Former U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated his tariff threat from Apple alone to include all smartphone manufacturers, warning of a potential 25% tariff on devices not made within the United States. Initially targeting Apple due to its heavy reliance on Chinese assembly, Trump expanded the threat to Samsung and other global brands to maintain what he called a “level playing field.” The tariffs could be implemented as early as the end of June.
Speaking to reporters, Trump made it clear that while Apple designs its iPhones in the U.S., most production still happens overseas—primarily in China, a key player in the ongoing trade tensions with America. Despite Apple’s efforts to shift some manufacturing to countries like India, Trump dismissed these moves as insufficient, insisting that iPhones sold in the U.S. must be fully made on American soil or face hefty tariffs.
The former president also revealed his conversation with Apple CEO Tim Cook, urging the tech giant to boost domestic production instead of building in India or elsewhere. Samsung, which produces most of its phones in Vietnam, China, and India, is also under scrutiny amid this trade push.
Industry experts are skeptical of Trump’s demands, pointing out that relocating production would be costly and time-consuming. Apple’s stock has already suffered, dropping over 20% this year amid tariff-related uncertainties.
If tariffs go ahead, consumers might face higher smartphone prices, further straining wallets in an inflation-hit economy. This announcement comes shortly after a fragile 90-day U.S.-China tariff truce, leaving tech companies and investors on edge as protectionist policies continue to loom.