World Business Report

The World Economic Forum at the Swiss resort of Davos has been dominated by President Trump's ambition to take control of Greenland, and his threat to impose tariffs on European countries that resist.

EU leaders could be hitting back with tariffs of their own. So, what are the market reactions in the US and in Europe?

Also, it was tariffs on allies, tariffs on rivals, tariffs that sent shockwaves through the global economy. One industry that felt the impact is cars. We will hear businesses in South Africa, the US, and Canada.

(Photo: US President Donald Trump holds a press briefing with reporters at the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 20 January 2025. Credit: Photo by JIM LO SCALZO/EPA/Shutterstock).

President Trump insists there’s ‘no going back’ on taking control of the island

The US President remains committed to taking control of the semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, leading to strong push back from European leaders. We get reaction from the Duncan Edwards, CEO of the BritishAmerican Business trade body and Matthew Bartlett, Republican strategist and who worked in the State Department during the first Trump administration. Plus, we hear from American farmers in Texas, Minnesota and New York about how a year of tariffs has affected their businesses and livelihoods.
(Photo: A 3D-printed miniature model of U.S. President Donald Trump, and the EU and Greenland flags appear in this illustration taken January 17, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration)

Leaders of European countries have reacted angrily to the threat of additional tariffs by the US. Donald Trump says he'll first put 10% then 25% extra import tax on eight countries including Germany, France and the UK as he increases the pressure on his claim for Greenland to be sold by Denmark to the United States.
China reports 5% GDP growth, but weak demand and falling birth rates signal deeper challenges for the world’s second-largest economy.
And winners crowned on and off the pitch at football's African Cup of Nations.

Presenter: Bisi Adebayo
Editor: Justin Bones

China and Canada strike a trade deal after a high stakes meeting between the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Xi.
And Europe and South America sign a trade deal after twenty five years. The EU-Mercosur agreement will require the approval of the European parliament within the next few months.
(Picture: Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney receives flowers upon his arrival in Beijing on January 14, 2026. Credit: Reuters/Carlos Osorio)