Global fertiliser shortage threatens 2026 crop yields

The US President Donald Trump has announced a new hike on cars and trucks imported from the European Union, accusing the EU of not adhering to their trade deal. In the meantime, Beijing has announced that fifty-three African states will be enjoying trade-free trade with China - all except one, the small land-locked state Eswatini, as it recognises Taiwan. And in France there is confusion over a new law allowing bakeries to stay open on the 1st of May. Picture: "U.S. President Donald Trump attends an event at The Villages Charter School at The Villages". Credit: Reuters

A third of the world's fertiliser is sourced from the Persian Gulf region. Farmers' are now predicted to produce smaller crops this year, affecting 10 billion meals a week. French car maker Renault says there's been a huge increase in interest in electric vehicles since the start of the war in the Middle East. And "slàinte mhath" or "cheers" in English! The USA is to cut import duties on scotch whisky, following the recent visit of King Charles II.

We hear how oil prices have been swinging sharply, with Brent crude briefly hitting 126 dollars a barrel as tensions in the Gulf raise concerns about supply and the wider global economy. Saudi Arabia is to stop funding the LIV Golf tour after spending billions to lure top players away from the PGA Tour. And in India, a surge in digital scams has cost victims around two and a half billion dollars, prompting the central bank to step in. (Image Credit: FILIP SINGER/EPA/Shutterstock (16852987h) A display shows fuel prices in euro at a petrol station in Berlin, Germany, 30 April 2026.)

The price of Brent crude hit a four year high on Thursday before falling back. Markets were reacting to comments from President Trump about maintaining Strait of Hormuz blockade.Gulf oil producers are running out of storage space for oil production, as exports remain restricted.And Saudi Arabia is pulling its funding of the LIV golf tour, after investing around six billion dollars since 2021.

Jerome Powell says he will continue to stay on as Federal Reserve Governor, even after his chairmanship ends. We look at what this means for the future of the US central banking system. Three ships have been hijacked off the coast of Somalia in the past week. We look into concerns of maritime piracy in the area, as experts warn reduced naval patrols could be creating an opening for armed groups. And we go to India where we hear how the glass industry has been suffering due to the war between the US, Israel, and Iran.(Image credit: Jerome Powell, during a news conference following a Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting in Washington, DC, US, on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Photographer: Daniel Heuer / Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Oil prices have jumped despite the UAE exit from the OPEC groups of oil producing countries - we'll be looking at why. And more pressure is pilling on social media as a report finds Meta is in breach of EU law for failing to stop under 13 from using Facebook and Instagram. Presenter: Sarah Rogers Producer: Victoriya Holland Editor: Justin Bones

The United Arab Emirates is leaving OPEC and OPEC+ after nearly 60 years of membership, we find out what triggered them to leave. In the US, we hear what is being said in the major court battle between Elon Musk and ChatGPT founder Sam Altman. And we ask if lab-grown diamonds are better for the environment.[Picture: An oil drum with featuring the logo of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Photo credit: Andrey Rudakov/Bloomberg via Getty Images.]

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has said it is quitting the Opec and Opec+ groups of major oil producing nations after nearly 60 years.As people continue to feel the pain at the pumps, energy giant BP has announced massive profits - meanwhile oil prices continue to climb.And with the World Cup just weeks away there's a race to finish Mexico City's airport and stadium before kick off.

Diamond mines across Sierra Leone are closing, deepening economic uncertainty and raising fears of further conflict. Our presenter Ed Butler travels to the country’s mining region to uncover what’s behind the shutdowns.In the US, a court case is underway between the world’s richest man, Elon Musk, and the head of OpenAI, Sam Altman.And amid ongoing LNG export uncertainty, could coal be on the rise again? We find out what this means for countries in Asia and a mining community in America.

Airlines could start going bankrupt the boss of one aviation company tells World Business Express. And why two tech titans are heading to the courts in California. Presenter: Sarah Rogers Producer: Victoriya Holland Editor: Justin Bones