World Business Report

Tariffs, tech competition, the Iran war and Taiwan top the agenda for the two superpowers. Trump, last visited in 2017. He returns to a stronger, more assertive China. Tens of thousands take to the streets of Buenos Aires to protest the economic policies of Argentina's President Javier Milei. And India hikes the tariff on imports of gold and silver from 6% to 15%.

Are higher prices in the US starting to show up in household bills as inflation moves closer to 4%? We’ll be looking at where that pressure is coming from, how long it might last, and what it means for businesses and consumers already feeling the squeeze. Also today, after an awkward intervention from President Macron, we get the mood from the tech-focused Africa Forward summit, where leaders and investors are debating the future of digital growth on the continent. And we hear why eBay has ruled out a deal to merge with GameStop, ending speculation over a possible takeover in the gaming retail space. (Picture: Allison Dinner/EPA/Shutterstock)

The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have caused higher energy and grocery prices. The average US price for a gallon of unleaded is at its highest level since July 2022, at $4.50. A Japanese snack maker says it's been forced to print its packaging in black and white because of ink shortages caused by the crisis in the Persian Gulf. And it's the first day of the Cannes Film Festival in the south of France, one of the biggest events in the world of cinema.

Oil prices are rising as tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt supply, with petrol in parts of the US now topping six dollars a gallon. We’re joined by David Malpass, former US Treasury Under-Secretary under President Trump and former World Bank President, to discuss the global economic impact. And what does all this mean on the ground for small businesses already under pressure? Also, Nintendo shares fall after a price hike for its new Switch 2 console, as booming demand for AI drives up the cost of memory chips and pushes prices higher for gamers. We’ll be asking what’s behind the global scramble for semiconductors — and how far those costs could go. And Iran’s saffron industry is being hit by the conflict — pushing up prices for one of the world’s most expensive spices. (Picture: The crude oil tanker Odessa, carrying UAE crude after passing through the Strait of Hormuz with its AIS transponder turned off, at Daesan port, Seosan, South Korea, 8 May 2026. Credit: Reuters / Kim Soo-hyeon)

The PM says austerity measures will cut India's fuel use and save foreign exchange. India imports 90% of its oil. Its fuel bill has spiked since the US and Israel's war on Iran. President Emmanuel Macron goes on a charm offensive in Africa. He's visiting Kenya for the two day Africa Forward Summit, a gathering meant to showcase France’s new policy for the continent. And singer Dua Lipa is suing Samsung for $15mn for using her image without her permission

US job numbers are rising and the stock market is booming near record highs. So why are consumers feeling so pessimistic about the economy? As a Mexican trade mission visits Canada, the two countries look to deepen economic ties. Also Instagram’s direct messages are no longer fully private, and gamers face higher prices as console costs climb. [Picture: Customers shop for groceries at a Publix supermarket in Miami, Florida, USA. Photo Credit: CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock

Last week, the US President threatened to raise the tariff on the import of EU cars to 25% if the European Parliament delayed a new EU/US tariff agreement. The annual conference of ASEAN, the grouping of South East Asian states, is meeting in the Philippines with the shadow of the war in the Persian Gulf hanging over the event. And at least 11 miners have died after an accident at an artisinal mine in Kenya

As airlines cut flights over high jet fuel costs the EU's transport commissioner says passengers must still be compensated. We hear from the Global Fashion Summit in Copenhagen on how the industry is responding to rising costs and supply chain issues. And would you sue for guaranteed access to a sun lounger on your holidays?

Tony Fernandes, the chief executive of the low cost carrier, has been speaking to the BBC. He says the current high fuel costs are more complex for the airline to manage than covid was. Danish shipping giant Maersk says it will be able to adapt if charges are introduced for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. And the African nation of Madagascar is struggling to deal with fuel shortages as a result of the war in the Persian Gulf.

Ted Turner, founder of CNN died today. We hear from Brian Selter, CNN media correspondent and Lisa Napoli who was an intern in its early days to look back on his life and legacy. It’s also been another turbulent day with oil prices fluctuating dramatically as President Donald Trump believes they’re nearing a deal with Iran. Aluminium hit a four-year high due to the Middle East conflict too. How will this affect the price of cars and canned goods? And with six weeks to go before the Fifa World Cup, hotel booking across the USA are seeing lower hotel bookings than expected.

