Donald Trump threatens Apple with 25% tariff if iPhones are made in 'India or anywhere else'
PTC Web Desk: US President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to Apple Inc., stating that iPhones sold in the United States must be manufactured domestically or face a 25% tariff. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump revealed that he had earlier informed Apple CEO Tim Cook of his expectations that Apple products sold in the US be assembled within the country — not in India or any other foreign location.
“I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that 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 further said, “If that is not the case, a tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the U.S.”
The announcement triggered immediate market reactions. According to Bloomberg, US equity futures dropped sharply following Trump’s remarks, with Nasdaq 100 contracts leading the decline. Apple’s stock also took a hit, falling by 4% amid concerns over potential cost hikes and supply chain disruptions.
India has become a key part of Apple’s global manufacturing strategy. Over the past financial year alone, Apple produced iPhones worth $22 billion in India — a 60% increase from the previous year. The country has increasingly served as an alternative production base for the tech giant, especially as previous US tariffs on China prompted Apple to diversify its supply chain.
However, Trump has taken a firm stance against this shift. Just last week, he reiterated his opposition to Apple’s manufacturing expansion in India. “I had a little problem with Tim Cook yesterday,” Trump said during a speech in Qatar. “He is building all over India. I don’t want you building in India,” he added, while encouraging Apple to boost its US production instead.
Despite Trump's criticism, Apple has shown commitment to its US operations. Earlier this year, the company announced plans to invest over $500 billion in the United States over the next four years and create 20,000 new jobs.
- With inputs from agencies
