MEF BUSINESS NEWS 26 SEP 2025 The US will impose 100% tariffs on branded pharmaceutical imports from October 1, unless companies are already building US plants, President Trump announced. The move aims to reshore critical production and protect domestic supply chains. For mobile health and telemedicine platforms, this could affect access to connected medical devices and cloud-based drug tracking systems. Major drugmakers like AstraZeneca, GSK, Novartis, and Roche are investing in US manufacturing to avoid the tariffs. While generic drugs are largely exempt, the decision highlights how industrial policy can reshape global tech-enabled healthcare. ——————————————— There is more: the US will impose new tariffs on heavy trucks, kitchen cabinets, and furniture starting Wednesday, as President Trump expands his trade agenda to boost domestic manufacturing. The 25% levy on heavy trucks and up to 50% on cabinets could reshape supply chains and logistics networks, affecting fleet operators, mobile tracking systems, and connected truck software. About 245,000 medium- and heavy-duty trucks, worth $20 billion, are imported annually, with some brands relying heavily on Mexico and Germany. While US producers like Peterbilt and Volvo may benefit, mobile fleet management and logistics apps will have to adjust for higher costs and delayed shipments. —————————————- Meanwhile, the U.S. plans to throttle semiconductor imports, requiring chipmakers to match domestic production to what they import or face tariffs — the Wall Street Journal reports citing people familiar with the concept. The move, aimed at reducing reliance on foreign suppliers, could reshape global supply chains and affect smartphones, 5G networks, and connected devices. Companies like Apple, Dell, and telecom equipment makers may face higher costs and logistical headaches tracking where each chip is made. While firms expanding U.S. production, including Micron and GlobalFoundries, could benefit, smaller manufacturers risk penalties. The future of mobile tech could now be made in America—or taxed. ————————————— Germany’s auto sector faces a deepening crisis as Bosch announces plans to cut 13,000 jobs, with Volkswagen and Porsche also scaling back production. The moves follow weak EV demand, high labor costs, and growing Chinese competition, and could ripple through connected car services, telematics networks, and mobile-based fleet management solutions. Germany has already lost roughly 55,000 auto jobs over the past two years, with tens of thousands more expected by 2030. Suppliers of EV batteries, electronic components, and smart car systems are under pressure, while tariffs on exports to the US add further strain. ————————————- Italian bank UniCredit is considering increasing German representation on its board to win support for a takeover of Commerzbank, a deal opposed by Berlin. The move comes after UniCredit built a 29% stake in Germany’s second-largest lender through share purchases and derivatives. For telco and mobile investors, the story underscores how cross-border governance and local market trust are crucial when expanding operations or merging networks across countries. UniCredit could also keep the combined bank headquartered in Germany and maintain branches and lending levels, signaling a commitment to local stakeholders. While no talks are live, the proposal reflects the growing importance of regional alignment in global strategy. ————————————— Italian luxury group Brunello Cucinelli saw shares plunge 17% after allegations it misled shareholders on Russian operations, highlighting risks in global supply chains and international commerce. The controversy erupted after a short seller claimed Cucinelli continued selling high-end products in Moscow despite EU sanctions, potentially affecting partner contracts and cross-border logistics, including mobile payment and e-commerce platforms. The brand insists Russian sales are limited and legal, while exports fell from €16 million in 2021 to €5 million in 2024. With Russia accounting for just 2% of revenue, the case underscores how geo-political tensions ripple through digital commerce and mobile transaction networks. —— —— MEF MOBILE NEWS 26 SEP 2025 In a major shake-up for the mobile ecosystem, Donald Trump has signed an executive order transferring TikTok’s U.S. operations to American and allied investors, separating the app from its Chinese owner ByteDance. The deal values TikTok U.S. at $14 billion, with Oracle, Michael Dell, Rupert Murdoch’s media group, and Abu Dhabi’s MGX taking a combined 80% stake. ByteDance retains under 20%. The plan includes a U.S.