The tech industry is bracing for a turbulent April as several major events are set to unfold, potentially reshaping the industry's landscape. With deadlines looming, the next few weeks will be crucial for companies like TikTok, Apple, and Meta, as well as the broader tech ecosystem.

First on the agenda is the April 2nd deadline for new tariffs on imported goods, which President Trump has threatened to implement. The tariffs, ranging from 25% to 200%, will affect goods from countries including Canada, Mexico, and those that import Venezuelan oil. While Trump has been known to delay or modify tariffs in the past, the auto tariff is expected to take effect, raising prices for US consumers buying new cars.

Meanwhile, TikTok's fate hangs in the balance as its April 5th deadline approaches. The social media app is still legally required to divest from its parent company ByteDance, but the details of a potential sale agreement remain vague. President Trump has promised a deal before the deadline, but experts warn that repeated extensions may leave TikTok's service providers vulnerable to hundreds of billions of dollars in fines. Oracle is reportedly in a leading position for a partnership with TikTok, but the proposed deal has raised concerns about national security and data protection.

In the world of antitrust, two major trials are set to begin in April. On April 14th, the FTC will face off against Meta (formerly Facebook) in court, accusing the company of illegally monopolizing the personal social networking market. The trial will focus on Meta's acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp, which the FTC alleges could have been formidable competitors. If the court rules in favor of the FTC, it could lead to significant changes for Meta, including the potential unwinding of its acquisitions.

Later in the month, on April 22nd, the second phase of the Google Search monopoly trial will begin. The trial will focus on remedies to address Google's illegal monopolization of the online general search market and search text ads. The DOJ has proposed remedies including forcing Google to spin out its Chrome browser and syndicate its search data, while Google intends to appeal the ruling.

As these events unfold, the tech industry will be watching closely to see how they impact the sector's future. With the potential for significant changes to the industry's landscape, April is shaping up to be a critical month for tech companies and policymakers alike.

Stay tuned for further updates and analysis as these stories continue to develop.