China’s Huawei shifts to Europe

As trade disputes simmer, Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, world’s No 3 Smartphone brand, is shifting its growth efforts toward Europe and Asia in the face of mounting obstacles in the US market.

Shenzhen-based Huawei, the world’s largest maker of telecoms equipment, has long coveted access to the US but recently laid off key American employees at its Washington DC office.

The US has regularly stymied Huawei’s efforts to enter the America, citing national security concerns. Huawei has failed to find a US carrier to partner with for its smart phones, and the Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday approved a draft order that could damage Huawei’s existing business in network gear.

Huawei is instead focusing on Europe, where its profits are surging, partnering with European firms to develop next-generation wireless network standards.