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World Business Report

BBC World Service

The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.

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26:27

US job growth hits pandemic lows as trade tensions rise

World Business Report ·

2025/08/01

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

26:22

Swiss businesses shocked by 39% tariffs

World Business Report ·

2025/08/01

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

26:28

The final countdown to President Trump's tariff deadline

World Business Report ·

2025/07/31

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.

25:31

US tariff deadline looms

World Business Report ·

2025/07/31

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.

26:30

Why will key Brazilian exports escape US tariffs?

World Business Report ·

2025/07/30

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.

26:29

India reacts as Trump imposes 25% tariffs

World Business Report ·

2025/07/30

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

26:29

Will Trump agree to China's tariff truce?

World Business Report ·

2025/07/29

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.

26:29

Can the US and China find common ground?

World Business Report ·

2025/07/29

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.

26:29

Withdrawing EU tariff retaliation plan ‘a mistake':...

World Business Report ·

2025/07/28

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

26:33

US-EU trade agreement - what's at stake?

World Business Report ·

2025/07/28

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.

26:24

Wall Street ends another week at record highs

World Business Report ·

2025/07/25

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.

26:28

Thailand-Cambodia border: all trade between two...

World Business Report ·

2025/07/25

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.

26:27

Trump clashes with US central bank chair during visit

World Business Report ·

2025/07/24

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

26:28

China and European Union leaders talk trade and...

World Business Report ·

2025/07/24

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

26:27

Is a trade deal between the US and the EU now very...

World Business Report ·

2025/07/23

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.

26:27

US and Japan agree trade deal

World Business Report ·

2025/07/23

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

26:27

Philippines reaches trade agreement with the US

World Business Report ·

2025/07/22

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.

26:10

AstraZeneca announces $50 billion investment in the...

World Business Report ·

2025/07/22

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.

26:23

Tariff pressures shift global container flows

World Business Report ·

2025/07/21

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

26:28

Japan election: what will happen to trade deal with...

World Business Report ·

2025/07/21

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.

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