In a dramatic escalation of his “America First” trade policy, U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday warned that Apple Inc. will face a 25 per cent tariff on iPhones sold in the United States if they are not manufactured domestically.
Trump made the announcement in a post on his Truth Social platform, stating he had “long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple” of his expectation that iPhones for the American market be made in the United States — not in India or other countries.
“If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the U.S.,” the President asserted.
The warning comes amid ongoing trade tensions and follows similar remarks Trump made during a recent trip to Qatar, where he also criticised Apple’s overseas manufacturing strategy. “We’re not interested in you building in India… we want you to build here,” Trump said on May 15, recounting a conversation with Apple CEO Tim Cook.
Apple, which has increasingly shifted iPhone production to India in response to rising U.S.-China tensions and tariffs, could be significantly affected by the proposed tariff. CEO Tim Cook, during the company’s Q1 earnings call in early May, had already noted that a majority of iPhones sold in the U.S. will soon be of Indian origin.
Cook also warned that U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods — including some Apple components — could cost the company $900 million this quarter. While finished iPhones are currently exempt from these tariffs, not all internal components receive the same treatment.
The tech giant has yet to officially respond to Trump’s latest statement. However, analysts warn the potential tariff could disrupt global supply chains and impact both pricing and availability of Apple products in the U.S. market.
This move is part of Trump’s broader economic strategy that has already drawn criticism from international partners and business leaders. Observers note that a forced reshoring of Apple’s manufacturing could lead to higher production costs and retail prices.
As the standoff intensifies, global markets are keeping a close eye on Apple’s next steps — and whether the company will reconsider its offshore manufacturing model in light of growing political and economic pressures.