-controlled board of directors, cybersecurity oversight, and a licensed copy of TikTok’s recommendation algorithm, ensuring U.S. user data stays domestic. Trump says the deal resolves national security concerns while keeping the app accessible to 180 million American users. For the tech and mobile industry, the move gives U.S. companies a powerful foothold in social media, strengthening domestic influence over content distribution and data management. TikTok’s U.S. users can expect continuity, but now under predominantly American control—a landmark moment for digital platforms and international investment in the mobile ecosystem. ———————————— Amazon has agreed to pay a record $2.5 billion settlement in the US after regulators accused it of tricking millions into Prime subscriptions they didn’t consent to. The Federal Trade Commission said Amazon used manipulative “dark patterns” that made sign-ups easy but cancellations hard, forcing refunds to an estimated 40 million customers. For telcos and mobile operators bundling streaming, cloud, or add-on services, the case is a warning: subscription growth must rest on transparency, not traps. Amazon, which denies wrongdoing, must now give its 200 million-plus users a clear option to decline and simpler terms for renewals. The payout underscores how regulators are reshaping digital business models. Trust is the only way to keep customers truly connected. ——————————- Britain plans to roll out a mandatory digital ID for anyone starting a new job, with the ID stored on mobile phones. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the move will help curb illegal work and strengthen border security. The mobile-based ID could later expand to access services like childcare, welfare, and tax records, integrating further into Britain’s digital ecosystem. Critics warn it may infringe civil liberties, while in Northern Ireland, Sinn Fein calls it a threat to the Good Friday Agreement. The government expects full implementation by 2029. —————————— Apple’s iPhone production at Foxconn’s Zhengzhou factory in China remains plagued by precarious conditions, with seasonal workers facing long hours, delayed pay, and ethnic discrimination, according to China Labor Watch. The investigation highlights risks in global supply chains, especially for mobile devices that underpin telco networks worldwide. With roughly 200,000 staff at peak season, temporary contracts allow Apple to adjust to demand, but reliance on such a workforce exposes mobile operators and device manufacturers to disruptions. Apple is shifting production to India to mitigate trade and tariff risks, while pledging investigations and compliance improvements. —————————————- Singapore Telecommunications and its Australian unit, Optus, are facing intense scrutiny after a network outage during a recent upgrade prevented emergency calls, resulting in four deaths. Next week, SingTel CEO Yuen Kuan Moon, Optus CEO Stephen Rue, and Chairman John Arthur will meet Australian Communications Minister Anika Wells in Sydney to discuss the incident. Optus has been warned it may face major financial penalties, after a similar outage less than two years ago led to a A$12 million fine and the departure of its previous CEO. SingTel, which generates half its revenue from Optus, says it has invested over A$9.3 billion in Australian network infrastructure over the past five years. —————————————- India is emerging as a global hub for AI apps, with downloads up more than 500% this year, according to digital market researcher Sensor Tower. OpenAI’s ChatGPT leads with 125 million installs, followed by Perplexity at 26 million and Google’s Gemini at 23 million. Targeting the country’s 1.4 billion population, ChatGPT now offers an India plan for 399 rupees a month and supports a dozen local languages, including low-bandwidth accessibility. Nick Turley, head of ChatGPT, told the Financial Times, “We have to be selective on which markets we go to understand deeply, with the hope that we learn things that can translate elsewhere.” Perplexity’s co-founder Aravind Srinivas, also speaking to the FT, added: “This is driven by the fact that Indians are among the most curious people on the planet.” Analysts say India’s scale gives global AI firms a first-mover advantage while domestic competitors remain nascent. —— —— MEF TECH NEWS 26 SEP 2025 The European Union has launched a formal antitrust investigation into SAP, accusing the German software giant of restricting competition in support services for its on-premises business software. Regulators fear customers face higher costs and fewer choices—a warning sign for telcos too, as they shift from legacy systems to cloud-based platforms that depend on fair, open service ecosystems. SAP, valued at €275 billion, earns over €11 billion a year from software support, and Brussels suspects it locks customers into exclusive contracts with automatic renewals and steep penalties. SAP insists its practices follow global standards, but shares fell nearly 2% after the news. For Europe’s digital economy, the case is about more than software—it’s about ensuring that cloud and connectivity markets stay competitive. —————————— The UK is moving to regulate artificial intelligence in health care, launching a national commission to design new rules by 2026. Officials say outdated medical-device laws risk slowing adoption of AI tools that already diagnose disease, read scans, and even power adaptive heart devices. For telcos and mobile players backing 5G