President Trump's administration has implemented a 25% import tariff on goods from India, leading to a total levy of 50%. This decision poses a significant threat to Apple, as the company has been shifting its iPhone manufacturing operations to India in recent years. The timing of this tariff increase is particularly troublesome for Apple, as they are gearing up for the launch of the iPhone 17 series.
Approximately 14% of all iPhones are currently manufactured in India, a number expected to rise to 25% by the end of the year. With plans to make India the primary manufacturing hub for its devices, Apple has been working to diversify its supply chain away from China.
In addition to the import tariffs, President Trump has also hinted at the possibility of imposing a 100% tariff on foreign semiconductor imports. Companies investing in US-based manufacturing facilities would be exempt from these levies, as would manufacturers of semiconductor-related products who are transitioning production to the US.
These developments could have significant implications for Apple's operations and supply chain management, especially as they prepare for the upcoming iPhone 17 launch.
