In a new post on Truth Social, President Trump has criticized the tech giant for moving iPhone production to India. He claimed he had “long ago informed” Apple CEO Tim Cook that iPhones sold in the U.S. should be made in the U.S., not in India or “anyplace else.”
All iPhones Sold in the U.S. to Face 25% Tariff Unless Manufactured Domestically
Trump didn’t stop there.
He warned that if Apple doesn’t move manufacturing back to the U.S., a 25% tariff should be applied to all iPhones sold in the country. While the details of this tariff threat are unclear, the market reacted fast. Apple’s stock dropped 3% shortly after the post.
Why Trump Is Upset
This isn’t the first time Trump has raised concerns about Apple’s overseas production. Earlier this month, he admitted he had a “little problem” with Tim Cook after learning Apple plans to produce most U.S.-bound iPhones in India.
Apple announced the shift as a way to reduce the impact of tariffs on Chinese imports. The company said that in the June quarter, most iPhones sold in the U.S. will be made in India, while Macs, iPads, and AirPods will come from Vietnam factories.
Why Apple Isn’t Building iPhones in the U.S.
Building iPhones in the U.S. isn’t easy. Apple has avoided it due to high labor costs and a lack of skilled workers. Experts say it could take up to 10 years to set up large-scale iPhone production in the United States. Tim Cook himself has said: “I need to have the robotic arms.” “The day I see that available, it’s coming here,” he added.
What’s Next?
Apple and Trump have had a mostly calm relationship in the past, but this latest move could signal a rough patch ahead. If the tariff threat becomes real, it could force Apple to rethink its global supply strategy, or raise prices for U.S. customers.
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