Tariffs and telcos: Uncertainty and long-term moves

No one can foresee how and when import tariffs will stabilise – but some long-term implications are starting to arise.

Welcome to our ‘Coffee break reading’. These pieces are designed to be short and easy to read, presenting our opinion on a hot topic and challenging you to think about it too.

In this edition, we explore the emerging short- and long-term impacts of US tariffs on the telecom industry.

While US import tariffs swing up and down on short or no notice, creating high uncertainty for businesses worldwide, the telecom industry expects some short-term impact, especially on the import of devices and equipment to the US. The exact effect is hard to predict and quantify until the trade relationships settle and the details are known. However, we can already point to lasting changes, driven by market forces or by companies embarking on protecting themselves from future shocks. We also believe new opportunities for telcos may emerge from the geopolitical shifts.

Download now to get our take in a 10-minute read.

Our insight covers the following key points:

• Uncertainty is the only certain thing
• The device market could suffer, affecting telcos in turn
• Impact on network equipment
• Deeper changes are beginning to show
• Opportunities for telcos

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Marina Koytcheva

Marina Koytcheva

Director, Research

Marina works across STL Partners’ research portfolio, with a specific focus on the Executive Briefing Service, consumer services and sustainability. She joined STL Partners in 2023 with 18 years of experience as a market analyst, first at Nokia, and then at CCS Insight where she led the market forecasting practice across all technology areas and modelled the impact of major global disruptions. She has wide expertise across telecoms, hyperscalers, device markets, consumer behaviour, and the impact of macroeconomic factors on the tech industry. Marina holds an MSc in Finance and Economics, and an MBA.