World Business Report
Analysis of the big global business and economic issues, as they affect consumers and investors. Broadcast on weekdays.
US job growth hits pandemic lows as trade tensions rise
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…
Swiss businesses shocked by 39% tariffs
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…
The final countdown to President Trump's tariff deadline
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…
US tariff deadline looms
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…
Why will key Brazilian exports escape US tariffs?
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?…
India reacts as Trump imposes 25% tariffs
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…
Will Trump agree to China's tariff truce?
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…
Can the US and China find common ground?
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…
Withdrawing EU tariff retaliation plan ‘a mistake': former EU Trade Commissioner
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…
US-EU trade agreement - what's at stake?
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…