Trade war: Trump threatens to attack Apple and other smartphone manufacturers

In his protectionist obsession, Donald Trump targeted an American company for the first time, before reversing his course and extending the measure. The American president threatened on Friday, May 23, on his Truth Social platform to impose "at least 25%" in tariffs on Apple if the company does not manufacture its iPhones in the United States. The president stated that Apple had not relocated iPhone production to the United States despite his repeated requests. A few hours later, he clarified that these tariffs would be applied to all companies selling smartphones assembled abroad in the United States; "Otherwise, it would not be fair."

"It would also be Samsung and everyone who makes this product," he said during a press briefing at the White House, mentioning an entry into force "at the end of June." He had previously explained: "I have long informed Tim Cook that I expect that iPhones sold in the United States will be manufactured and built in the United States, not in India or elsewhere. If that is not the case, Apple will have to pay customs duties of at least 25% in the United States."

During Apple's latest earnings call in early May, Tim Cook said he expected "the majority of iPhones sold in the United States" during the current quarter to come from India. This measure allowed the company to avoid the 145% tariffs imposed by the United States on products from China, traditionally the heart of the famous smartphone manufacturing industry. Since then, the two countries have agreed to a 90-day truce on their customs surcharges.