Trump Warns Apple: Face 25% Tariff If iPhones Are Made in India Instead of U.S
WASHINGTON:Former U.S. President **Donald Trump** has issued a stern warning to tech giant **Apple**, stating that the company will face a **25% import tariff** if it manufactures iPhones in **India** instead of the **United States**.
The warning came via Trump’s **Truth Social** account on **Friday**, where he reiterated his long-held stance that products sold in America should be **manufactured on American soil**.
> *“I told Tim Cook a long time ago that I expect all iPhones sold in the U.S. to be made in the U.S., not in India or elsewhere,”* Trump wrote.
> *“If not, Apple will have to pay at least a 25% tariff on every device brought into the U.S.”*
### Market Reaction
Following the post, **Apple’s shares dropped 2.5%** in **pre-market trading**, reflecting investor concerns over the potential economic implications of such a policy if Trump regains the presidency.
### Apple’s Manufacturing Strategy
Apple has **significantly expanded iPhone production in India** in recent years, especially after Trump’s earlier administration imposed **tariffs on Chinese goods**. India emerged as an **alternative manufacturing hub** to reduce dependency on China and to mitigate trade tensions.
Earlier this year, Apple announced that **a majority of iPhones for the U.S. market** would begin shipping from **India** during the **June quarter**, a move praised for its logistical and geopolitical advantages.
### Political Pressure Mounts
Trump’s comments are being seen as part of a broader **“America First” economic stance**, aimed at **revitalizing domestic manufacturing** and reducing foreign dependency in strategic industries like technology.
Industry analysts say the imposition of a 25% tariff could lead to **higher iPhone prices for American consumers** or **force Apple to re-evaluate its global supply chain strategy**.
As the U.S. gears up for the **2024 presidential elections**, economic nationalism and **corporate offshoring** are likely to remain **hot-button issues**, with Apple caught in the political crossfire.
