Washington, D.C., May 24, 2025 — Former President Donald Trump on Friday renewed his demand that major tech manufacturers, including Apple, produce their products within the United States or face a 25% import tariff. His comments came during a press conference held to mark the signing of several executive orders aimed at boosting domestic energy production, including nuclear energy development.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said Apple and other technology companies must relocate their production to the U.S. to avoid substantial tariffs.
“When they build their plants here, there’s no tariff,” Trump said. “But I had an understanding with [Apple CEO] Tim Cook that he wouldn’t be doing this. He said he’s going to India to build plants. I said, that’s okay, but you’re not going to sell into the U.S. without tariffs. That’s the way it is.”
The proposed tariff would not only apply to Apple but also to other firms manufacturing electronics abroad, including Samsung.
“It wouldn’t be fair otherwise,” Trump added.
Trump expressed confidence that domestic manufacturing would not necessarily lead to higher consumer prices, citing technological advancements and automation.
“These plants are amazing. Apple is bringing in $500 billion, and the chip companies are also investing—$200 billion, $250 billion,” he said. “We’re talking about the iPhone now, but others are coming too. If they’re going to sell it in America, I want it built in America. They can do that.”
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump stated:
“I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect iPhones sold in the United States to be manufactured here—not in India or anywhere else. If not, Apple must pay a tariff of at least 25%. Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
Apple has not yet responded to Trump’s remarks. The former president’s statements align with his broader economic agenda of reshoring manufacturing jobs and reducing U.S. dependence on overseas production.
It remains unclear whether such a tariff could be legally implemented without congressional approval or how it might impact U.S. trade relations and consumer prices.
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