WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Friday renewed his demand that major manufacturers, including Apple, relocate their production facilities to the United States or face a 25% import tariff. The comments came during a media briefing held alongside the signing of several executive orders, including those aimed at promoting nuclear energy development.
Trump warned that companies producing goods abroad, such as Apple and Samsung, would be subject to tariffs unless they shifted manufacturing to the U.S.
“When they build their plant here, there’s no tariff,” Trump said. “But I had an understanding with 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 here without tariffs. And that’s the way it is.”
Trump emphasized that the potential 25% tariff would not apply exclusively to Apple. “It would also be Samsung and anybody that makes that product. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be fair,” he said.
He argued that increased domestic manufacturing would not necessarily raise consumer prices, citing improvements in automation and efficiency in modern production facilities.
“These plants are amazing,” he said. “Apple’s coming in with $500 billion. So are the chip companies — $500 billion, $200 billion, $250 billion — but we’re talking about the iPhone now. If they want to sell it in America, I want it built in America. They can do that.”
In a post on Truth Social, Trump reiterated his stance: “I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhones sold in the United States to be manufactured in the United States — not India, or anyplace else. 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.”
The former president also highlighted what he described as massive upcoming investments by technology and semiconductor firms in U.S. manufacturing, framing it as part of a broader effort to revitalize domestic industry.
Apple has not yet responded to Trump’s remarks. The feasibility of implementing such tariffs remains uncertain and would likely face legal and international trade hurdles.
The comments reflect Trump’s continued push for reshoring American manufacturing — a central theme of his economic policy platform.
Check Today’s Weather : Click Here
Leave a comment