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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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26:26

Is the ceasefire in the Gulf too late to stop food...

World Business Report ·

2026/04/09

Although the fragile ceasefire between Iran and the United States still holds, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains heavily disrupted, driving up fuel and fertiliser costs and leaving farmers in many parts of the world facing higher prices just as they head into the planting season.What does that mean for the price of food in your shopping basket? Sam Fenwick hears from Maximo Torero, chief economist at the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization. Also, the ceasefire was meant to reopen

8:58

First Iranian oil for India in seven years

World Business Report ·

2026/04/09

For the first time in seven years, India has bought its first cargo of Iranian oil. India hasn't purchased any Iranian oil since 2019 because of US sanctions, but those restrictions were waived last month. Leanna hears from the BBC's Archana Shukla. Plus, its a big day for K-pop fans right across the globe as BTS, one of the world's biggest boy bands, have officially kicked off their new tour. Leanna Byrne hears from journalist Nemo Kim based in Seoul.

26:25

Shipping companies still reluctant to pass through...

World Business Report ·

2026/04/08

Reopening the Strait of Hormuz, an important global waterway, is part of the ceasefire agreement, as announced by the US government, but late on Wednesday, Iran warned that ships crossing the waterway without permission would be “targeted and destroyed”.Sam Fenwick will hear from Nils Haupt, the Head of Corporate Communications at Hapag-Lloyd, a German-based global shipping company. Also, markets rallied, and oil prices fell, but only hours later there were concerns about how long it might last

8:56

What the US-Iran ceasefire means for oil prices,...

World Business Report ·

2026/04/08

The US and Iran have come to a temporary ceasefire, but for many businesses and consumers, the pressure may be far from over.Hundreds of ships are still backed up in the Strait of Hormuz, with many waiting for clearance from Iran before they can move.Plus, what it means for flights, holidays and passenger confidence as airlines proceed cautiously.Presenter: Leanna ByrneProducer: Matt Lines Editor: Justin Bones

26:26

Trump's Hormuz deadline looms

World Business Report ·

2026/04/07

A countdown is underway as President Trump says 'a whole civilisation will die tonight' in Iran without a deal to fully re-open the Strait of Hormuz. Plus, we return to Cambodia's scam centres with a rare visit inside. And is Universal Music which is home to Taylor Swift, about to be sold?(Picture: Iran's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Amir-Saeid Iravani speaking during a United Nations Security Council meeting in New York, USA, 07 April 2026. Credit:SARAH

8:44

Ten days of Ukrainian drone strikes reduce Russia's...

World Business Report ·

2026/04/07

Over several days, Ukrainian drones have repeatedly struck oil export facilites in Primorsk and Ust-Luga in the Baltic Sea, and Novorossiysk in the Black Sea. Seaborne exports of Russian crude oil have been reduced as a result. Troubled airline Air India is on the lookout for a new CEO after Campbell Wilson announces he's stepping down as chief executive. And a US hedge fund has launched a takeover bid for the world's biggest music company, Universal Music Group.

26:27

Trump gives Iran threatening deadline to reopen the...

World Business Report ·

2026/04/06

United States President Donald Trump said the US will target civilian infrastructure if Iran doesn't open the Strait of Hormuz. He has given Iran a deadline of tomorrow to reopen the passage. But what happens if that deadline passes? And why are some vessels already allowed to pass through?Meanwhile, new shipping routes are opening in the Arctic. We hear why the United States is investing in a new fleet of icebreakers.Plus, a new Super Mario movie has become a box office success, despite early

8:55

Japan hints at talks with Iran as Middle East tension...

World Business Report ·

2026/04/06

Japan relies on the Middle East region for over 90 percent of its crude oil imports. Most of these imports transit the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively closed. Amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Arctic, the United States has ordered a new fleet of icebreakers that will be built in Finland. And the Super Mario Galaxy film opened this weekend in the US. Despte poor reviews, audiences have been flocking to see it.

26:27

Is the Strait of Hormuz opening up again?

World Business Report ·

2026/04/03

After weeks of disruption in the Middle East, ships are starting to move again through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global trade and fuel supplies. But it’s still a fragile return, and the risks remain high for companies and crews.We’ll hear how the conflict is affecting seafarers, with thousands stranded or unable to get to work, and what that says about the wider impact on global shipping.We’ll also look at the knock-on effects for trade, with millions of kilograms of tea stuck in Kenya

8:57

French container ship reportedly passes through...

