President Trump sharply criticized Apple on Friday, issuing a warning that the company may face a 25% tariff on iPhones unless it relocates manufacturing to the United States.
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump indicated he previously discussed the issue with Apple’s CEO. “I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhones sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built here, not in India or elsewhere,” the president wrote. “If that is not the case, a tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the U.S. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
Trump’s latest remarks surfaced days after Foxconn, one of Apple’s primary manufacturing partners, announced plans to invest $1.5 billion in its production facilities in India. Apple has increasingly sought to diversify its supply chain beyond China, driven in large part by the uncertainties and shifting trade policies stemming from the ongoing U.S.-China trade dispute.
Earlier this month, Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, confirmed during an earnings call that the majority of iPhones intended for American customers would soon designate India as their country of origin. Trump’s displeasure with Apple’s strategy to move some production to India emerged publicly for the first time last week while he was traveling internationally. Media reports indicated that Trump and Cook held a private meeting last Tuesday, although specific details about their discussions remain undisclosed.
The president’s latest warning toward Apple continues a pattern of aggressive commentary aimed at major companies attempting to navigate around the impacts of U.S. tariffs. Just last weekend, Trump also publicly called on Walmart to absorb the cost of tariffs instead of passing increased expenses onto American consumers.
