Donald Trump has taken to Truth Social to issue a threat to tech giant Apple amid the possibility of iPhones not being made in the US going forward.
Since the 47th POTUS returned to the White House back in January for a second term it has been tariff, after tariff, after tariff.
And the ongoing trade as a result has lead to many companies questioning the decisions being made in the Oval Office, including Walmart, who have warned of rising prices in store.
Apple's response
Earlier this month, Apple confirmed that they would be massively impacted by the ongoing trade war caused by Trump’s tariffs.
The iPhone maker noted that the tariffs placed on countries would result in an increase of $900,000,000 in costs for the second quarter of the year, ending in June.
CEO Tim Cook said that the majority of iPhones to be sold in the US will come from India and the majority of iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches will be made in Vietnam.
The company explained this decision had been made as Apple had spent extra money to ensure they were building their products in nations outside of China.
Trump's threat
Now, Trump has threatened to put a 25 per cent tariff on Apple products unless iPhones are manufactured in the States.
Taking to Truth Social, the president 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 US.”
Apple's plan to shift iPhone manufacturing to India has seemingly been a constant source of frustration for Trump, as the president mentioned it last week during a visit to the Middle East.
Despite the tech giant's plans, some experts are warning it may not be enough to prevent increased costs being passed on to the consumer.
Jacob Bourne, an analyst at Emarketer, said: “The company’s proposed manufacturing shift to India raises pressing questions about execution timeline, capacity limitations, and potentially unavoidable cost increases that will shrink margins, be passed to consumers, or have a mix of consequences.”
Dan Ives, an analyst at Wedbush Securities, has warned the next iPhone could cost as much as $3,500 each, which is significantly more expensive than the current most expensive smartphone from Apple, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, at $1,199.
UNILAD has reached out to Apple for comment.