Jul 13, 2020

New liquor ban adds pressure on South Africa’s wine exporters

South Africa's winemakers have struggled to export due to COVID-19 restrictions. David Silverman/Getty Images

South Africa's government has banned alcohol sales again as COVID-19 cases rise. The world's biggest companies are set to borrow $1 trillion this year to bolster balance sheets. China will sanction U.S. lawmakers over Xinjiang measures.

Segments From this episode

Borrowing by the world's biggest firms is set to surge in 2020

The rush to issue corporate bonds comes as companies rush to bolster balance sheets wrecked by the pandemic. The BBC’s Andrew Wood has more.

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China retaliates with sanctions against U.S. officials over Uighur Muslims

U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio are among those affected.

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Liquor stores in South Africa have once again closed their doors

The idea behind a ban on alcohol sales is lower drinking-related hospital admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The BBC’s Matthew Davies has more.

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The team

David Brancaccio Host

Victoria Craig Host, BBC

Stephen Ryan Senior Producer, BBC

Jonathan Frewin Producer, BBC

Daniel Shin Producer

Jay Siebold Technical Director

Brian Allison Engineer

Meredith Garretson Morbey Senior Producer

Erika Soderstrom Producer

Rose Conlon Producer

Alex Schroeder Producer

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