones for watching movies? We find out why some experts believe older models are much better for watching films.

Italian confectionery giant Ferrero, maker of Ferrero Rocher and Nutella, is in a standoff with Turkish hazelnut dealers. Why? Turkey, the world's largest hazelnut producer, has been hit by poor weather, a bad harvest, and pest infestations, sending prices soaring.In Jamaica, a catastrophe bond will release millions to help the country rebuild after Hurricane Melissa.Meanwhile, who is Nvidia, the world's most valuable company, selling AI chips now?And with pumpkins, costumes, and candy, billions are spent worldwide each Halloween, boosting economies everywhere.Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer/Editor: Niamh McDermott

The US President Donald Trump believes a trade deal could be signed "pretty soon", after holding talks with President Xi Jinping of China. Presenter Andrew Peach hears from US farmers after China agrees to buy soyabeans from the US. Can Canada really become an energy superpower? We hear how it is pitching energy exports to the South East Asian market. And major record labels like the Universal Music Group are set to work with an artificial intelligence platform Udio, after settling a copyright dispute.

After what President Trump calls an “amazing” meeting in South Korea, the US and China strike a trade truce. But is it really a full deal? We break down what's behind the tariff talks. In South Africa, millions of dollars are being pumped into tackling its chronic youth unemployment problem. And as the US shutdown continues, airlines are losing millions of dollars a day. We hear from the CEO of Delta Air Lines.Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Niamh Mc Dermott Editor: Stephen Ryan

The much-anticipated meeting between Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping takes place in Korea. Presenter Sam Fenwick hears from both sides ahead of a crucial talks between the two leaders. The owner of a US based coffee roastery based in New York talks to us about the how his business is coping with the fallout from the global tariff war. Microsoft, Alphabet and Meta all release their latest quarterly numbers. They make up around 15 per cent of the S&P 500. We find out how well these tech giants have done, and what challenges they face in the future.

The world's most valuable company, Nvidia, has hit a historic $5 trillion valuation after unveiling new contracts to supply AI chips and revealed plans to build seven supercomputers for the U.S. government. Plus, Ben & Jerry's co-founder Ben Cohen says the company's parent firm blocked them from launching a Palestine-themed ice cream. In response, Cohen has announced a sorbet expressing solidarity with Palestine.Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Niamh Mc Dermott Editor: Shea Conduct

Hurricane Melissa causes major disruption as the Jamaican economy comes to a standstill. Tourists are also stranded on the island with the closure of all major airports.Business leaders from the US and Japan meet to discuss trade, investment and supply chains.Amazon confirms plans to cut thousands of jobs, saying it needs to be “lean” to seize the opportunity provided by artificial intelligence. Presenter Sam Fenwick examines all these stories and looks at the some of the other big global business stories of the day.

US President Donald Trump and Japan's new prime minister have pledged a stronger alliance and closer economic ties during his visit to Tokyo. The two leaders have signed new investment deals including one covering rare earth minerals. The UN warns the world is falling badly behind in tackling climate change. So, which countries are stepping up, and which are lagging? Plus, will Elon Musk walk away from Tesla if his trillion-dollar pay package gets rejected? Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Niamh Mc Dermott Editor: Shea Conduct

US President Donald Trump has kicked off his trip to Asia by announcing a string of new agreements and a peace accord involving Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. The White House has called it historic but businesses are looking for more detail. We speak to two entrepreneurs in Chicago and Seattle on what this could mean for their companies. Elsewhere, we hear how US tariffs on India's exports has put nearly a million jobs on the south-eastern coast of the Andhra Pradesh state at risk. And as massive rallies cheer Javier Milei, and Argentina's markets soar with the president tightening his grip on power in the South American country, Sam Fenwick discusses whether his La Libertad Avanza party's midterm victory will pave the way for economic reforms. The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC. (Picture: US President Donald Trump talks before boarding Air Force One at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Monday 27 October 2025. Credit: Reuters / Evelyn Hockstein.)