health apps and cloud connectivity, this is critical: investment flows to markets where AI innovation is trusted and secure. The commission, involving doctors, patients, and tech giants like Microsoft and Google, will aim to strike a balance—protecting patients while attracting billions in health-tech investment. Clearer standards could give the UK a global edge in digital medicine. Trust will be the license to innovate. —————————— Standard Chartered’s venture arm has teamed up with Fujitsu on quantum computing, launching Project Quanta. The platform will allow corporate clients to explore quantum and quantum-inspired applications, including fraud detection, risk simulation, and derivative pricing. Apurv Suri from SC Ventures said in a statement, “By joining forces with Fujitsu, we want to unlock quantum resources and talent on one platform for corporates looking to scale their quantum capabilities.” Industry analysts project the quantum computing market could jump from $4 billion last year to $72 billion within a decade, highlighting the growing convergence of finance and cutting-edge technology. ————————————- Accenture has cut over 11,000 jobs globally in the past three months and warned more staff will leave if they cannot be retrained for the AI era, part of an $865 million restructuring. The move comes as demand for consulting in digital transformation and telecom projects slows, particularly in the US government sector. Accenture says it is upskilling 77,000 staff in AI and data, reflecting how telco networks and mobile services increasingly rely on AI-driven solutions. Revenue grew 7% last year to $69.7 billion, but growth is slowing to 2–5% as companies trim tech spending. AI now drives connectivity and careers. —————————— Google DeepMind has unveiled its most advanced robotics AI yet—machines that can plan multi-step tasks like sorting laundry or packing a travel bag. The new Gemini Robotics 1.5 models are designed to “think before they act,” a leap from single-instruction bots toward real-world problem solving. For telcos, this points to a future where robots tap into mobile networks and cloud AI in real time—recycling rubbish by checking local rules online or fetching weather updates before packing an umbrella. A breakthrough called motion transfer could let skills built for one robot body work on another, cutting training costs and speeding deployment. But experts warn robots remain clumsy and far from human-level intuition. Still, the race to connect robotics and AI is accelerating. —— ——

MEF BUSINESS NEWS 26 SEP 2025 The US will impose 100% tariffs on branded pharmaceutical imports from October 1, unless companies are already building US plants, President Trump announced. The move aims to reshore critical production and protect domestic supply chains. For mobile health and telemedicine platforms, this could affect access to connected medical devices and cloud-based drug tracking systems. Major drugmakers like AstraZeneca, GSK, Novartis, and Roche are investing in US manufacturing to avoid the tariffs. While generic drugs are largely exempt, the decision highlights how industrial policy can reshape global tech-enabled healthcare. ——————————————— There is more: the US will impose new tariffs on heavy trucks, kitchen cabinets, and furniture starting Wednesday, as President Trump expands his trade agenda to boost domestic manufacturing. The 25% levy on heavy trucks and up to 50% on cabinets could reshape supply chains and logistics networks, affecting fleet operators, mobile tracking systems, and connected truck software. About 245,000 medium- and heavy-duty trucks, worth $20 billion, are imported annually, with some brands relying heavily on Mexico and Germany. While US producers like Peterbilt and Volvo may benefit, mobile fleet management and logistics apps will have to adjust for higher costs and delayed shipments. —————————————- Meanwhile, the U.S. plans to throttle semiconductor imports, requiring chipmakers to match domestic production to what they import or face tariffs — the Wall Street Journal reports citing people familiar with the concept. The move, aimed at reducing reliance on foreign suppliers, could reshape global supply chains and affect smartphones, 5G networks, and connected devices. Companies like Apple, Dell, and telecom equipment makers may face higher costs and logistical headaches tracking where each chip is made. While firms expanding U.S. production, including Micron and GlobalFoundries, could benefit, smaller manufacturers risk penalties. The future of mobile tech could now be made in America—or taxed. ————————————— Germany’s auto sector faces a deepening crisis as Bosch announces plans to cut 13,000 jobs, with Volkswagen and Porsche also scaling back production. The moves follow weak EV demand, high labor costs, and growing Chinese competition, and could ripple through connected car services, telematics networks, and mobile-based fleet management solutions. Germany has already lost roughly 55,000 auto jobs over the past two years, with tens of thousands more