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Since 2017, President Donald Trump has urged Apple CEO Tim Cook to move the manufacturing of its products, particularly iPhones, to the United States.
On Friday, he reiterated his call and warned of tariffs if the company continued producing iPhones for Americans internationally.
In a Truth Social post, President Trump wrote, “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. If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the U.S. Thank your for your attention to this matter!”
Last week, during his trip to Qatar, Trump discussed his discontent with Cook after the company announced plans to ramp up iPhone production in India.
According to USA Today, Apple moved iPhone production for the U.S. market from India to China to sidestep Trump’s tariffs on Chinese imports.
Referring to Cook as a friend, he publicly reminded him, “I’ve treated you very good,” but added, “We are not interested in you building in India, India can take care of themselves, they are doing very well, we want you to build here.” He expressed confidence that the company planned to increase production in the United States.
Following the tariff threat, Apple stock, $AAPL, fell four percent in premarket trading.
Trump’s tariff policy has jump-started negotiations with various countries around the world, and his commitment to leveling the playing field has remained steadfast.
Last week, Trump secured new trade deals with the United Kingdom and China. According to a fact sheet from the White House, A new mechanism “to continue important discussions about trade and economics” was also agreed upon during negotiations with China.
President Trump has also confronted large corporations planning to increase American prices as a result of his tariffs. Last week, he publicly warned Walmart of potential losses after the company announced price hikes.
He also engaged in a back-and-forth with Amazon after rumors that the company would list the added cost to customers due to tariffs. Amazon denied the rumor.