Business Matters

Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States and mentioned in his speech emphasised: trade, tariffs and transformation. We find out what does it mean for the global economy. We hear from Chris Campbell, the former US Treasury Assistant Secretary during Donald Trump's first term. And we hear the reaction on the political fallout between Mexico and Canada from local business owners. You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033. We would love to hear from you!

The US Supreme Court has upheld a law that bans TikTok in the US unless its China-based parent company, ByteDance, sells the platform by this Sunday. A cold snap in Washington, DC, means Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday will now be held indoors instead of on the steps of the Capitol. Also, Argentina has reported a fiscal surplus for the first time in sixteen years, as a result of comprehensive budget cuts implemented by President Javier Milei. We will look at how immigration is a high-profile public policy issue in many countries, including the United States. So, how does Trump's MAGA movement, which favours a huge cut in the numbers of people receiving work visas, affect the tech sector in Silicon Valley? Throughout the program We will be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world: Jyoti Malhotra, editor in chief of The Tribune—she's in Chandigarh, India—and Ralph Silva from the Silva Research Network is in Toronto, Canada.

Former Bank of Canada governor, Mark Carney, says he is running to replace Justin Trudeau as the leader of Canada's governing Liberal Party. Donald Trump's pick as Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, has been defending his boss's economic plans at his confirmation hearing in the US Senate. And, as China prepares to release GDP figures in the next hour, we'll ask how it can stimulate growth, and we will look at who's planning a trip to North Korea during the northern hemisphere holiday. The country has reopened one of its border cities to foreign tourists for the first time in five years. We will be joined throughout the program by two guests on opposite sides of the world: Jessica Khine is in Malaysia and is Head of Asia for Astris Advisory Japan, and Dante Disparte is in Washington, DC—he's Chief Strategy Officer at Circle.

Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement on a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza—raising hopes of an end to fifteen months of war. So, if the ceasefire holds, how long will it take to rebuild from the rubble? What would be the priorities? How much will it cost? And who will pay? We will look at all these with different guests, including the head of the United Nations Development Programme, Achim Steiner. Rice is the staple crop for more than half the world’s population, but it's vulnerable to drought and flooding, impacting global harvests and prices. It's also a contributor to climate change; it uses more water than other grain crops. So, should we eat less rice? We will be joined throughout the program by two guests on opposite sides of the world: Zyma Islam, senior reporter for The Daily Star, who is in Malaysia, and Walter Todd, president and chief investment officer at Greenwood Capital in South Carolina.

The Biden administration announced a broad set of steps that it expects to lead to the release of political prisoners in Havana. The plans to relax sanctions targeting Cuba were unvealed just days before Donald Trump takes office. The US Supreme Court is expected to rule this week on TikTok's challenge to an outright ban in the US. We find out about the platform Red Note, that might take it’s place. And a pizzeria in the UK is so reluctant to put pineapple on their pizzas, they are instead charging $120 to anyone that orders one. We speak to the restaurant co-owner.

President Joe Biden has said the United States is in a stronger position because of his foreign policy decisions including maintaining their position as the world’s largest economy. It comes as China reports its biggest-ever trade surplus. The new Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, defeated the Hezbollah backed candidate, the former caretaker prime minister. We find out what this could mean a new dawn for its embattled economy. Cost-of-living pressures have overtaken climate change and the environment as the number one concern for young Australians.

Los Angeles has been devastated by wildfires, forcing nearly 200,000 residents to flee, destroying homes, and taking lives. We hear firsthand from those caught in the chaos, including Julia Pollak, who narrowly escaped the flames. We aslo hear from someone fighting these fires who is also an architect, on how LA can rebuild better. Plus, updates on Venezuela’s contested elections, TikTok’s legal battle in the US, and the impact of tariffs on California’s almond industry.

As the wildfires continue to rage in California, damages are projected at $50 billion. Plus, TikTok will appear before the U.S. Supreme Court in a last-ditch effort to overturn a ban over ties to China. And as UK Finance Minister Rachel Reeves visits China for trade talks, we discuss how the West should navigate its relationship with Beijing.

The wildfires in Los Angeles continue to devastate communities, burning more than 1,000 structures and putting pressure on insurers. Could this be the tipping point for California's insurance market? Also, China's inflation slows adding to concerns after government efforts to boost the economy. Plus, in Las Vegas, we explore cutting-edge innovations unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show. Rahul Tandon joined throughout the programme by two guests on opposite sides of the world - Katia Dmitrieva in Hong Kong and Michael Malone in the US.

President elect Donald Trump has announced some of his plans energy policies. He promises to overturn ban on offshore oil development, as well as launching a scathing attack on renewable energy such as wind power Meanwhile Chinese-based clothing company Shein has been questioned by UK MP’s over the transparency of their supply chains and allegations of human rights abuses And in Italy low-alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks made from grapes can now be marketed as "wine".