expected by 2030. Suppliers of EV batteries, electronic components, and smart car systems are under pressure, while tariffs on exports to the US add further strain. ————————————- Italian bank UniCredit is considering increasing German representation on its board to win support for a takeover of Commerzbank, a deal opposed by Berlin. The move comes after UniCredit built a 29% stake in Germany’s second-largest lender through share purchases and derivatives. For telco and mobile investors, the story underscores how cross-border governance and local market trust are crucial when expanding operations or merging networks across countries. UniCredit could also keep the combined bank headquartered in Germany and maintain branches and lending levels, signaling a commitment to local stakeholders. While no talks are live, the proposal reflects the growing importance of regional alignment in global strategy. ————————————— Italian luxury group Brunello Cucinelli saw shares plunge 17% after allegations it misled shareholders on Russian operations, highlighting risks in global supply chains and international commerce. The controversy erupted after a short seller claimed Cucinelli continued selling high-end products in Moscow despite EU sanctions, potentially affecting partner contracts and cross-border logistics, including mobile payment and e-commerce platforms. The brand insists Russian sales are limited and legal, while exports fell from €16 million in 2021 to €5 million in 2024. With Russia accounting for just 2% of revenue, the case underscores how geo-political tensions ripple through digital commerce and mobile transaction networks. —— —— MEF MOBILE NEWS 26 SEP 2025 In a major shake-up for the mobile ecosystem, Donald Trump has signed an executive order transferring TikTok’s U.S. operations to American and allied investors, separating the app from its Chinese owner ByteDance. The deal values TikTok U.S. at $14 billion, with Oracle, Michael Dell, Rupert Murdoch’s media group, and Abu Dhabi’s MGX taking a combined 80% stake. ByteDance retains under 20%. The plan includes a U.S.-controlled board of directors, cybersecurity oversight, and a licensed copy of TikTok’s recommendation algorithm, ensuring U.S. user data stays domestic. Trump says the deal resolves national security concerns while keeping the app accessible to 180 million American users. For the tech and mobile industry, the move gives U.S. companies a powerful foothold in social media, strengthening domestic influence over content distribution and data management. TikTok’s U.S. users can expect continuity, but now under predominantly American control—a landmark moment for digital platforms and international investment in the mobile ecosystem. ———————————— Amazon has agreed to pay a record $2.5 billion settlement in the US after regulators accused it of tricking millions into Prime subscriptions they didn’t consent to. The Federal Trade Commission said Amazon used manipulative “dark patterns” that made sign-ups easy but cancellations hard, forcing refunds to an estimated 40 million customers. For telcos and mobile operators bundling streaming, cloud, or add-on services, the case is a warning: subscription growth must rest on transparency, not traps. Amazon, which denies wrongdoing, must now give its 200 million-plus users a clear option to decline and simpler terms for renewals. The payout underscores how regulators are reshaping digital business models. Trust is the only way to keep customers truly connected. ——————————- Britain plans to roll out a mandatory digital ID for anyone starting a new job, with the ID stored on mobile phones. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the move will help curb illegal work and strengthen border security. The mobile-based ID could later expand to access services like childcare, welfare, and tax records, integrating further into Britain’s digital ecosystem. Critics warn it may infringe civil liberties, while in Northern Ireland, Sinn Fein calls it a threat to the Good Friday Agreement. The government expects full implementation by 2029. —————————— Apple’s iPhone production at Foxconn’s Zhengzhou factory in China remains plagued by precarious conditions, with seasonal workers facing long hours, delayed pay, and ethnic discrimination, according to China Labor Watch. The investigation highlights risks in global supply chains, especially for mobile devices that underpin telco networks worldwide. With roughly 200,000 staff at peak season, temporary contracts allow Apple to adjust to demand, but reliance on such a workforce exposes mobile operators and device manufacturers to disruptions. Apple is shifting production to India to mitigate trade and tariff risks, while pledging investigations and compliance improvements. —————————————- Singapore Telecommunications and its Australian unit, Optus, are facing intense scrutiny after a network outage during a recent upgrade prevented emergency calls, resulting in four deaths. Next week, SingTel CEO Yuen Kuan Moon, Optus CEO Stephen Rue, and Chairman John Arthur will