Former President Donald Trump has issued a strong ultimatum to Apple: manufacture iPhones in the U.S. or face a 25% tariff. In a Truth Social post, Trump said he’s warned Apple CEO Tim Cook that U.S.-sold iPhones must be made on American soil — not in India or elsewhere. Trump is pushing hard for domestic production, tying it to national pride and economic strength.
📱 Apple’s India Pivot Sparks Presidential Backlash
Apple has been shifting iPhone production to India as part of a broader strategy to diversify away from China. CEO Tim Cook recently confirmed that most iPhones sold in the U.S. will soon originate from Indian factories. This move, aimed at risk management and cost efficiency, has drawn Trump’s ire — especially after he personally met Cook during a Middle East tour and voiced his disapproval.
💸 Tariffs, Tensions, and a $900M Price Tag
Despite securing some exemptions from Trump’s steep China tariffs, Apple still faces up to $900 million in tariff costs this quarter. The company’s reliance on international manufacturing, particularly in China (which accounts for 90% of iPhone output), puts it in a tricky spot as U.S. trade policies become increasingly protectionist under Trump’s influence.
👨🏭 Why iPhones Aren’t Built in America
Apple says making iPhones in the U.S. just isn’t feasible. The company depends on a vast network of highly skilled engineers — mostly found in China and India — to support its manufacturing operations. Former CEO Steve Jobs famously told Obama that the U.S. simply lacks the skilled labor needed. “Those jobs aren’t coming back,” Jobs said, highlighting a deep-rooted challenge in America’s workforce development.