Trump Threatens 25% Tariffs on iPhones Made Outside the US

Former President Donald Trump has escalated his ongoing dispute with Apple, threatening to impose a 25% tariff on iPhones imported into the United States if the company does not shift its production back to American soil. The renewed pressure comes as Apple continues to diversify its manufacturing base, particularly expanding its operations in India.

In a post on Truth Social on Friday, Trump stated, “I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhone’s [sic] 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. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

Trump’s remarks follow recent news of Apple’s major manufacturing partner, Foxconn, committing to a significant $1.5 billion investment in its India unit. This move is part of Apple’s broader strategy to mitigate risks associated with the trade war between the U.S. and China, which intensified during Trump’s presidency. By increasing production in India, Apple aims to reduce its reliance on Chinese manufacturing.

During an earnings call earlier this month, Apple CEO Tim Cook acknowledged the growing importance of India in the company’s supply chain, noting that a significant portion of iPhones sold in the U.S. would originate from India.

Trump’s discontent with Apple’s shift to India was also voiced last week while he was in the Middle East, according to CNN. A meeting between Trump and Cook reportedly took place on Tuesday, though details regarding the discussion remain limited.

This latest threat against Apple is consistent with Trump’s pattern of targeting companies attempting to circumvent U.S. tariffs. Just recently, he publicly urged Walmart to absorb tariff costs rather than passing them on to consumers.