Oil prices drop after reports that the US and Iran are close to a peace deal. Donald Trump says the war could end with an agreement, and warns strikes will return if not. From the Gulf, we hear how the conflict is already reshaping investor thinking. India is chasing $20 billion in trade with Vietnam as leaders from both countries meet to deepen economic ties. And are weight‑loss drug makers facing a new dose of competition? Presenter: Bisi Adebayo Producer: Niamh Mc Dermott

With the US and Iran trading fire in the Strait of Hormuz, the ceasefire wobbling and oil prices continuing to rise, Sam Fenwick discusses the latest developments as the situation in the Persian Gulf continues to fray. We hear from Nikolas Tsakos, founder and CEO of one of the world's largest independent tanker operators, as well as trade union representative Sascha Meijer, on what this means for those stuck on tankers in the Middle East. Elsewhere we tell you why the price of oil you hear on the news may be misleading, and what it could mean for your fuel bills if the US-Iran conflict drags into next year. Plus, with fashion retailer GAP's co-founder Doris Fisher passing away, we speak to Catherine Shuttleworth on changing fashions of the high street. Global business news, with live guests and contributions from Asia, Europe and the USA. (Picture: US secretary of state Marco Rubio discussing the situation in the Strait of Hormuz within the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington DC, USA, on 5 May 2026. Credit: Kylie Cooper / Reuters)

The ceasefire between Iran and the US is looking increasingly fragile after another day of attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. As tensions rise, so are concerns about the welfare of the 20,000 seafarers believed to be stranded around the passage. In Brussels, European finance ministers have been meeting to discuss the economic impact of the war. And why is the Met Gala, fashion's biggest night under a controversial spotlight? Presenter: Bisi Adebayo Producers: Niamh Mc Dermott and Barbara George

Are ships moving in the Persian Gulf and could it lead to the resumption of hostilities between the US and Iran? Andrew Peach finds out more on the latest developments and speaks to maritime expert Captain John Konrad. Meanwhile, with two clubs celebrating joining the English Premier League, we hear about the financial challenges facing those joining football's elite. And, why the success of the vintage clothing industry is attracting criminals. Global business news, with live guests and contributions from Asia, Europe and the USA. (Picture: Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz near Bandar Abbas, Iran, on 4 May 2026. Credit: Amirhosein Khorgooi / ISNA / West Asia News Agency, via Reuters.)

Video game retail chain GameStop has made a surprise $56bn bid to take over the online marketplace eBay. GameStop’s CEO says he plans to create a competitor to Amazon. Also, the US military says it’s started guiding ships through the Strait of Hormuz as part of President Donald Trump’s “Project Freedom”. And steel boss Lakshmi Mittal and vaccine maker Adar Poonawalla have bought a majority stake in Indian Premier League cricket team the Rajasthan Royals for about $1.65bn Presenter: Bisi Adebayo Producers: Niamh McDermott and Barbara George

The US President Donald Trump has announced a new hike on cars and trucks imported from the European Union, accusing the EU of not adhering to their trade deal. In the meantime, Beijing has announced that fifty-three African states will be enjoying trade-free trade with China - all except one, the small land-locked state Eswatini, as it recognises Taiwan. And in France there is confusion over a new law allowing bakeries to stay open on the 1st of May. Picture: "U.S. President Donald Trump attends an event at The Villages Charter School at The Villages". Credit: Reuters

A third of the world's fertiliser is sourced from the Persian Gulf region. Farmers' are now predicted to produce smaller crops this year, affecting 10 billion meals a week. French car maker Renault says there's been a huge increase in interest in electric vehicles since the start of the war in the Middle East. And "slàinte mhath" or "cheers" in English! The USA is to cut import duties on scotch whisky, following the recent visit of King Charles II.

We hear how oil prices have been swinging sharply, with Brent crude briefly hitting 126 dollars a barrel as tensions in the Gulf raise concerns about supply and the wider global economy. Saudi Arabia is to stop funding the LIV Golf tour after spending billions to lure top players away from the PGA Tour. And in India, a surge in digital scams has cost victims around two and a half billion dollars, prompting the central bank to step in. (Image Credit: FILIP SINGER/EPA/Shutterstock (16852987h) A display shows fuel prices in euro at a petrol station in Berlin, Germany, 30 April 2026.)

The price of Brent crude hit a four year high on Thursday before falling back. Markets were reacting to comments from President Trump about maintaining Strait of Hormuz blockade. Gulf oil producers are running out of storage space for oil production, as exports remain restricted. And Saudi Arabia is pulling its funding of the LIV golf tour, after investing around six billion dollars since 2021.

Jerome Powell says he will continue to stay on as Federal Reserve Governor, even after his chairmanship ends. We look at what this means for the future of the US central banking system. Three ships have been hijacked off the coast of Somalia in the past week. We look into concerns of maritime piracy in the area, as experts warn reduced naval patrols could be creating an opening for armed groups. And we go to India where we hear how the glass industry has been suffering due to the war between the US, Israel, and Iran. (Image credit: Jerome Powell, during a news conference following a Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting in Washington, DC, US, on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Photographer: Daniel Heuer / Bloomberg via Getty Images)