U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to Apple, threatening to impose a 25% tariff on imported iPhones unless the company shifts its manufacturing to the United States. The demand, posted Friday on Trump’s Truth Social platform, targets Apple’s overseas production operations, particularly in India, where the tech giant has increasingly relocated iPhone assembly, reports AP.
“I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhones that will be sold in the United States of America to be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else,” Trump wrote. “If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the US.”
Apple, led by CEO Tim Cook, began shifting segments of its iPhone production to India in response to trade tensions and tariffs imposed during Trump’s previous administration. The company’s diversification strategy aims to reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing and shield operations from geopolitical risks. However, this shift has become a focal point of Trump’s ongoing campaign to restore American manufacturing and reduce foreign dependency.
Trump’s latest threat comes amid growing concerns over inflation and economic uncertainty tied to global supply chains and import taxes. Apple now joins other major corporations, including Amazon and Walmart, that have faced similar public pressure from the president over their business practices.
During a recent trip to the Middle East, Trump again voiced dissatisfaction with American companies manufacturing abroad, citing Apple’s India operations as an example of misplaced priorities. The return of such rhetoric is seen as a political move ahead of the 2024 elections, as Trump doubles down on economic nationalism.
Industry analysts warn that if the proposed tariff is implemented, it could significantly raise the retail price of iPhones in the U.S., impacting consumer demand and potentially reducing Apple’s profitability. The company has not yet publicly responded to Trump’s latest comments.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
