World Business Report

Seijiro Tekishita, a management professor from the University of Shizuoka, explains why Japan’s vending machines are disappearing. Sarah Bazubandi, a Middle East risk specialist, discusses naval strategies, Iranian tactics and regional security. Simak Shojai, an economist and business dean, analyzes Gulf energy routes and the economic fallout of supply disruptions. Multiple short, engaging takes on trade risks and shifting social patterns.

Sergei Vakulenko, senior fellow and ex-Gazprom affiliate, on Russian oil flows and sanctions strain. Mokesh Kumar Sadev, former India Oil exec and CEO, on India’s tight storage and import limits. Randeep Samal, M&G fund manager, on oil-driven inflation and market ripples. They cover rising Brent, redirected Russian volumes to India, sanction limits, and central bank dilemmas.

Cornelia Meyer, economist and energy consultant with BP experience, explains pipelines, export routes and storage limits. Emma Wall, chief investment strategist, analyzes market moves, oil price upswing and investor reactions. They discuss Strait of Hormuz shipping risks, looming storage-driven output cuts and immediate versus longer-term price impacts.

Sven Hølsæter, CEO of Yara, warns one third of urea sails through the Strait of Hormuz and the hit to fertiliser could threaten crop seasons. Simone Taglia-Pietra, Bruegel research fellow, breaks down LNG supply shocks after Qatar’s shutdown and who feels the pain. Fiona Sincotta, City Index market analyst, tracks stock falls, oil gains, currency moves and inflation risks.

Paul Charles, travel industry consultant and CEO of the PC Agency, outlines flight cancellations and the costly operational chaos for airlines. Carol Nackley, energy economist and CEO of Crystal Energy, analyses volatile oil and LNG price shocks and regional stability risks. Marcus Baker, Global Head of Marine and Cargo at Marsh McLennan, explains rising war risk premiums and how insurers mark enhanced-risk shipping zones.

Annie Meld, a Professor of sustainability and planning at Aalborg University, dives into the geopolitical implications of US interest in Greenland's untapped minerals. She explores the feasibility of mining and how this could impact Arctic military spending as tensions rise with China and Russia. Greenlanders voice their concerns over sovereignty as diplomatic talks unfold in Washington. Additionally, the discussion highlights the significant trade surplus China is experiencing, driven by its renewable sectors and global demand.

Joe Tidy, BBC cyber security correspondent, dives deep into the troubling rise of high-impact cyber attacks in 2025. He shares firsthand experiences interacting with cybercriminals and highlights the significant economic consequences of these incidents. Tidy provides a chilling account of the complexities he faced while reporting on extortion attempts. The conversation also explores the rapid evolution of tariffs, with experts discussing their global economic impact and how innovative businesses adapted to the challenges of the year.