In a bold move aimed at pushing tech giants to shift manufacturing to the United States, former President Donald Trump has warned that a proposed 25% tariff on Apple products could also extend to other major smartphone makers, including Samsung.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump emphasized that the tariff would apply broadly to any company manufacturing phones outside the U.S. “It would be more. It would be also Samsung and anybody that makes that product. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be fair,” he said. “When they build their plant here, there is no tariff.”
The statement came just hours after Trump announced that Apple would face a 25% tariff on iPhones manufactured in India or any location outside the United States. He reiterated his longstanding position that Apple should move its production to the U.S.
Taking to social media earlier, Trump said he had previously informed Apple CEO Tim Cook of his expectations:
“I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhones that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States — not India, or anyplace else.”
The remarks signal a renewed push to encourage domestic manufacturing and level the playing field for companies operating within the U.S. However, such a move could have wide-ranging implications for global supply chains and consumer prices.
