World Business Report

Germany's decision to halt arms exports to Israel raises questions about military aid amidst escalating tensions in Gaza. Explore the economic potential of a new peace deal between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and the dramatic 97% drop in US wine exports to Canada that threatens grape contracts. Dive into the implications of high tariffs affecting American producers and the struggles facing Las Vegas with declining tourism and environmental issues surrounding its mineral water industry.

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa's first elected female president and former President of Liberia, joins the conversation to discuss pivotal economic policies and the pressing need for Africa to harness its vast resource wealth for local benefits. She emphasizes enhancing intra-African trade to reduce dependency on foreign aid. The discussion also dives into California-based Lyten's acquisition of Northvolt's assets, focusing on the challenges and innovations in the electric battery sector amid China's technological dominance.

As new US tariffs create ripples in global trade, India, Brazil, and Canada seek ways to cope without a deal. Discover Brazil's innovative strategies supporting small farmers and the complex responses from Switzerland and Canada. Meanwhile, a Swedish steel plant is pioneering greener production methods, aiming for a fossil-free future. On the tech front, the latest AI app, GPT-5, is examined for its advancements and impact on user experience, showcasing the intersection of sustainability and technology.

Linda Yu, an Economics professor at Oxford University, dives into the chaos of Trump's newly implemented tariffs, which range from 15% to 50%. She discusses the fallout for importers and exporters, particularly emphasizing the struggles of small Indian businesses in textiles and jewelry. The episode further explores how these tariffs are reshaping the U.S. manufacturing landscape, pushing companies to increase domestic semiconductor production. Economic repercussions still loom, including inflation concerns and the impact on global trade relationships.

Achana Shukla, a Mumbai-based business correspondent, dives into the fallout of President Trump's new tariffs, especially the looming threat of 50% tariffs on Indian exports due to oil purchases from Russia. She discusses how this could reshape India's oil strategy and its longstanding ties with Russia. The conversation broadens to include the impact on coffee exporters in Brazil and risks faced by other nations like Switzerland, all while touching on shifting dynamics in global trade and investor sentiments amidst these turmoil.

The discussion kicks off with the controversial U.S. tariffs on Brazilian goods, particularly coffee and beef, revealing potential job losses in Brazil. As President Lula da Silva rallies against these tariffs, the geopolitical implications come into play. The conversation also touches on the growing debt crises in African nations and how mismanagement affects development. Additionally, Disney's investment in the NFL signals a shift in sports broadcasting, transforming how fans engage with their favorite teams.

In this discussion, Edmar Almeida, President of the International Association for Energy Economics, sheds light on President Trump's potential tariffs on pharmaceuticals. He reveals the implications for non-branded medicine makers. The conversation also dives into the impact of AI on emerging economies, including insights from the World Bank's president. Additionally, Almeida analyzes the shifting landscape of electric car sales in Europe, highlighting Tesla's struggles against BYD's rising success.

Is a controversial ad campaign by American Eagle a stroke of marketing genius or just bad taste? Dive into the heated debate around Sydney Sweeney's latest commercial and its unexpected effects on stock performance. Meanwhile, hear insights from the OECD’s Chief Economist on global investment challenges. Plus, explore a landmark defense deal between Australia and Japan, marking a significant shift in military strategy for both nations. The intersection of culture, economy, and international relations makes for a fascinating discussion!

Tesla's board is considering awarding Elon Musk $29 billion in shares to keep him at the helm, stirring debates around shareholder value. Tensions rise as President Trump threatens tariffs against India over its Russian oil dealings, leading to concerns about global trade dynamics. Meanwhile, a quirky trend of 'fake' weddings in India is becoming popular among youth who want the celebration without the commitment. These diverse topics highlight the intersections of wealth, diplomacy, and social phenomena in today's world.

Pieter Engelbrecht, CEO of Shoprite and South Africa's largest private employer, shares insights on the supermarket's success driven by customer loyalty. He discusses the retail landscape's challenges, particularly around food security and innovative strategies to address them. The conversation also touches on South Africa's economic future and youth unemployment, exploring how these factors influence market dynamics. Additionally, the potential shifts in trade relationships and cultural trends related to consumer behavior are highlighted.