World Business Report

The president and chief executive of the World Economic Forum, Borge Brende is stepping down after an investigation into his links with Jeffrey Epstein. The Forum says it found no additional concerns.
The price of lithium, a key ingredient in EV batteries, has surged after one of the world’s top producers, Zimbabwe, suddenly banned exports.
We also hear from Volvo UK over the recall of electric cars over a fire risk with some of its batteries.

The United States says it will ease restrictions on Venezuelan oil exports to Cuba's private sector as Washington's blockade leads to a worsening crisis on the Caribbean island.
Former US treasury secretary and onetime Harvard president Larry Summers retires from his roles at the university.
Elsewhere in Milan, Gucci is facing a backlash after using AI to make images to promote its forthcoming show at Milan Fashion Week. Critics have questioned how using AI instead of human models and photographers is in keeping with the fashion giant's values.
(FILE PHOTO: Cuban-flagged tanker Alicia anchors near a terminal in Matanzas, Cuba, January 7, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Norlys Perez)

The German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, says there is a 'great opportunity' to develop a relationship with China, following a meeting with its leader Xi Jinping, in Beijing.
Merz is currently on his first visit to China, which is Germany's biggest trading partner, since becoming leader 10 months ago.
Plus a dispute is brewing between Washington and an AI company over military use of its technology.
Presenter: Bisi Adebayo
Producer: Matt Lines
Editor: Justin Bones

President Donald Trump is delivering the 2026 State of the Union address to the nation. We examine how this might affect the state of the US economy. Also what does the business community want to hear in the coming year ? A Florida based business shares his thoughts with us.
Four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. What impact is the war having on the economies of the two countries?
And Novo Nordisk is halving the US list price of its most popular weight-loss drug. This comes after the Danish company announced that the trial of its latest weight loss medication CagriSema had under performed.

President Trump's new global 10% tariff comes into force today, and could rise to 15% for all of the US's trade partners.
We find out what it means for Americans, and who if anyone could get a refund from the original tariffs.
Plus after four years, what is the economic cost of war for Ukraine?
Presenter: Leanna Byrne
Producer: Matt Lines
Editor: Justin Bones