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International business news today included a pair of major developments: a boost for the UK's artificial intelligence sector and a notable increase in global trade disputes.

Google DeepMind's Robotic Science Laboratory

Google DeepMind revealed intentions to construct its first “robotic research facility” in the UK. This move is viewed as a significant lift to the country's AI goals.

The laboratory will be mainly dedicated to advanced materials research. It will employ “cutting-edge robotics” to create and analyze hundreds of materials each day. The main aim is to dramatically reduce the timeframe for discovering groundbreaking new materials.

The organization explained that the lab, set to be constructed in 2026, will “accelerate research breakthroughs”. In a statement:

Identifying new materials is a vital endeavors in scientific research, which could lead to reduce costs and unlock entirely new technologies.

As an illustration, materials that conduct electricity without resistance that function at ambient conditions could allow for affordable medical imaging and minimize energy loss in electrical grids. Other novel materials could help us tackle pressing energy challenges by unlocking next-generation batteries, more efficient solar cells and higher-performance computer chips.

This initiative is part of a wider collaboration with the British government. As part of the deal, British researchers will get priority access to several cutting-edge artificial intelligence models for scientific research.

The Mexican Trade Move

In a separate development, international trade tensions escalated further after the Mexican Senate passed increased import duties of as high as 50% starting in 2026 on goods from the People's Republic of China and several other Asian-Pacific nations.

The new levies are designed to strengthen domestic industry. They will apply new duties of as much as 50 percent from 2026 on certain products such as autos, auto parts, textiles, clothing, plastic goods and steel.

These tariffs will affect imports from nations that lack free trade agreements with the country, such as China, India, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia. Most of products will face tariffs of around 35%.

China's Commerce Ministry has criticised the decision, urging its counterpart to rectify “one-sided, protectionist measures” promptly.

Other Market News

Moscow's oil and fuel export revenues have hit their lowest level since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. A global energy watchdog reported that sales fell again in November due to reduced export volumes and lower prices.

In Switzerland, the central bank kept its key policy rate on hold at 0%. The bank pointed to price increases that was slightly lower than expected, but noted that longer-term inflationary pressure remained virtually unchanged.

Technology stocks faced pressure following disappointing earnings from the software giant Oracle. The company's shares fell sharply in extended trading after it missed revenue and profit expectations and raised its spending forecast for AI data centers. This fueled worries about the financial returns of heavy AI investments.