President Donald Trump on Friday said that all major smartphone makers, not just Apple, will face a 25% tariff if they manufacture devices outside the United States. The tariffs are set to take effect by the end of June.
“Otherwise it wouldn’t be fair,” Trump said, confirming that companies like Samsung will be included in the policy. “If they build their plant here, there’s no tariff at all.”
He criticized Apple CEO Tim Cook for expanding iPhone production in India, despite a previous understanding. “It’s okay to go to India, but you’re not going to sell it in the U.S. without tariffs,” Trump said.
When asked if U.S.-made iPhones would cost more, Trump disagreed. “It is totally possible to make it at the same price,” he said. “These plants are amazing. A lot of it is computerized,” he added.
