World Business Report

As president Donald Trump's tariff regime on goods entering the United States from 69 countries around the world comes into effect, we discuss the impact it will have on global trade. With India facing a threat of 50% tariffs on exports to the US due Delhi's purchase of oil from Russia, we hear whether India will ever wean itself off Russian supplies? And what will be the impact of Washington's tariff mark-ups on Brazil and Switzerland? Elsewhere, with the world's most revered investor - Warren Buffett - set to step down, Roger Hearing finds out who the 'sage of Omaha' really is. The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.

50% tariffs on some Brazillian goods being imported into the US come into force. We look at the details, and ask how much of an effect they will actually have. We're also looking at debt, and its continuing impact on African economies. And - Disney makes a big commitment to the NFL, as it invests in sports for its streaming services.

President Trump signals pharmaceuticals could be next on his tariffs list. But what does that mean for the makers and distributors of non-branded medicines? We’ll be speaking to an association representing them. Love it or loathe it, AI is creeping into everyday life. But how much of a threat does AI pose to emerging economies? The president of the World Bank Group shares his thoughts. And in electric car sales in Europe it’s bad news for Tesla, but much brighter news for BYD. We’ll look at the reasons for the difference in performance for the rival carmakers.

Is American Eagle’s latest ad campaign genius marketing or just bad taste? The play on words, featuring actress Sydney Sweeney, has divided opinion and even caught the attention of former President Trump. David Harper explores whether the backlash actually worked in the brand’s favour. We also speak to the OECD’s Chief Economist to ask whether companies are investing enough to fuel global economic growth. And we unpack a landmark defence deal between Australia and a Japanese shipbuilder — the first of its kind.

The world’s richest man could get richer as Tesla’s board moves to give CEO Elon Musk a bigger stake to keep him at the company. We’ll hear from a Tesla investor. Meanwhile, more tariff threats from President Trump - this time against India over its Russian oil purchases. India called the move unfair targeting. We’ll be getting reaction to the mounting tensions between the two countries. And we look at the new trend of 'fake' weddings - for those who enjoy wedding parties, but don’t know anyone getting married.

We begin a new series on Africa’s economic future, as the continent’s population heads toward 2.5 billion. Today, we’re in South Africa. We hear from Pieter Engelbrecht, CEO of Shoprite — the country’s biggest private employer on how customer loyalty helped drive the supermarket’s success. Also, As France ramps up defence spending, we visit a town where factories are shifting to arms production. And in India, the growing trend of the fake wedding party a full celebration, with no wedding.

The US added 73,000 jobs last month - the weakest performance since the Covid pandemic. Economists were caught off guard, and earlier figures have been revised down. Democrats say President Trump’s trade policy is damaging business confidence and stalling hiring. Meanwhile, tensions with Canada are escalating as Trump hikes tariffs to 35% on some goods, blaming issues from fentanyl to foreign policy. And in Southeast Asia, some countries learned after the deadline that their tariffs would be lowered - raising questions about transparency. Plus, is the world signing off early on Fridays? New UK data points to a quiet remote work trend.

After months of intensive negotiations, the US tariff deadline has finally arrived. Unable to reach a deal at the final hour, Switzerland is reeling from 39% tariffs. We look at how this will affect Swiss businesses, and if it’s likely to stick. Elsewhere, we get the reaction from two other countries that were able to strike a deal - Taiwan and Lesotho. And the 78th Edinburgh Festival Fringe gets under way, with millions of visitors expected across the festival. We see how local business is booming.

The final countdown in on for President Trump's tariff deadline. Without deals in the next few hours, dozens of countries will face the cost of sharply higher tax rates on goods they export to the US - up to close to 50% in some cases. We hear from some of these countries, and ask is Donald Trump winning his trade war? You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.

Is President Trump’s trade war gamble paying off? More countries squeeze in last minute deals on tariffs, but many questions remain. Brazil faces 50% levies on its exports to the US. How will this go down with America's coffee-loving consumer? Meanwhile, a potential winner, South Korea is among the countries settling for a late deal before Friday's deadline. In a dizzying day of wheeling and dealing we try to make sense of the great tariffs merry go round.

