On May 24, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Apple Inc. would face a minimum 25% tariff on iPhones sold in the United States if they are manufactured outside the country, including in India. He emphasized that while Apple is free to build factories abroad, products made outside the U.S. would incur tariff penalties upon import.
This directive is part of Trump’s broader trade policy aimed at encouraging domestic manufacturing and reducing U.S. dependence on foreign-made goods, particularly in the technology sector. Apple has been shifting a significant portion of its iPhone production to India, with plans to manufacture 25% of all iPhones there by the end of 2025.
Speaking to reporters in the White House later on Friday, Trump stated that the tariff will be implemented by the end of June and would also apply to other firms, such as Samsung. “It wouldn’t be fair if it weren’t also Samsung and any other manufacturer of that product,” Trump stated.
Analysts warn that imposing such tariffs could have substantial financial implications for Apple, potentially increasing iPhone prices and affecting the company’s profitability. Apple’s stock has already experienced a decline, reflecting investor concerns over the potential impact of these tariffs.
The situation underscores the ongoing tensions in global trade and the challenges multinational companies face in navigating shifting economic policies.
