Apple’s market value plummeted by approximately $70 billion after Donald Trump declared his intention to impose a 25% tariff on iPhones not manufactured in the United States. This direct threat, issued on Truth Social, underscores the former president’s firm resolve to bring key manufacturing processes back to American soil. The announcement has created significant uncertainty for one of the world’s largest tech companies.
Trump specifically called out Apple CEO Tim Cook, reiterating his long-held expectation that iPhones destined for the American market should be produced within the US, not in countries like India. This comes at a time when Apple is reportedly shifting some production to India to mitigate the effects of past trade disputes with China. Trump’s message is a clear rejection of offshore manufacturing for the US market.
The tariff threat isn’t isolated to Apple; Trump also indicated that Samsung and other phone manufacturers would face a 25% tariff if their devices are not made in the US. He framed this as a matter of “fairness” and a means to encourage companies to build new manufacturing facilities within the United States, thereby creating jobs. This signals a broader policy initiative impacting the entire smartphone industry.
Nevertheless, analysts are cautioning against the immense economic and logistical challenges associated with such a production shift. They point to the absence of the comprehensive manufacturing ecosystem and specialized labor force that Apple currently leverages in China. The estimated cost of a US-made iPhone soaring to $3,500 highlights the significant price increases consumers could face, potentially affecting demand.