World Business Report

GameStop wants eBay for $56bn

Video game retail chain GameStop has made a surprise $56bn bid to take over the online marketplace eBay. GameStop’s CEO says he plans to create a competitor to Amazon. Also, the US military says it’s started guiding ships through the Strait of Hormuz as part of President Donald Trump’s “Project Freedom”. And steel boss Lakshmi Mittal and vaccine maker Adar Poonawalla have bought a majority stake in Indian Premier League cricket team the Rajasthan Royals for about $1.65bn Presenter: Bisi Adebayo Producers: Niamh McDermott and Barbara George

Trump announces 25% tariffs on cars from the EU

The US President Donald Trump has announced a new hike on cars and trucks imported from the European Union, accusing the EU of not adhering to their trade deal. In the meantime, Beijing has announced that fifty-three African states will be enjoying trade-free trade with China - all except one, the small land-locked state Eswatini, as it recognises Taiwan. And in France there is confusion over a new law allowing bakeries to stay open on the 1st of May. Picture: "U.S. President Donald Trump attends an event at The Villages Charter School at The Villages". Credit: Reuters

Global fertiliser shortage threatens 2026 crop yields

A third of the world's fertiliser is sourced from the Persian Gulf region. Farmers' are now predicted to produce smaller crops this year, affecting 10 billion meals a week. French car maker Renault says there's been a huge increase in interest in electric vehicles since the start of the war in the Middle East. And "slàinte mhath" or "cheers" in English! The USA is to cut import duties on scotch whisky, following the recent visit of King Charles II.

Oil hits new highs - how bad will it get?

We hear how oil prices have been swinging sharply, with Brent crude briefly hitting 126 dollars a barrel as tensions in the Gulf raise concerns about supply and the wider global economy. Saudi Arabia is to stop funding the LIV Golf tour after spending billions to lure top players away from the PGA Tour. And in India, a surge in digital scams has cost victims around two and a half billion dollars, prompting the central bank to step in. (Image Credit: FILIP SINGER/EPA/Shutterstock (16852987h) A display shows fuel prices in euro at a petrol station in Berlin, Germany, 30 April 2026.)

Oil prices on a rollercoaster ride

The price of Brent crude hit a four year high on Thursday before falling back. Markets were reacting to comments from President Trump about maintaining Strait of Hormuz blockade. Gulf oil producers are running out of storage space for oil production, as exports remain restricted. And Saudi Arabia is pulling its funding of the LIV golf tour, after investing around six billion dollars since 2021.