President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he might impose a 50% tax on all imports from the European Union and a 25% tariff on Apple products, unless iPhones are manufactured in the United States.
The statements, made via social media, showcase Trump’s capability to affect the global economy with just a few tweets. They also highlight that his tariffs are not yielding the desired trade agreements or the resurgence of domestic manufacturing he has pledged to his supporters.
The Republican leader expressed his desire to impose higher import taxes on EU products, a traditional US partner, compared to China, which saw its tariffs reduced to 30% recently to facilitate trade negotiations. Trump’s frustration stemmed from stalled trade discussions with the EU, which has continued to push for eliminating tariffs altogether, contrary to Trump’s public stance for maintaining at least a 10% import tax.
“Our discussions with them are going nowhere!” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Therefore, I am recommending a straight 50% Tariff on the European Union, starting on June 1, 2025. There is no Tariff if the product is built or manufactured in the United States.”
That post had been preceded by a threat of import taxes against Apple. Apple now joins Amazon, Walmart and other major U.S. companies in the White House’s crosshairs as they try to respond to the uncertainty and inflationary pressures unleashed by his tariffs.
“I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhone’s that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else,” Trump wrote. “If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the U.S.”
In response to Trump’s tariffs on China, Apple and CEO Tim Cook were looking to shift iPhone manufacturing to India as the company adjusts supply chains. That plan has become a source of frustration for Trump, who also brought it up last week during his Middle East trip.
Stock futures sold off after Trump’s postings.
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