Trump Threatens 25% Tariffs on iPhones Made Outside the U.S.

In a recent move that could have major implications for the tech industry, former President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on iPhones unless Apple shifts production to the United States.

The threat came in a post on Trump's social media platform, Truth Social, where he 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!"

This escalation comes as Apple has been looking to diversify its manufacturing operations beyond China, with plans to shift more production to India. Apple's major manufacturing partner, Foxconn, recently announced a $1.5 billion investment in its India unit, signaling the company's intent to ramp up iPhone production in the country.

In an earnings call earlier this month, Apple CEO Tim Cook said that the majority of iPhones sold in the U.S. "will have India as their country of origin." This shift appears to have drawn the ire of the former president, who has a history of taking a hardline stance on trade and manufacturing issues.

Trump's threat is the latest development in an ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China that has had ripple effects across the global tech supply chain. The former president has previously targeted other tech companies, such as Walmart, with threats of tariffs if they don't comply with his demands.

The potential imposition of a 25% tariff on iPhones could have significant consequences for Apple's bottom line and the broader smartphone market. It remains to be seen how the company and the current administration will respond to this latest challenge.

As the tech industry continues to navigate the complexities of global trade and manufacturing, this situation serves as a stark reminder of the political and economic forces that can shape the future of the tech landscape.