Trump Threatens iPhone Tariffs if Not Made in U.S., Targets EU with 50% Levy

Fresh Warnings from Trump: Tariffs on iPhones and EU Goods
US President Donald Trump took aim at both Apple and the European Union on Friday, issuing threats of hefty tariffs on goods manufactured outside the United States.

Trump’s Message to Apple: Make iPhones in America

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump directly addressed Apple CEO Tim Cook, stating that he expects iPhones sold in the U.S. to be made in America, not in countries like India. “If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the US,” Trump declared.

This comes as Apple has been actively expanding its manufacturing presence in India, aiming to reduce its reliance on China amidst global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions. During a previous state visit to Qatar, Trump recounted a conversation with Cook where he criticized Apple’s investments in India, stating, “I don’t want you building in India. India can take care of themselves.”

Apple’s India Expansion

Apple has pledged to invest $500 billion in the United States and recently announced that a majority of iPhones sold in the U.S. will be manufactured in India. The company aims to produce approximately 25% of global iPhones in India within the next few years. In the year ending March 2025, Apple produced roughly $22 billion worth of iPhones in India, a 60% increase from the previous year.

EU in Trump’s Crosshairs

Trump also announced a 50% tariff on goods from the European Union, citing a ballooning trade deficit. He accused the EU of unfair trade practices and claimed that the bloc was formed to take advantage of the United States.

Market Reactions

Trump’s announcements sent shockwaves through global markets. US stock futures plummeted, with the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq futures all experiencing significant declines. European markets also took a hit, with Germany’s DAX, France’s CAC 40, and the UK’s FTSE 100 all falling sharply. Apple shares dropped 3.8% in morning trading.