meet Australian Communications Minister Anika Wells in Sydney to discuss the incident. Optus has been warned it may face major financial penalties, after a similar outage less than two years ago led to a A$12 million fine and the departure of its previous CEO. SingTel, which generates half its revenue from Optus, says it has invested over A$9.3 billion in Australian network infrastructure over the past five years. —————————————- India is emerging as a global hub for AI apps, with downloads up more than 500% this year, according to digital market researcher Sensor Tower. OpenAI’s ChatGPT leads with 125 million installs, followed by Perplexity at 26 million and Google’s Gemini at 23 million. Targeting the country’s 1.4 billion population, ChatGPT now offers an India plan for 399 rupees a month and supports a dozen local languages, including low-bandwidth accessibility. Nick Turley, head of ChatGPT, told the Financial Times, “We have to be selective on which markets we go to understand deeply, with the hope that we learn things that can translate elsewhere.” Perplexity’s co-founder Aravind Srinivas, also speaking to the FT, added: “This is driven by the fact that Indians are among the most curious people on the planet.” Analysts say India’s scale gives global AI firms a first-mover advantage while domestic competitors remain nascent. —— —— MEF TECH NEWS 26 SEP 2025 The European Union has launched a formal antitrust investigation into SAP, accusing the German software giant of restricting competition in support services for its on-premises business software. Regulators fear customers face higher costs and fewer choices—a warning sign for telcos too, as they shift from legacy systems to cloud-based platforms that depend on fair, open service ecosystems. SAP, valued at €275 billion, earns over €11 billion a year from software support, and Brussels suspects it locks customers into exclusive contracts with automatic renewals and steep penalties. SAP insists its practices follow global standards, but shares fell nearly 2% after the news. For Europe’s digital economy, the case is about more than software—it’s about ensuring that cloud and connectivity markets stay competitive. —————————— The UK is moving to regulate artificial intelligence in health care, launching a national commission to design new rules by 2026. Officials say outdated medical-device laws risk slowing adoption of AI tools that already diagnose disease, read scans, and even power adaptive heart devices. For telcos and mobile players backing 5G health apps and cloud connectivity, this is critical: investment flows to markets where AI innovation is trusted and secure. The commission, involving doctors, patients, and tech giants like Microsoft and Google, will aim to strike a balance—protecting patients while attracting billions in health-tech investment. Clearer standards could give the UK a global edge in digital medicine. Trust will be the license to innovate. —————————— Standard Chartered’s venture arm has teamed up with Fujitsu on quantum computing, launching Project Quanta. The platform will allow corporate clients to explore quantum and quantum-inspired applications, including fraud detection, risk simulation, and derivative pricing. Apurv Suri from SC Ventures said in a statement, “By joining forces with Fujitsu, we want to unlock quantum resources and talent on one platform for corporates looking to scale their quantum capabilities.” Industry analysts project the quantum computing market could jump from $4 billion last year to $72 billion within a decade, highlighting the growing convergence of finance and cutting-edge technology. ————————————- Accenture has cut over 11,000 jobs globally in the past three months and warned more staff will leave if they cannot be retrained for the AI era, part of an $865 million restructuring. The move comes as demand for consulting in digital transformation and telecom projects slows, particularly in the US government sector. Accenture says it is upskilling 77,000 staff in AI and data, reflecting how telco networks and mobile services increasingly rely on AI-driven solutions. Revenue grew 7% last year to $69.7 billion, but growth is slowing to 2–5% as companies trim tech spending. AI now drives connectivity and careers. —————————— Google DeepMind has unveiled its most advanced robotics AI yet—machines that can plan multi-step tasks like sorting laundry or packing a travel bag. The new Gemini Robotics 1.5 models are designed to “think before they act,” a leap from single-instruction bots toward real-world problem solving. For telcos, this points to a future where robots tap into mobile networks and cloud AI in real time—recycling rubbish by checking local rules online or fetching weather updates before packing an umbrella. A breakthrough called motion transfer could let skills built for one robot body work on another, cutting training costs and speeding deployment. But experts warn robots remain clumsy and far from human-level intuition. Still, the race to connect robotics and AI is accelerating. —— ——