Trump Threatens 25% Tariff on Apple iPhones Not Made in U.S., Escalating Trade Tensions – RT, Bloomberg, NYT

In a bold move that sent shockwaves through global markets, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday that Apple Inc. could face a 25% tariff on iPhones sold in the United States if they are not manufactured domestically. The statement, posted on Truth Social, marks a significant escalation in Trump’s ongoing trade war, targeting one of America’s most iconic companies and raising concerns about rising consumer prices and supply chain disruptions.

In his social media post, Trump stated, “I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhones that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else. If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the U.S.” This direct challenge to Apple, a company that relies heavily on global supply chains, particularly in China and India, underscores Trump’s push to bring manufacturing back to U.S. soil. The legal feasibility of imposing a tariff on a single company remains unclear, as such measures typically apply to industries or countries rather than individual firms. Apple declined to comment on the threat, leaving investors and analysts speculating about the potential impact on the tech giant’s operations and pricing strategy.

The announcement triggered immediate market turbulence. Apple’s shares dropped 3.7% in premarket trading, contributing to broader declines in U.S. stock indices. The S&P 500 fell 1.2%, the Nasdaq dropped 1.5%, and European shares declined by 1.7%. The tech sector, already reeling from Trump’s earlier tariff policies, faced renewed pressure as investors grappled with the prospect of higher costs for consumer electronics. Analysts warn that a 25% tariff could significantly increase iPhone prices, potentially pushing the cost of a high-end model to $2,300 or more, compared to the current price of around $1,199. Wedbush Securities managing director Dan Ives called the idea of U.S.-made iPhones a “fairy tale,” arguing that the complex global supply chain and higher labor costs in the U.S. make such a shift impractical in the near term.

Apple has been diversifying its manufacturing base in recent years, moving some iPhone production to India to mitigate risks from U.S.-China trade tensions. The company aims to produce most iPhones sold in the U.S. at factories in India by the end of 2026, a plan accelerated by Trump’s earlier tariffs on Chinese imports, which reached 145% in April 2025 before being partially scaled back. Foxconn, Apple’s primary iPhone assembly partner, is investing $1.5 billion to expand its facilities in India, signaling a long-term shift away from China. However, Trump’s latest threat complicates this strategy, as he explicitly called out India as an unacceptable manufacturing location. In February, Apple announced a $500 billion investment over four years to expand hiring and facilities in nine U.S. states, but the company has not committed to domestic iPhone production.

Trump’s tariff threat against Apple coincides with his recommendation of a 50% tariff on European Union goods starting 1st June, further escalating global trade tensions. The EU, a major U.S. trading partner with exports totaling 500 billion euros last year, faces significant exposure, particularly in industries like pharmaceuticals, automotive, and luxury goods. Shares of German automakers Porsche, Mercedes, and BMW fell between 2% and 4.5%, while EssilorLuxottica, a sunglasses manufacturer, dropped 5.5%. The EU Commission declined to comment on the tariff threat, awaiting a scheduled call between EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic and U.S. trade representative Jamieson Greer. Analysts, including Kathleen Brooks of XTB, noted that Trump’s strained relations with EU leaders could prolong the trade war, with export-oriented European companies particularly vulnerable.

Since taking office on 20th January 2025, Trump has pursued an aggressive tariff agenda, imposing levies on countries ranging from China to Mexico and Canada. In April, he announced a 10% baseline tariff on all imports, with higher duties on key trading partners, sparking a global market selloff. While exemptions for smartphones and electronics were granted earlier this month, providing temporary relief for tech firms like Apple, Trump’s latest threats suggest a return to a hardline stance. The White House has emphasized that these exemptions aim to give companies time to relocate production to the U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent highlighted the administration’s goal of securing the semiconductor supply chain, suggesting Apple could play a role in domestic “precision manufacturing.”

Critics argue that Trump’s tariff policies risk disrupting global supply chains and increasing costs for American consumers. The exclusion of smartphones from earlier tariffs was seen as a pragmatic move to avoid price spikes, but the renewed focus on Apple raises questions about the administration’s consistency. Barton Crockett, an analyst, called Trump’s demand for U.S.-made iPhones “asking for the impossible,” citing the lack of domestic smartphone manufacturing infrastructure. Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, has navigated tariff threats before, leveraging his relationship with Trump during his first term to secure exemptions for core products in 2019. Cook recently met with Trump at the White House and donated $1 million to his inauguration fund, indicating ongoing efforts to maintain dialogue.

As Apple grapples with the tariff threat, the company faces a delicate balancing act. Shifting production to the U.S. would require significant investment and time, potentially disrupting its supply chain and increasing costs. Meanwhile, consumers may face higher prices if Apple passes on tariff costs, a move that could dampen demand, particularly in a competitive smartphone market.

The broader implications of Trump’s trade policies will likely hinge on upcoming negotiations, including talks with China and the EU. For now, Apple and its investors are bracing for uncertainty as the tech giant navigates a rapidly evolving trade landscape.