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Trump Threatens Apple With 25% Tariff on Non-U.S.-Made iPhones

The president's tariff ultimatum targets Apple's global supply chain strategy, causing a 3% drop in shares and raising questions about feasibility and economic impact.

Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks as he and President Donald Trump participate in an American Workforce Policy Advisory Board meeting in the White House State Dining Room in Washington, on March 6, 2019.
Apple CEO Tim Cook and President Donald Trump at the White House in 2019.

Overview

  • President Trump announced a 25% tariff on iPhones not manufactured in the United States, demanding Apple shift production domestically.
  • Apple shares dropped approximately 3% in premarket trading following the announcement, reflecting investor concerns about the policy's implications.
  • Analysts estimate a U.S.-manufactured iPhone could cost as much as $3,500, making domestic production economically unviable for Apple.
  • The legal basis for imposing a company-specific tariff remains unclear, adding to uncertainty around the enforceability of Trump's threat.
  • In a related move, Trump proposed a 50% tariff on all European Union imports, escalating trade tensions and impacting global markets.