He's currently in Tokyo where trade and investment are high on the agenda. Japan is already America's biggest investor and promises to pump another 550 billion dollars into the US as part of a trade deal. In Argentina, Javier Milei's far-right party wins Sunday's midterms. Milei remains committed to pushing forward free-market reforms, despite growing opposition from the public. And in India, shrimp farmers are grappling with the impact of a 50% tariff. How are they coping with the threat to thousands of jobs?Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Niamh McDermott Editor: Olie D'Albertanson

Hundreds of thousands of federal employees have missed their full paycheques for the first time since the beginning of the government shutdown three weeks ago, with Democrats and Republicans still blaming each other for the lapse in federal funding. We hear from a US federal employee at the Department of Defence on the East Coast. And this week the fight moved to the courts over another politically contentious area – the massive charges the Trump administration wishes to impose on H1B visas – the work visas issued to up to 65,000 foreign workers each year, looking for jobs that US employers say they are unable to fill otherwise. Also, Canada's prime minister, Mark Carney, says he's ready to resume trade negotiations with the United States when Washington is ready. This comes after President Trump announced he was abruptly ending talks because of an anti-tariff advertising campaign by the province of Ontario. (Picture: A sign outside the National Gallery of Art alerts visitors the museum is closed in Washington and remains closed due to the government shutdown on 23 October 2025. Credit: photo by JIM LO SCALZO/EPA/Shutterstock).

Donald Trump says he's ending trade talks with Canada, all over an ad. He accused Canada of fraudulently using Ronald Reagan's words in what he called a “fake” advertisement. We hear from a Canadian business owner.China calls for calm ahead of trade talks with Washington… And Russia faces fresh sanctions as it sets interest rates. We speak with the former Russia Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov. You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033. Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Victoriya Holland Editor: Justin Bones

Two leading US basketball figures are among thirty-four people arrested as part of FBI investigations into illegal gambling and the Mafia. The Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups is accused of playing in rigged poker games in New York. The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, has described this week's new US sanctions on Russia's two biggest oil companies as an unfriendly act. But at the same time, he's claimed they won't have a substantial impact on Russia's economy. And we will look at the cost of insurance for museums after the priceless jewels thieves stole from the Louvre museum in a brazen heist this week, which were not privately insured.(Picture: Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) handles the ball during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena in March 31, 2025: Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images/File Photo)

Fresh sanctions are hitting Russia's energy sector, from both the European Union and the United States. The goal is to squeeze the money earned from energy imports. How will it impact Russian economy? Also, will India and China reduce their crude oil consumption? And China's economic plan - after four days of discussions at home, what priorities are being set for the rest of the decade? You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033. Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Victoriya Holland Editor: Stephen Ryan

Elon Musk's SpaceX says it has cut Starlink satellite communication links to more than 2,500 devices used by scam compounds in Myanmar. The UAE's AI minister has told the BBC that the country is choosing the United States and American companies over China as their preferred partner when it comes to AI. And, despite the US's $40 billion rescue package for President Javier Milei, investors are betting that Argentina will sharply devalue its currency after this weekend's midterm elections. (Picture: At least 84 repatriated Indonesian citizens who once worked in scam centres in Myanmar and arrived in the Indonesian capital on 28 Feb 2025. Credit: BAGUS INDAHONO/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Retail traders are being credited for sending Beyond Meat's stock surging. Also, an estimate on the cost of the Jaguar Land Rover cyber attack. And Starlink devices are linked to scam centres in Myanmar.Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Victoriya Holland Editor: Stephen Ryan

Warner Brothers Discovery, which produced Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and Succession, says it's considering a sale after receiving several unsolicited offers. The US media giant had announced plans to split into two separate entities earlier this year. How could the leading candidate in New York's mayoral race reshape America's financial capital?Plus, why people are going nuts for pistachios.(Picture: The exterior of the Warner Bros. Discovery Atlanta campus is pictured in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. May 2, 2023. REUTERS/Alyssa Pointer/File Photo)

Japan's first female prime minister sends financial markets soaring as investors bet she's gonna spend big on Japan's economy. The Brazilian oil giant Petrobras says it's been given the green light to start drilling for oil near the mouth of the Amazon river off the coast of the world's largest tropical rainforest. And Coca-Cola's results pop, but at the same time, demand is fizzling out. We'll find out what's going on at the world's biggest soda brand.You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Victoriya Holland Editor: Shea Conduct

Amazon's cloud computing firm says major service issues remain after an outage hit hundreds of sites worldwide. As China's leaders meet in Beijing to formulate a five year plan, we'll look at the challenges and opportunities facing the world's second biggest economy. Diwali, the Hindu festival in India is underway. Gold is often bought for luck and prosperity but with prices hitting $4,300 an ounce, how are shoppers and businesses coping? Plus, has San Francisco's city made a comeback? Andrew Peach finds out.