President Trump says imports from Brazil will face a 50% tariff from next week. But why did key Brazilian exports get a pass? Also, dissent at America’s central bank, but the Federal Reserve has kept interest rates unchanged. And what does Europe’s pharmaceutical industry think of the EU-US trade deal? Ed Butler hears from the head of Germany’s leading pharma association.

President Trump has announced that all Indian goods sold in the United States will face a tariff of at least 25% beginning 1st August. In a post on Truth Social, he accused India of imposing unfair tariffs and trade barriers that make it too difficult for US businesses to operate. Also, the U.S. economy grew in the second quarter, driven by increased consumer spending and a sharp decline in imports. Rahul Tandon examines the overall state of the world’s largest economy. And we hear from World Bank President Ajay Banga on the outlook for the global economy during a time of uncertainty.

The U.S. and China move to extend their tariff truce, but it all hinges on President Trump's approval. We’ll hear from voices inside the negotiations. In Syria, growing numbers of refugees in Turkey are heading back, despite the risks. We find out what’s driving their return. Plus, Sam Fenwick finds out how natural disasters have cost the world $131 billion so far this year.

As trade talks continue between the world’s two largest economies in Stockholm, Rahul Tandon hears from Xiaofei Xu of the South China Morning Post on what’s at stake in the US–China negotiations. Plus, the IMF has raised its global growth forecasts for this year and next. And, the BBC’s Shingai Nyoka travels to Lesotho, the tiny African kingdom unexpectedly caught in the crossfire of the US tariff war, now facing a potential 50% duty on its exports to America.

European exports to the U.S. are about to face a steep 15% tariff—while American goods heading to Europe will face a zero tariff rate. Is this a one-sided deal? We speak to former EU Trade Commissioner, Cecilia Malmstrom. We also get perspectives from both sides of the Atlantic: an Irish pub landlord in Chicago who imports alcohol, and the CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, who’s focused on exports. Plus, Sam Fenwick explores the global surge in popularity for women’s football and what it means for the future of the sport.

The US and EU have struck a new trade agreement, easing tensions over tariffs. Rahul Tandon explores what this breakthrough means for key sectors. We hear from Karin Karlsbro of the European Parliament’s Trade Committee and Hildegard Müller, President of the German Automotive Industry Association as well as Tomas Philipson who served as the Acting Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers in the First Trump administration.

It's been a busy few weeks on Wall Street's financial market, as stock valuations are close to record levels. The S&P 500 index has hit a string of all-time peaks this month, while US corporate borrowing costs are nearing their lowest level in decades, and Nvidia became the first company worth $4 trillion. The United States Treasury has lifted sanctions on several individuals and companies accused of supplying arms to Myanmar's military regime, leading to an outcry by human rights groups. And with Donald Trump doing diplomacy on the golf course in Scotland—is doing business on the green a good thing?

As a long running dispute over territory in Thailand and Cambodia escalates, we ask how trade between the two countries has been affected and how important it is to the economy of the region. We're also looking at Volkswagen's fortunes, with both changing tariffs and new competition to deal with. And how tech is helping to complete a 143 year construction project in Barcelona. You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.

President Donald Trump claims further renovation budget overruns adding pressure on US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to lower interest rates. Roger Hearing hears reaction from Loretta Mester, the former Cleveland Fed President. Profits plummet at LVMH, the makers of luxury champagne, jewellery and expensive handbags. And as women’s football has been dominating the sporting agenda this week, both in Africa and Europe, we look at where women’s teams must compete for investment and coverage with the men.

China's President Xi Jinping calls for mutual trust and stronger communication with the EU as he welcomes the Commission president Ursula von der Leyen to Beijing. The leaders have discussed trade imbalances, tariffs and critical minerals among other issues. Meanwhile the European Investment Bank starts its Boost Africa initiative in an effort to unlock venture capital support for entrepreneurship across the continent. Plus Andrew Peach hears how the toy industry is responding to higher costs because of US tariffs. You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.