Tariffs, tech and transformation: navigating economic shifts

As global tensions rise and protectionist policies gain ground, the TMT (Technology, Media & Telecommunications) industry is confronting a new set of challenges. From tariffs targeting tech giants to broader trends in deglobalisation and regionalisation, the sector must rapidly adapt its strategies to stay competitive - and resilient. The latest tariff news highlights how these policies are no longer isolated events, but structural forces impacting long-term planning. For TMT leaders, staying on top of tariff news is now critical to managing risk and identifying new opportunities.

A shift from globalisation to regional resilience

In a recent interview with France 24, Jakob Haesler, Group Head of Consulting at Forvis Mazars, underscored the complexity of retaliatory economic policies.

You can’t just switch off Microsoft like you can switch cars. We need to think not in terms of tit-for-tat, but about what Europe must do to pursue its own interests.

Jakob Haesler Partner

This reflects a growing reality for TMT companies navigating fractured markets and trade realignments. As Europe considers measures like a digital euro and deeper financial integration, firms must balance short-term risks with long-term transformation - especially in response to evolving tariff news and policy actions.

Rethinking strategy in uncertain times

Insights from our 2025 C-suite barometer confirm this shift. Over 40% of TMT executives identify economic trends as the most significant external factor impacting their organisations. Meanwhile, increased competition has surged as a priority for TMT leaders - rising from ninth to fourth position in just one year. This reflects a strategic pivot driven by economic uncertainty, geopolitical pressures and the latest tariff news, which continues to shape supply chains, pricing, and innovation.

TMT leaders are navigating a paradox: high demand for connectivity, but rising barriers to scale and trade. The winners will be those who can regionalise intelligently while maintaining global agility and agile alternative players who take advantage of the situation.

Guillaume Devaux Partner

What comes next?

While tariff news and trade disputes dominate headlines, the deeper transformation lies in how TMT firms rebuild their foundations. This includes reconfiguring supply chains, investing in digital sovereignty, and aligning with regional policy shifts - particularly in Europe, where regulation and ambition are advancing fast. Continuous monitoring of tariff news will be essential for scenario planning and market responsiveness.

The next phase for the TMT sector isn’t just about weathering economic shifts. It’s about leading through them - by embedding resilience at the core of strategy, leveraging data for faster decision-making, and maintaining trust in an increasingly fragmented world.

As Jakob Haesler emphasises: “Let’s not lose sight of the bigger picture—we need to protect Europe’s economic livelihood.”