World Business Report

Trump's tariff on Iran's trading partners: What's at stake?

Sam Fenwick takes a look as US President Donald Trump brings back tariffs, this time targeting countries that continue trading with Iran, with China among those in focus. New US inflation figures show price rises are easing, but many American shoppers still say their weekly bills feel high. And pressure on the Federal Reserve has spilled into an open row with its chair, Jay Powell, drawing in central bankers from around the world. (PHOTO: People wave flags during a demonstration in support of the national protests in Iran, in Barcelona, Spain January 13, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/ Albert Gea).

Ban on business with Iran: how will it affect Iranians?

US President Donald Trump has said countries doing business with Iran will face a 25% tariff on trade they do with America. How will it impact Iranian business owners? An Indian tea-grower explains their expectations from India and US trade talks? We look at the latest US consumer prices. And the World Bank says the global economy is doing slightly better than expected. Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Victoriya Holland Editor: Justin Bone

Is the White House at war with the Federal Reserve?

Sam Fenwick examines a growing political storm at the world’s most powerful central bank, as US prosecutors investigate the Federal Reserve and its chair. At Meta, a former adviser to Donald Trump steps into one of Silicon Valley’s biggest jobs, prompting new scrutiny of Big Tech’s relationship with Washington. And in the Caribbean, Cuba faces a potential energy crunch after oil shipments from Venezuela come to a halt. (PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speak during a tour of the Federal Reserve Board building in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 24, 2025. Credit: REUTERS/Kent Nishimura/File Photo).

Fed Chair hits back at criminal investigation

The Chair of the US Federal Bank Jerome Powell has released a statement in which he says a criminal investigation is about whether the bank can change interest rates based on what will serve the public rather than what the President wants. Donald Trump has denied he knows anything about the investigation which is focused on testimonies given to Congress last year on building work being carried out at the Fed's HQ. Also we hear from a shopkeeper who's been protesting over economic conditions in Iran. The X-owned AI platform Grok has been banned in Malaysia and Indonesia And the boss of beer giant Heineken is stepping down as the Dutch based multi-national faces falling sales. Presenter: Leanna Byrne Editor: Justin Bones

President Trump lays out plans for Venezuela's oil reserves.

The US president, Donald Trump, has met top American energy executives in the White House, saying his government will choose which US firms can exploit Venezuela's vast oil reserves. Also, Elon Musk's social media site X could face a UK ban over a feature enabling users to create fake, sexualised images of women. And why the search for more protein and fibre means some takeaway food stores are feeling the pinch. (PHOTO: A model of an oil pump is seen in front of a Venezuelan flag in this illustration taken January 9, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration). Presenter: Andrew Peach Editor: Craig Henderson Producer: Ahmed Adan