A problem at Amazon Web Services has broken the internet...dozens of apps and websites stopped working following a huge outage. We look at India where the Hindu festival of Diwali has begun. Gold is often bought for luck and prosperity but - with prices hitting $4,300 an ounce - how are shoppers and businesses coping? And China is working on it's economic plan for the rest of the decade but what's the impact on the rest of the world? You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033. Presenter: Sarah Rogers Producer: Victoriya Holland

A landmark deal to cut global shipping emissions has been put on hold for a year after Saudi Arabia and the U.S. succeeded in ending the talks. Bisi Adebayo speaks to the International Chamber of Shipping and the General Secretary of the International Maritime Organization.Why is the US Chamber of Commerce trying to stop the Trump administration charging businesses US$100,000 for each foreign skilled worker visa? In South Africa gambling has become one of the country's fastest-growing industries - but at what cost?Plus, how are some American states helping start-ups and researchers to make graphic processing units, the supercharged chips that power AI ?

New climate agreement to make shipping more environmentally friendly was postponed by a year after failing to reach consensus amid U.S. pressure. Representatives from most of the 176 member states of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which governs global seafaring, are at its headquarters in London. Also we head to South Africa where gambling has become one of the country's fastest-growing industries - but at what cost? And have you heard of Singles Day? It China's biggest online shopping event and this year it's come early in a bid to get consumers to spend more cash. You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033. Presenter: Hannah Mullane Producer: Victoriya Holland Editor: Justin Bones

Nestlé is the world's largest packaged food and drink company, but after a turbulent period it has announced plans to cut 16,000 jobs over the next two years. But after selling its water division for €5bn earlier this year, will it lead to the Swiss conglomerate slimming down further? Andrew Peach finds out why the US Chamber of Commerce is trying to stop the Trump administration charging businesses US$100,000 for each foreign skilled worker visa. Elsewhere, Japan is known for its political stability, but amid numerous economic challenges, could a new prime minister be the answer to its problems? And what's all the fuss about with Microsoft's first-ever handheld Xbox console? The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC. (Picture: The Nestlé logo is seen during the opening of the 151st Annual General Meeting of Nestlé in Lausanne, Switzerland on 12th April, 2018. Credit: Reuters / Pierre Albouy.)

US President Donald Trump has said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has agreed to stop buying Russian oil, but the Indian government isn't completely in agreement with the American President's comments - stating that talks were 'ongoing'. Also the world's biggest packaged food and drinks company Nestlé has announced big job cuts. And is Microsoft's new hand-held Xbox games console worth the money? Presenter: Hannah Mullane Producer: Victoriya Holland Editor: Stephen Ryan

New official data shows that prices in China are falling again. The producer price index, which measures the amounts charged by factories, has been negative for three straight years and last month it declined by 2.3 per cent year-on-year. Meanwhile, with consumer prices also down during a holiday month, is the world's second largest economy stuck in a hole, and how hard will it be to fix? Elsewhere we hear about the economic turmoil and rising living costs over the past year in Indonesia that's caused violent protests. And Ed Butler speaks to Professor Sir Cary Cooper on why Germany wants to put its pensioners back to work. The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.

It's been welcomed by small businesses but comes with new tariff costs. More than a billion small parcels were sent between India and America last year.What will a $20 billion currency swap deal mean for Argentina?And Greece proposes a workday which could run for up to 13 hours.

The IMF's latest report acknowledges that US growth has actually been stronger this year than it was expecting. But with a government shutdown entering a third week, we see some worrying signs for the world's largest economy. Also why France is giving up on its plans to increase the retirement age? And President Trump has welcomed Argentina's liberaltarian president, Javier Milei, to the White House, days after the US agreed to provide major financial help. You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has presented the government's long-awaited budget. But will it pass? And can the government finally resolve the recurring political battle over raising the retirement age?The International Monetary Fund has released its global economic outlook, projecting growth of 3.2% for the year ahead. However, concerns remain over global trade and the potential impact of tariffs.And Cape Verde's national football team has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time. We take a look at the investment that helped get them there.