World Business Report

What a katsu curry can tell us about the Japanese economy

We speak to the creator of the Katsu Curry Index about what the price of the iconic Japanese dish can tell us about the yen, inflation and the country's tourism boom. Elsewhere we dig into the Chinese economic data released today and ask if European companies should be worried by a retail spending slowdown in the world's second-largest economy. World Business Express - Finance, economy and business news from BBC journalists around the world. The stories that matter.

Young people want jobs

International Labour Organisation reported that joblessness among young people rose globally in 2025. We take a look at the issue of youth unemployment. Elsewhere, President Trump says he'll declare the Strait of Hormuz US territory, as the US threatens to subject Iran to economic isolation. We examine what further sanctions Washington might have in mind. And in Indonesia, the president has hit out at official corruption and vowed greater state intervention in the economy. We take a closer look at the country's economy and investment opportunities. PHOTO: Job seekers and recruiters for garment factories gather on a street in Haizhu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China, REUTERS/Go Nakamura

Tech giants grilled over Australian Social Media ban

Australian lawmakers have been questioning executives from the likes of Meta and Tiktok over the country's social media ban for under 16s. Data suggests the majority of Australian teens still use the platforms, despite December's law change. The companies have told politicians not to focus too much on this early data and that they don't need to face tougher penalties. Also, President Trump has announced tariffs of up to 100% on imports of drones and their components to try and reduce reliance on Chinese technology.

How Incheon Airport has become the world's busiest airport

Incheon Airport near the South Korean capital of Seoul has become the world's busiest international airport for the first time, handling more than 38 million international passengers in the first half of the year. We find out what is shifting air travel habits and what UK travellers want from airports. Elsewhere, we speak to the CEO of Watt Electric Vehicle Company about a new deal that will see it build the first electric vehicle factory in Qatar to develop cars for the intense heat of Gulf countries. Also, we hear from the CEO of Maersk about why it managed to make higher profits than analysts expected. And we find out how prepared young people are for budgeting and cooking for themselves once they take the leap to move away from home for education. PHOTO CREDIT: REUTERS/Kim Soo-hyeon

Maersk en-route to success

Maersk's CEO exclusively tells World Business Express the company is investing more in alternative routes after the trouble in the Strait of Hormuz There's a new holder of the title of the world's busiest airport and step inside the human fridge in Japan