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Apple Faces Uncertainty Over Tariff Costs Amid Mixed Q2 Performance

by News Editor

May 2, 2025

Apple Inc.’s latest financial report reveals a mixed bag of results. While the Cupertino giant surpassed Wall Street’s earnings expectations for its second fiscal quarter, there are significant concerns about future tariff costs beyond June 2025.

Apple‘s shares dipped by up to 4% during after-hours trading, even as the company reported an EPS of $1.65, beating the $1.63 estimate by LSEG. According to recent reports, even other tech giants like Meta and Microsoft are facing similar market dynamics. Apple’s revenue hit $95.4 billion, surpassing forecasts, with strong iPhone and Mac sales driving this growth.

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However, Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, highlighted the ‘limited impact’ of current tariffs due to a robust supply chain. The company is projecting low to mid-single-digit growth for the next quarter, potentially mitigating these concerns by sourcing more from India and Vietnam, regions with lower tariff rates. But uncertainty looms, with Cook admitting, ‘It’s very difficult to predict beyond June because I’m not sure what will happen with tariffs.’

Despite these challenges, Apple authorized up to $100 billion in share repurchases and announced a 4% hike in dividends. While the Services division’s revenue growth slowed somewhat, it still pulled in an impressive $26.65 billion. More details on shifting market landscapes can be found in how China’s trade policies are affecting global markets.

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Call for Reform: Cyprus Faces New Challenges with Emerging Tobacco Products

by News Editor

May 31, 2025

In the face of a burgeoning variety of tobacco products, existing smoking laws in Cyprus are struggling to keep pace, as highlighted by Christos Minas, the president of the Cyprus National Addictions Authority (AAEK). On World No-Tobacco Day, there was a push for legislative reforms to comprehensively cover all tobacco forms, including non-nicotine alternatives.

Addressing Rising Trends with Effective Policies

Minas emphasized the surge in popularity of e-cigarettes and flavored products, particularly among the youth. The proposed legal updates aim to enhance enforcement efficiency against these emerging trends.

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In collaboration with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework, the AAEK has established the first set of national guidelines for smoking cessation in Cyprus, crafting prevention and treatment strategies based on robust scientific evidence.

Educating Youth and Public Awareness Initiatives

Efforts are underway to raise awareness, with informative materials distributed to secondary schools across Cyprus. A public event in Nicosia highlighted the state’s ongoing commitment, providing carbon monoxide testing and expert advice on new tobacco products.

Recent data from the Cyprus general population survey 2023 indicates that 38% of smokers have used e-cigarettes recently, and the smoking initiation age remains at 18.

A Glimpse into Youth Smoking Patterns

According to the latest European school survey, 14% of Cypriot students aged 15-16 reported smoking traditional cigarettes last month. Although this rate is declining, Cyprus still ranks high in Europe for e-cigarette and hookah use among students.

The concern is global, with WHO reports showing over 37 million children aged 13-15 engage in tobacco use, driven by aggressive marketing in loosely regulated environments.

The urgency for reform is clear: before these trends solidify, proactive measures are necessary to protect future generations from potentially hazardous habits.