Breaking news

Huawei Triumphs Over Sanctions With New Growth Strategies

After years of battling U.S. sanctions, China’s Huawei is set to announce a strong recovery, driven by advances in software, chip production, and smart-driving tech. The company expects to report 860 billion yuan ($118 billion) in revenue for 2024, nearly matching its 2020 peak of 891 billion yuan, despite challenges from chip shortages and U.S. restrictions that slashed consumer business revenues.

Once in “survival mode” due to U.S. sanctions, Huawei has adapted by diversifying into new sectors and developing alternatives to Western technologies. The company has regained momentum, with founder Ren Zhengfei confirming that concerns over China’s reliance on foreign chips and operating systems have eased.

In the consumer space, Huawei shipped over 45 million smartphones in 2024, a 25% increase from the previous year. Despite ongoing constraints in chip yield rates, the company’s consumer business is back on track. Additionally, Huawei’s ventures into the automotive market, notably its collaboration with Dongfeng-backed Seres on Aito-branded cars, have seen impressive sales growth.

Huawei’s innovation extends beyond mobile devices. Having developed its own HarmonyOS to replace Android, the company has also ventured into autonomous driving, supplying advanced tech to electric vehicle makers like Chery, BAIC, and SAIC. This positions Huawei as a prominent player in China’s electric vehicle revolution, with plans to integrate AI into its industrial services and expand its software ecosystem across connected devices.

While its access to Android remains limited, Huawei is aggressively expanding its presence in markets such as the Middle East and Southeast Asia, with a recent launch of the Mate XT foldable smartphone in Malaysia. Its international presence may be patchy, but in markets where it can offer an alternative AI infrastructure, Huawei could dominate.

Competition Authority Launches Comprehensive Review of ExxonMobil Cyprus Acquisition

Investigation Initiated Over Strategic Acquisition

The Competition Protection Authority has commenced a thorough investigation into the acquisition of ExxonMobil Cyprus Limited’s share capital by Petrolina Holdings Public Ltd through Med Energywise Ltd. This inquiry was formally initiated following a session held on 10 September 2025, after an in-depth review of the pertinent report by the Authority’s Service.

Concerns Over Market Compatibility

Authorities have expressed serious concerns regarding the compatibility of the transaction with established competitive practices. The review indicates that the acquisition may affect several critical petroleum markets, both horizontally and vertically, thereby raising the potential for adverse impacts on market dynamics.

Horizontal Market Dynamics

On the horizontal front, potential effects have been identified in the import market for petroleum products, as well as in both wholesale and retail distribution channels of these products. The consolidation is believed to increase the risk of price rises and coordinated actions, given the direct competitive proximity between Petrolina and ExxonMobil.

Vertical and Adjacent Market Implications

Vertical aspects of the merger are also under close scrutiny. The new entity could restrict competitors’ access to critical infrastructure such as storage facilities, supply channels, and customer bases. These restrictions could further affect the onshore distribution of fuels, the wholesale market for lubricants, and specialized technical services connected with fuel station operations.

Local Market Considerations

Particular attention is being paid to the potential concentration in the retail fuel market. The investigation suggests that a reduced competitive landscape within a four-kilometer radius of the companies’ fuel stations could lead to diminished local competition, adversely impacting consumer prices and options.

Next Steps and Industry Impact

The Competition Protection Authority, which reached a unanimous decision to pursue a full investigation, remains open to submissions from parties that might be affected by this transaction, as mandated by current legislation. A final decision is expected within four months upon receipt of all necessary evidence, potentially setting a significant precedent for future market consolidation cases in the energy sector.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter