After demanding Apple move iPhone manufacturing to the U.S. or face a 25% import tax, President Donald Trump announced that the same tariff would apply to all smartphone makers selling in the U.S. market.
“It Wouldn’t Be Fair Otherwise,” Trump Says
During a White House press conference, Trump explained that the new tariffs would not target Apple alone. “It will also hit Samsung and any other company making that product,” he said, indicating that companies like Google and other manufacturers assembling phones outside the U.S. would be affected as well.
The government aims to put the new tariff into effect by the end of June, but details about how it will be enforced or which exceptions might exist are unclear.
Consistent With Prior Trade Policies
Trump’s statement fits within earlier plans to use sector-specific tariffs alongside a larger 125% tariff on Chinese goods. Previously, smartphones and consumer electronics were exempt, but Trump suggested these exemptions would not last long.
The 25% tariff is part of what the government calls “semiconductor sectoral tariffs.” The goal is to boost domestic electronics production and cut down on imports.
Manufacturing Shift Poses Major Hurdles
This news comes as Apple reportedly increases iPhone manufacturing in India, a move seen as a way to avoid trade disputes. But with the new, broader tariffs, that option may no longer protect Apple or its rivals.
Moving phone manufacturing to the U.S. would be difficult and expensive for most companies right now. The supply chains are heavily based in Asia, especially in China, Vietnam, South Korea, and India, where production costs are lower.
Outlook and Uncertainty
Like previous tariffs introduced under Trump, this proposal has little detail about how it will be put into action. Whether the government pushes ahead or delays it, as it has before, remains unknown.
In the meantime, big tech companies will watch the situation and plan their responses. Industry experts warn that consumers in the U.S. may see higher prices if the tariffs are passed on during checkout.
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