Sat May 24 06:01:24 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
U.S. President Donald Trump is pressuring Apple to manufacture iPhones sold in the U.S. within the country, threatening a 25% tariff if the company continues to produce them in India. Trump claims he had an understanding with Apple CEO Tim Cook that production would remain in the U.S. He highlighted India’s high tariffs as a reason to avoid manufacturing there. Apple CEO Tim Cook stated in an earnings conference call that a majority of iPhones sold in the U.S. for the June quarter will have India as their country of origin. Experts believe Trump’s move is a tactic to localize supply chains in the U.S., something that would be costly and take time. Counterpoint Research projects that a significant portion of global iPhone shipments will be made in India this year.
**News Article:**
**Trump Threatens Apple with Tariffs Over India-Made iPhones**
*New York/Washington – May 24, 2025* – U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to Apple, stating that the tech giant will face a 25% tariff on iPhones sold in the United States if they continue to be manufactured in India. The President claims he had a prior agreement with CEO Tim Cook for production to remain within the U.S.
“It is ok for Apple to go to India to build its plants, but then the tech company will not be able to sell its products in America without tariffs,” Trump stated in the Oval Office, echoing remarks made earlier in the week during a visit to the Middle East. He cited India’s high tariffs as a reason to avoid manufacturing there, despite the country’s offer of reduced tariffs.
Apple CEO Tim Cook recently stated that a majority of iPhones sold in the U.S. during the next quarter would originate from India. Industry analysts are skeptical of President Trump’s demands, pointing out the significant cost implications of shifting production back to the United States.
“This is a familiar Trump tactic,” said Tarun Pathak, Research Director at Counterpoint Research. “He wants to push Apple to localize more and build a supply chain in the U.S, which is not going to happen overnight.”
Despite the pressure, Counterpoint Research Vice President Neil Shah predicts that production will continue in India, with made-in-India iPhones accounting for 25%-30% of global shipments this year. The situation remains tense as Apple navigates the political and economic landscape.