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BBC World Service

The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.

World Business Report

New figures suggest the US economy is powering ahead but questions remain about what that really means for businesses? Leanna Byrne looks at what’s behind the data.
 
Also, US regulators have approved the first pill version of the blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy.
 
And could North Koreans be working remotely for US companies?

Is the US economy in better shape than expected?

The American billionaire Larry Ellison has promised more than $40 billion of his money in support of Paramount to buy rival studio, Warner Bros Discovery. Where does this leave antitrust questions around a Paramount or Netflix takeover? Ed Butler hears from Phillip Berenbroick, who served as chief counsel for the US Senate’s judiciary subcommittee on antitrust matters.
 
How much money is Morocco spending as host for the African Cup of Nations? 

Also, we explore Yiwu, China’s capital of Christmas

(Photo: Paramount, Netflix and Warner Bros logos are seen in this illustration taken December 8, 2025. Credit: REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration)

Another dramatic turn in the Warner Bros Discovery takeover

Leanna Byrne takes a look as Jim Beam, one of the most recognisable names in American bourbon, confirms it will pause production for a year at its main Kentucky distillery from January. 

India and New Zealand strike a new free trade deal, cutting tariffs and opening markets on both sides. 

And at the box office, the latest Avatar: Fire and Ash opens more quietly than expected in the US, despite strong takings overseas.

Why is whiskey maker Jim Beam pausing production?

Ukraine's position has been strengthened by a €90bn loan agreed by the EU after failing to agree on using frozen Russian assets. But is it enough to keep the country going?

In Sri Lanka, the International Monetary Fund has also approved a $206 million in emergency financing to help the country rebuild after a devastating cyclone. What will taking on more debt mean for the country's future debt sustainability?

Elsewhere, the former Chair of the independent board of Ben & Jerry's ice cream independent board has told World Business Report she was forced out by the company's owners, Magnum Ice Cream, following years of tension over Ben & Jerry’s outspoken social activism.

Also, Sony has more than doubled its stake in Peanuts, bringing Snoopy and Charlie Brown under its corporate umbrella, while the creator's family keeps the remaining 20% share.

(Photo: A serviceman of the 66th Separate Mechanized Brigade prepares to launch a Darts middle range strike unmanned aerial vehicle towards Russian troops. Credit: December 16, 2025. REUTERS/Sofiia Gatilova)

Is EU money enough for Ukraine?

TikTok’s Chinese owner ByteDance has struck a deal with US and global investors to keep the app operating in America. But who really comes out on top?

Could Japan’s interest rate hike offer relief to struggling households?

Shipping giant Maersk has sent its first vessel through the Red Sea in two years. 

And how could a new EU finance deal strengthen Ukraine’s defence against Russia?

Presenter: Leanna Byrne
Producer: Niamh Mc Dermott
Editor: Justin Bones

TikTok lives to scroll another day

Volodymyr Zelensky has called on EU leaders at a crunch summit urgently to agree to a multi-billion euro loan in frozen Russian money to fund Ukraine's military and economic needs. Andrew Peach hears from EU leaders and an expert in Brussels. 

Also, Bolivia ends two decades of fuel subsidies, introducing tough measures to stabilise the public finances, but will people put up with paying more for fuel?

And the economic challenges of making guitars, as Hoffner - famous for making Paul McCartney’s iconic violin-shaped bass guitar – has filed for insolvency in Germany. 

(Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gives a press conference during the EU Council Summit in Brussels, Belgium, 18 December 2025. Credit: OLIVIER HOSLET/EPA/Shutterstock)

Will Europe use frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine?

It's a big data day for the US, Europe and the UK. What do interest rates decisions and inflation data mean for the global economy? India's textile businesses say high US tariffs are causing major pain for businesses. We hear from the Treasurer of the Tiruppur Exporters Association. And should we be categorising Labubu dolls as a fad?

You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.

Presenter: Leanna Byrne
Producer: Victoriya Holland
Editor: Stephen Ryan

Price increases in America ease unexpectedly

The US has stepped up its blockade on Venezuela’s sanctioned oil tankers, as humanitarian workers are warning that the situation would get worse if food and medical supplies can’t get into the country. We hear from people living in Caracas and someone who has left the country few days ago. Also, the board of Warner Brothers Discovery has told shareholders to reject Paramount's $180 billion dollar hostile bid for the entirety of its business. And the Oscars are to be streamed on YouTube from 2029 after the tech firm outbid traditional broadcasters. 

(Photo: Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro gestures, during a march to commemorate the Battle of Santa Ines in Caracas, Venezuela, December 10, 2025. Credit: REUTERS/Gaby Oraa)

How is the US ship blockade affecting Venezuelans?

The International Energy Agency says we'll burn through a record 8.85 billion tonnes of coal in 2025, the first overall increase in fifteen years. We hear from Ro Dhawan, at the International Council on Mining and Metals about a path towards using more clean energy. 
Plus, the price of oil is up after US threats of a blockade on sanctioned Venezeulan tankers. 
And could Amazon be getting a big order for its computer chips?

You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.

Presenter: Leanna Byrne
Producer: Victoriya Holland
Editor: Justin Bones

Why will the world use more coal than ever this year?

Why are black women are being hit hardest in today’s jobs market? With African American unemployment at a four-year high, we hear from women searching for work.

In Japan, a “human washing machine” could soon be hitting the shops.

The European Union waters down its own plan to ban petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035.

We hear how the trucking industry is changing in Canada.

And Ed Butler speaks to an 11-year-old farmer travelling from Ireland to Brussels by tractor with his dad, ahead of a major protest.

PHOTO: A worker walks next to products during Cyber Monday at the Amazon's fulfilment centre in Robbinsville, New Jersey, U.S. December 1, 2025. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz

Why is black unemployment rising in the US?

The EU's proposal would see €140bn of Russian state assets held in Belgium transformed into a "reparations loan". We hear the concerns from the Belgians - do they have cause for concern?

Also, how the current tensions between the US and Venezuela will impact oil exports.

And, what are your Spotify listening habits?

You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.

EU set to put forward proposal to spend Russian state assets

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