Big Take Asia

Natalie Obiko Pearson, an investigative reporter for Bloomberg and former India correspondent, sheds light on the harrowing world of the human egg trade. This gripping discussion reveals the shocking exploitation of vulnerable individuals, particularly young girls drawn into the trade by economic pressures. Pearson explores the booming fertility industry in India, unearthing ethical dilemmas and dark stories of manipulation. The podcast emphasizes the urgent need for accountability in an unregulated, global market that commodifies women's bodies.

Shuli Ren, a Bloomberg Opinion columnist and expert on Chinese markets, discusses the impressive rise of Pop Mart, a toy company capturing global attention with its Labubu dolls and blind box collectibles. She highlights how celebrity endorsements, particularly from K-pop star Lisa, fuel demand. The conversation also delves into Pop Mart's innovative strategies, its resilience amid economic challenges, and how it inspires other Chinese brands to navigate international markets. This is a fascinating look at how a toy company is impacting China's economy.

As the trade war between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping continues to escalate, economists around the world are asking who will blink first. On this episode of the Big Take podcast, Bloomberg’s John Liu and Jennifer Welch join host David Gura to discuss what it will take for both presidents to come to the negotiating table, how the current state of China’s economy impacts its positioning in the trade war and why hardball tactics are unlikely to work this time around.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dexter Low, a Bloomberg real estate reporter, delves into the dramatic feud within Singapore's Kwek family, owners of a major developer. The discussion reveals how a lawsuit filed by the family patriarch against his son has rocked the image of this once-stable dynasty. They explore the fallout for investors amid internal conflicts and risky business decisions, shedding light on the complex dynamics that can challenge family-run enterprises in Asia. The conversation also touches on the broader implications for investor confidence and wealth management in such turbulent environments.

John Boudreau, Bloomberg's Southeast Asia editor navigating the intricacies of emerging economies, teams up with John Liu, senior executive editor for Greater China, to unpack the seismic impact of Trump's tariffs on Asian markets. They discuss how nations like Vietnam and China are grappling with crippling levies, triggering investor panic and stock market declines. The conversation dives into the strategic diplomatic maneuvers of Asian economies as they balance relationships with both superpowers while recalibrating their economic futures in a shifting global landscape.

Bloomberg's Alex Gabriel Simon, a stocks reporter based in Mumbai, dives into the dark side of India's stock market surge. As retail investing skyrockets, so do the investment scams, leaving countless individuals—like a doctor who lost everything—devastated. Simon discusses how social media and deceptive ads lure inexperienced investors and the troubling implications for public trust in India's financial landscape. He highlights the potential consequences for the government's push to attract global investment, raising urgent questions about investor security.

Katia Dmitrieva, a Bloomberg economics correspondent based in Hong Kong, discusses the global fallout from Trump's tariffs on China. She reveals how products meant for the U.S. are now disrupting markets worldwide, causing factory closures and job losses. The conversation touches on Southeast Asia's strategic pushback against Chinese imports and the changing dynamics of global trade as countries navigate these challenges. Dmitrieva outlines how regions are grappling with economic pressures while adapting to the long-term consequences of trade wars.

John Liu, who oversees Bloomberg's China coverage from Beijing, dives into the intricate US-China rivalry shaped during Trump's presidency. The conversation uses playful culinary metaphors to highlight trade tensions and diplomatic chaos. Liu discusses the contrasting approaches of Trump and Xi, alongside how these dynamics are reshaping Asia's economic landscape. The impact of US tariffs on regional trade is significant, and Liu explores how emerging players like Singapore and Vietnam navigate the shifting alliances amidst China's growing influence.

Japan has a matcha shortage despite record levels of production. Shops are selling out of the green tea powder as soon as they hit the shelves. On today's Big Take Asia Podcast, host K. Oanh Ha talks to Bloomberg's Mia Glass about the world’s obsession with matcha – and why producers can’t keep up with the rising demand. Read more: The Global Matcha Boom Is Driving a Shortage in JapanFurther listening: Japan’s Small Businesses Have a Problem. They Don’t Know How to Raise PricesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mauritius and neighboring islands in the Indian Ocean are at the center of a great-power chess match involving the US, China and India. All want to use them as bases to protect shipping lanes and project military might in the region. On today’s Big Take Asia Podcast, host K. Oanh Ha is joined by Bloomberg correspondent Peter Martin to discuss the power struggle, and the implications of China’s growing clout in the region. Further listening: The Shadowy Fleet of Tankers Moving Iranian Oil to China  Watch, from Originals: China’s Power Play In the Indian OceanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.