World Business Report

Trump’s shipping blockade, the Philippines’ tax breaks, and Hungary’s political shakeup

As President Trump blocks ships travelling to and from Iran through the Strait of Hormuz, how will this affect Iranian oil exports? The Philippines has suspended taxes on paraffin and cooking gas to help keep food prices low; we hear from a chef who tells us how this will impact his restaurant business. With Victor Orban ousted, what does the future hold for Hungary under newly-elected Peter Magyar’s leadership? And, Bollywood icon, Asha Bhosle has died leaving behind an over $20 million empire of restaurants and music royalties.

US blockade begins on Strait of Hormuz

The US has begun its blockade  of the key shipping route the Strait of Hormuz after talks with Iran failed to reach an agreement. President Donald Trump says it's in response to Iran "knowingly failing" to reopen the strait. Iran says the blockade is illegal and has accused the US of piracy. It's estimated that around 800 vessels are stuck in the Straits, many loaded with cargo. As the blockade begins we look at what guidance is being offered to shipping companies shipping companies. As the people of Hungary wake up to a new political leadership we look at the challenges facing its ailing economy after Viktor Orban steps aside, and closer ties with the EU are firmly on the agenda for the winner Peter Magyar and his Tisza party. And we pay tribute to the woman who inspired the 90s classic song 'Brimful of Asha' as thousands gather in Mumbai to celebrate the life of one of Bollywood's biggest playback singers Asha Bhoslay  who has died aged 92 and leaves behind an empire worth almost 27-million-dollars.

Inheritance: Samsung Episode 1

From a fruit and vegetable store to a global empire, Samsung’s story is more than business - it’s an epic family saga. Behind the success lies a dynasty driven by ambition, wealth, tradition and rivalries, where power struggles shaped not just the company but South Korea’s economy. Everyone’s heard of Samsung; more than a billion people have one of their smart phones. This is the drama behind the tech giant that changed the world. For most of Samsung’s history, the ruling Lee family was all but untouchable. But when the chairman has a huge heart attack, his heir is pushed into the spotlight. The complex manoeuvring to secure his fragile succession re-opens old family wounds, prompts one of the biggest scandals in South Korea’s history, and - eventually - helps bring down a president. In this brand-new 10-part series from the BBC World Service, we take you behind closed doors - inside the billion-dollar deals and the family power struggles that shape global empires. In these dynasties, the boardroom isn’t just about profit - it’s about survival. Hosted by journalist and podcaster Elise Hu.

Why is the world watching Hungary’s general election?

After a 16-year rule, the nationalist prime minister of Hungary, Viktor Orbán, faces the opposing leader Peter Magyar in Sunday’s election. Leanna Byrne will hear from a restaurant owner and a recruitment firm boss in Budapest. Also, why is the Iran war affecting the price of glass bottles? Varun Gupta, the Director of Triveni Pattern Glass Pvt. Ltd. in India explains. And one of the most famous cricket grounds in London has come up with what it calls the ultimate home-working experience this summer. (Photo: People waving Hungarian flags as they attend an election campaign rally in Szekesfehervar, Hungary, April 10, 2026. Credit: Reuters/Leonhard Foeger).

Fuel protests cause disruption on Ireland's roads

The Strait of Hormuz remains almost shut to shipping, hurting economies around the world. In Ireland farmers and lorry drivers have been protesting high fuel costs. Plus, we hear from the owner of a hospitality business in the Middle East. And South Korean boyband BTS are back on tour.