Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 25 percent tariffs on smartphones made by Apple, Samsung Electronics Co., and other companies if they are not manufactured in the United States. The tariffs could be rolled out by the end of next month.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Trump issued the threat shortly after warning in a social media post that if iPhones are not made in the U.S., Apple must pay a "tariff of at least 25 percent" to the U.S. He emphasized that the tariff would also apply to Samsung and any other company making similar products outside the U.S., stating, "Otherwise, it wouldn't be fair."
During a press availability at the White House, Trump remarked that the tariffs would likely begin by the end of June. He was responding to a question about the potential impact on Apple, an American company. Trump clarified that companies manufacturing their products in the U.S. would be exempt from the tariffs.
Trump also commented on Apple's move to shift production to India, saying, "I said that's okay to go to India, but you are not going to sell (them) here without tariffs." This statement underscores his stance on encouraging domestic manufacturing.
The proposed tariffs have raised concerns in South Korea about the potential impact on bilateral economic and trade relations, as the country has been in talks with the U.S. to minimize the effects of the Trump administration's tariffs on its economy.
Additionally, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with trade talks with the European Union (EU), suggesting a "straight 50 percent tariff" on the bloc starting June 1. He accused the EU of being formed to "take advantage of" the U.S. and stated, "It's time that we play the game the way I know how to play the game."
When asked about a potential deal with the EU, Trump asserted that "we've set the deal" at 50 percent but reiterated that there would be no tariff if they build their plant in the U.S.