World Business Report ·

2026/04/03

Several sources are reporting that a French-owned container ship has successfully braved the troubled Strait of Hormuz. The CMA CGM Kribi is believed to be the first western vessel to pass through the passage since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war against Iran. It was not immediately clear how the vessel secured safe passage. It comes as Iran carried out two attacks on commercial plants in Kuwait and Abu Dhabi Also there's better-than-expected jobs news for the US. And we hear from a trade

26:27

SpaceX eyes take off with over $1 trillion valuation

World Business Report ·

2026/04/02

Elon Musk’s SpaceX is preparing to go public. Could it become one of the world’s most valuable companies?One year on from “Liberation Day”, when sweeping tariffs reshaped global trade, we ask who’s winning and who’s paying the price.And from bankruptcy to comeback, Leanna Byrne speaks to the boss of Polaroid about why instant cameras are thriving again.(Photo: NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 mission lifts off in a Dragon spacecraft, on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, from the launch pad of Space Launch Complex-40 at

8:58

Countries hold summit over Strait of Hormuz trade crisis

World Business Report ·

2026/04/02

More than forty countries take part in a virtual gathering in a bid to reopen the vital shipping lane. The UK is playing host to the meeting, joined by other countries across the world caught up in the trade crisis caused by near closure of the Strait of Hormuz, due to the US-Israel war in Iran.UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper opened the event by condemning what she described as "Iranian recklessness" in closing the Strait of Hormuz and "hitting global economic security". The talks are trying to

25:56

How will rising oil prices affect airlines?

World Business Report ·

2026/04/01

Jet fuel prices are surging as the war in Iran unsettles airlines and global travel. Leanna Byrne examines what it could mean for ticket prices and the wider economy. Also, a new weight loss pill from Eli Lilly promises to shake up the booming obesity drug market. And as Apple turns 50, what’s next for the garage start-up that became one of the world’s most powerful companies.(Photo: A general view of the PCK refinery, a crude oil processing facility supplying gasoline, jet fuel, diesel and fuel

8:57

Could there be a revival of the coal industry?

World Business Report ·

2026/04/01

South Korea has lifted caps on electricity from coal and the Philippines and Vietnam are boosting coal-fired power. Sarah Rogers explores whether or not the coal industry could see a long-term revival.Plus, we hear from the man behind the 'i' in iMac as Apple turns fifty years old.

26:27

Two of the biggest names in your kitchen could soon...

World Business Report ·

2026/03/31

Unilever, the company behind brands like Hellmann’s and Knorr, has agreed to combine its food business with US spice and flavour giant McCormick & Company. What does it tell us about where big consumer brands are heading next?Also, South Africa cuts fuel duties as the impact of the war in Iran feeds through to prices at the pump. Leanna Byrne hears from a business person and our correspondent who has been out to witness the situation. (PHOTO: Hellmann's, a brand of Unilever, is seen on

8:57

Why Sri Lanka is raising electricity prices for most...

World Business Report ·

2026/03/31

The Sri Lankan government has increased electricity prices for most households by more than 8% as fuel costs surge due to the Iran conflict.Plus, Bisi Adebayo looks at the impact the war is having on jet fuel costs and how British and American food giants, Unilever and McCormick, have agreed a deal to combine parts of their food businesses.

26:26

Kharg Island: What role does it play in Iran’s economy?

World Business Report ·

2026/03/30

The White House deflects questions about US threat to hit Iranian energy infrastructure. President Trump expects Iran to make a deal to end the war. He has said he'd strike targets including electricity plants, and Iran's main oil-exporting site, Kharg Island. Presenter Andrew Peach examines what this all means for Iran and its neighbours in the Middle East.(Photo: A handout satellite image made available by Copernicus, the European Union's Earth Observation Programme, on 14 March 2026 shows

8:57

Why diesel is rising quicker in price than other fuel?

World Business Report ·

2026/03/30

The price of diesel has risen nearly 90% since the start of the war in Iran according to ICE. Why is that more than other fuels?Plus Sarah Rogers hears why the price of subscriptions could rise after the World Trade Organsiation fails to reach a deal on ecommerce tariffsand we look at the growth of fast fashion in India

26:27

BYD profits fall 19%: What’s driving the decline?

World Business Report ·

2026/03/28

BYD has reported a 19% fall in annual profit, its first decline in four years, despite rising sales as price pressure in China weighs on margins. We look at what is driving the slowdow, and what it means for the wider electric vehicle industry. We also examine the increasingly competitive market for electric cars, set against a backdrop of rising global oil prices.While oil prices continue to rise, the cost of weight loss drugs could be heading in the opposite direction. And we look at how a small,

8:53

Fears of fuel shortages lead to panic buying in...

World Business Report ·

2026/03/27

As prices soar, petrol and diesel pumps are running dry at hundreds of service stations across Australia. But is the shortage caused by panic buying rather than lack of fuel? We hear from India where generic replacements for the weightloss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy are bringing cheaper drugs to the local market. And Hollywood actor turned producer Eva Longoria says a Warner Bros. Discovery–Paramount mega merger will be bad news for creativity in the movie busines

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