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business tells the BBC that business fears a recession as a result of Donald Trump’s tariff threats. We also ask just how popular is New York's newly introduced congestion charge? And how Netflix is taking another step into live sport

We are in South Korea where police are dispersing the impeached president's supporters who have been blocking access to his residence. They are jostling with protesters. We hear from the owner of several restaurants in New Orleans after a man drove a truck into a crowd. The attack took place at Bourbon Street a well-known tourist hotspot that is filled with restaurants, bars and clubs. Presenter Rahul Tandon also hears from a US based bike manufacturer about the impact tariffs will have on the global economy as well as on US companies which rely on Chinese parts.

We look at how South Korea's political instability is continuing to effect its economy. How might President-elect Donald Trump’s policies affect different parts of the world? And as thousands of artistic works come into the public domain in the United States, we look at how people might plan to monetise them.

Happy New Year! Thank you for listening us. As millions around the globe celebrate New Year's Eve, our programme delves into how the entertainment industry has fared over the past 12 months. We'll explore the blockbuster films that have spearheaded cinemas' fight back as they recover from the Hollywood strikes. We'll examine why the gaming industry has seen a surge in layoffs in 2024, the highest in recent times, while live music is booming thanks to artists like Taylor Swift. And we'll discuss why one of Germany's most iconic nightclubs is closing its doors. You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033. We would love to hear from you!

A Chinese state-sponsored hacker has broken into the US Treasury Department's systems, accessing employee workstations and some unclassified documents, according to American officials. President Joe Biden makes what is most likely his last multi-billion dollar grant of aid to Ukraine's economy whilst still in office. We take a look at how US companies are responding to the prospect of a Trump presidency which might be about to impose much higher import duties on goods from around the world. And we're in Scotland where - to some local dismay - the end of year festival, Hogmanay, has partly at least been cancelled. You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033. We would love to hear from you!

Mexico's government has announced an emergency strategy to protect migrants in the United States, ahead of the inauguration of the president- elect, Donald Trump, next month. There are “early indications” that Russian air defence systems - that's a ground to air missile in plain English - may have caused the downing of an Azerbaijani plane this week. As a number of airlines suspend flights in the region, what does this say about the long-term future of commercial air travel over Russia? Also in the show, we recall the impact of this year's Baltimore bridge collapse on local businesses, nine months on. And how volunteering - a multi-billion dollar industry in the US especially in this holiday season, could be back on the rise in the US. You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033. We would love to hear from you!

The European Union threatens to impose further sanctions on Russia, as a Moscow-linked cargo ship is blamed for severing an underwater cable in the Baltic Sea. Also, we profile Manmohan Singh, the former prime minister credited with transforming India’s economy. Plus, a controversial anti-LGBT bill in Ghana could put western aid to the country at risk. And why even French winemakers are embracing alcohol-free drinking. You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.

Joining us live are Fermin Koop, an Argentine freelance journalist specialising in environmental issues and based in Buenos Aires, and Jessica Khine, Head of Asia for Astris Advisory Japan, based in Penang, Malaysia. We examine Myanmar's faltering economy amidst ongoing unrest, with insights from Professor Sean Turnell, an economic advisor to the imprisoned leader Aung San Suu Kyi. How has the military government’s limited control impacted urban areas? Boeing has faced a turbulent year with technical problems and costly strikes, yet its shares have risen sharply since November. What’s behind this recovery? Theo Leggett reports. In Asia, Japan eases visa rules for Chinese visitors, boosting bilateral engagements. Meanwhile, in Argentina, President Millei outlines an ambitious nuclear energy plan to enhance energy security. We also reflect on the 20th anniversary of the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami, exploring the immense rebuilding efforts across affected nations with journalist Shoeb Kagda. Finally, updates on Australia's fire crisis, India’s booming concert economy, and protests in Panama over U.S. threats to the Panama Canal.

Also, we hear from a health academic, who worked with United Healthcare boss Brian Thompson, shot dead in Manhattan three weeks ago, about healthcare in the US. We'll be talking too with doctors from three continents who each had something in common in 2024: they all went out on strike. What are the challenges facing the health sectors in Kenya, India and the UK? And the Ursa Major, the Russian ship which sunk in the western Mediterranean this week. Where was it going and what was it carrying?

Honda and Nissan plan to merge as the two Japanese firms seek to fight back against competition from the Chinese car industry. Joining forces would create one of the world's biggest car producers alongside Toyota, Volkswagen, General Motors and Ford. We look at how South Korea's political instability is impacting its economy And who is France's new finance minister?