Trump Threatens 25 Percent Tariff on Apple and Other Tech Giants

President Trump warned that Apple could face a 25% tariff if it doesn’t produce iPhones in the U.S., pressuring American firms to bring manufacturing home. He told Apple CEO Tim Cook that iPhones sold domestically must be built in the U.S., not abroad, and hinted at similar rules for Samsung. Apple’s stock fell 3% following the announcement. Trump said tariffs could take effect by late June, framing the move as part of efforts to rebuild U.S. manufacturing. Analysts, however, doubt Apple could shift production quickly, warning that iPhone prices could soar to $1,500–$3,500 and global markets could face disruption.

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*Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/trump-threatens-25-tariff-apple-not-start-making-iphones-america-rcna208709

President Donald Trump warned that Apple could face a 25 percent tariff if it does not begin producing iPhones in the United States. The statement, posted on his Truth Social account on May 23, 2025, marked the latest escalation in his campaign to pressure American corporations to move their manufacturing home. Trump said he had already informed Apple CEO Tim Cook that iPhones sold in the United States must be built domestically, not in India or other countries. He added that the same rule would apply to companies such as Samsung to ensure fairness across the industry. The announcement immediately rattled investors. Apple’s stock fell by 3 percent on Friday, which extended its year-to-date decline to nearly 20 percent.

Trump later told reporters that the tariffs could be implemented by the end of June unless Apple began construction on U.S. plants. He framed the measure as part of a broader push to rebuild the American manufacturing base and secure supply chains in critical sectors like semiconductors. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent supported the president’s remarks, saying that bringing high-tech production back to the United States would reduce national vulnerabilities. Still, many analysts expressed doubt that Apple could shift its vast overseas supply chain so quickly. Experts estimated that if iPhones were built entirely in the United States, retail prices could rise to between $1,500 and $3,500.

The threat against Apple followed similar attacks on other major companies. Trump recently criticized Walmart for warning that tariffs could increase consumer prices and told the retailer to “eat the tariffs.” He also targeted Mattel with a 100 percent duty on toys made abroad and accused Amazon of politicizing its pricing strategy. The latest move against Apple represents Trump’s most direct challenge yet to a leading American technology firm. While the president argued that his policy would create jobs and strengthen economic security, critics warned that higher tariffs could push up prices for consumers and unsettle global markets.