WASHINGTON, May 24, 2025 — Former U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on Apple and other smartphone manufacturers unless their devices are made in the United States, escalating pressure on tech giants amid persistent trade tensions.
Speaking to reporters in Washington on Friday, Trump initially singled out Apple, but later broadened the threat to include Samsung and “any company that makes that product,” stating that “otherwise it wouldn’t be fair.” He added that the tariffs would be enforced by the end of June.
The move would dramatically impact smartphone prices in the U.S., as nearly all major manufacturers — including Apple, Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, and Motorola — assemble their devices outside the United States, mostly in China, India, and Vietnam.
Apple, which designs its devices in the U.S. but relies heavily on Chinese factories for iPhone assembly, has already faced political heat during past trade disputes. Although the company has started shifting production to other countries like India, Trump made clear that such efforts won’t suffice.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump reiterated that he had “long ago” informed Apple CEO Tim Cook that iPhones sold in the U.S. must be made domestically. “Not India, or anyplace else,” he wrote. “If that is not the case, a tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the U.S.”
During a recent visit to Qatar, Trump recalled a conversation with Cook: “We’re not interested in you building in India… we want you to build here,” he said, emphasizing that Apple needs to expand domestic manufacturing.
Trump also mentioned Samsung, Apple’s main rival, which produces most of its smartphones in Vietnam, China, and India. Combined, Apple and Samsung account for nearly 80% of U.S. smartphone sales, making any trade policy shift highly impactful on American consumers.
The protectionist rhetoric is a renewed chapter in Trump’s long-standing push to reshore U.S. manufacturing, a key theme of his first presidential term and ongoing 2024 campaign.
Industry experts, however, warn that bringing iPhone production to the U.S. is neither practical nor economically viable. According to Wedbush Securities, around 90% of iPhone production remains in China, and shifting the complex supply chain to the U.S. would take years — if possible at all.
“Reshoring iPhone production is a fairy tale that is not feasible,” said Dan Ives, an analyst at Wedbush.
Trump’s renewed threats have already rattled investors. Apple shares dropped 3% on Friday, continuing a downward trend that has seen the company’s stock lose over 20% of its value since Trump returned to the political stage.
The impact of such tariffs could fall directly on consumers. Apple has already warned that existing U.S. tariffs on Chinese products — which at one point reached 145% — could cost the company $900 million this quarter alone.
Analysts say that if a 25% tariff is implemented, it will likely lead to higher iPhone prices. “While die-hard Apple fans may still be willing to pay,” said Susannah Streeter of Hargreaves Lansdown, “middle-class consumers will feel the pinch, especially amid broader inflation affecting everything from sneakers to toys.”
Trump’s remarks come despite a recent 90-day truce in the U.S.-China trade war, which temporarily halted additional tariffs. However, the former president’s comments suggest the conflict could escalate again, especially if smartphone manufacturing remains offshore.
For now, all eyes are on Apple, Samsung, and the broader tech sector, as businesses brace for the potential return of aggressive tariff policies that defined much of Trump’s previous tenure in office.
With the next round of tariffs possibly just weeks away, the global smartphone industry is once again on edge.
