50% Tariff Warning: The US-Canada Trade War Escalates

50% Tariff Warning: The US-Canada Trade War Escalates

Author: BBC World Service August 18, 2026 Duration: 7:48

The US has threatened Canda with a 50% tariff on goods, with billions of dollars of trade at stake. But can Canada persuade President Trump to change course? We take a look into the talks that have been happening so far. We’ll also explore Chinese tech giant Alibaba’s latest move in the AI race.

And we ask if changing jobs is becoming a gamble fewer workers are willing to take?


Every weekday, the World Business Report from the BBC World Service cuts through the noise to deliver essential global business and finance intelligence. This isn't just a summary of market movements; it's a grounded analysis of the forces shaping economies, industries, and livelihoods across continents. You'll hear directly from the BBC's unparalleled network of correspondents, on the ground in financial hubs and emerging markets alike, providing context that turns headlines into understanding. Each episode focuses on the day's most pressing stories, from corporate mergers and policy shifts to technological disruptions and trade dynamics, all explained with the BBC's trademark clarity and depth. Tuning into this podcast means getting a truly international perspective, hearing how decisions in one corner of the world ripple out to affect prices, jobs, and opportunities elsewhere. It's designed for anyone who needs to grasp the interconnected nature of modern commerce, whether you're directly involved in the business world or simply want to comprehend the economic currents influencing daily life. The reporting is timely, authoritative, and always prioritizes factual accuracy, making it a reliable resource in a fast-changing landscape. For a concise yet comprehensive daily briefing on global economic affairs, the World Business Report delivers consistent insight.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

World Business Report
Podcast Episodes
Japan is raising rates again [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:56
Japan's central bank has raised interest rates to their highest level since 1995, we'll be finding out how one business is feeling and will more rate hikes be the new normal. The Australian government is considering a to…
Canada wants closer ties with the European Union [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:27
Canada's PM Mark Carney is in Europe to discuss an EU-Canada Associate Member deal. President Trump suggests such a deal would be ‘hostile act’.Motorists in Nigeria express fury at the rising cost of petrol and diesel.An…
How can the EU make a social media ban a success? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:57
The European Union has announced plans for a social media ban for young people at the same time that tech bosses have backed restrictions for similar age groups. Luke Wilson hears from a researcher of Digital Child Futur…
Fed raises US interest rates by 0.25% [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:27
The Federal Reserve has raised rates for the first time since 2023 the bank focuses on inflation fight. Chair Kevin Warsh defied Donald Trump’s calls for lower borrowing costs.2026 summer wheat exports from Russia and Uk…
US businesses brace for Fed decision [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:01
As businesses in the US prepare themselves for a potential interest rates hike, Luke Wilson hears from a dairy farmer about how it could impact his bottom line.Plus, as President of the European Commission Ursula von der…
Why are you paying more to borrow money? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:27
In recent weeks the US Treasury Secretary has tried to tame the bond markets. The cost of bonds affects how much you pay for borrowing such as mortgages and credit cards. But can Scott Bessent succeed where so many befor…
How rising fuel is affecting German industry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:57
As fuel prices rise across the world, Luke Wilson hears from an economist in Germany about the impact on the country's industry.Plus, how are costs to borrow money affecting mortgage rates?
Does AI need a kill switch? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:49
Anthropic co-founder Jack Clark speaks to the BBC about the dangers of AI development and need for regulation, as the world's biggest AI bosses call for a pause in development, we find out does AI need a kill switch?Also…
Is an AI 'slowdown' even possible without China? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:58
As bosses of AI companies call for a 'slowdown' in the development of the technology, the BBC's Luke Wilson explores if it's even possible without China onboard. Plus, Africa's biggest ever public share has opened in Nig…