US President Donald Trump on Friday issued a warning to Apple, stating that a steep tariff would be imposed on iPhones sold in the United States if they are not built within the country.
In a message posted on Truth Social, Trump reminded the public that he had already told Apple CEO Tim Cook that iPhones sold in America should be manufactured locally.
“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,” Trump wrote. He added, “If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the U.S.”
This statement comes amid Trump’s broader push to shift American manufacturing back home. His administration has used tariffs as a tool to pressure companies into producing goods domestically. These policies have caused uncertainty in global markets and affected trade relationships with several countries.
Trump’s latest comments mirror remarks he made during his recent trip to Qatar. Speaking about Apple’s overseas production, he said, “We’re not interested in you building in India… we want you to build here and they’re going to be upping their production in the United States.” He also admitted to having a “little problem” with Cook over the company’s decision to produce iPhones outside the US.
Apple CEO Tim Cook recently presented the company’s financial results for the first quarter and mentioned that he expects a growing share of iPhones sold in the US will be made in India.
Cook also warned about the potential effects of the Biden-era 145 percent tariffs on Chinese goods. While high-end tech products like smartphones have been temporarily excluded from these tariffs, Apple still faces rising costs. Not all parts of the iPhone are exempt, which adds financial strain.
Apple estimates that the US tariffs could cost them around $900 million in the current quarter. Cook noted that the impact was “limited” earlier this year, but the longer-term effects remain uncertain.
