Trump Demands Apple Make iPhones in US or Face 25% Tariff
Former US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Apple, insisting that the company manufacture iPhones within the United States or be subjected to a 25% tariff. Trump shared his message on Truth Social, stating he had previously told Apple CEO Tim Cook that iPhones sold in the US must be built domestically—not in India or other countries.
This demand comes amid Apple’s recent expansion of iPhone production in India, part of its broader strategy to diversify manufacturing outside China. Tim Cook has acknowledged that most iPhones sold in the US will soon be made in India, and Apple may face up to $900 million in tariffs this quarter due to ongoing US import penalties..
Trump expressed his frustration during a Middle East visit, including a meeting with Cook in Riyadh, where he reportedly told the CEO he did not want Apple manufacturing iPhones in India. Another meeting between Trump and Cook took place at the White House, though details remain private.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed concerns about overseas production posing national security risks, urging Apple to help secure the semiconductor supply chain. Apple has made progress with a semiconductor plant in Arizona through a partnership with TSMC.
However, experts believe large-scale US iPhone manufacturing is impractical. Analysts estimate it would cost Apple $30 billion and take several years to shift even a small portion of production domestically, potentially making iPhones prohibitively expensive.
Despite this, Apple has committed $500 billion to expanding US operations, including new facilities and data centers across 20 states.
If Trump’s tariff threat becomes reality, it could lead to higher iPhone prices, which analysts say may already rise in the upcoming fall product launch.
