In a sharp escalation of his trade policies, former President Donald Trump has broadened his threat to impose steep tariffs—not only on Apple’s iPhones but on all imported smartphones, including those made by Samsung and other major brands. The announcement comes amid growing concern over trade imbalances, domestic manufacturing, and the broader geopolitical landscape.
On May 23, Trump announced via Truth Social and during an Oval Office press briefing that all smartphones manufactured abroad, including Apple’s iPhones and Samsung’s Galaxy line, would face a 25% import tariff unless they were assembled within the United States
His message was clear: “I expect iPhones sold in the United States … to be made in the United States … If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25% must be paid.”
The measure was originally directed solely at Apple but later was explicitly expanded: “It would be also Samsung and anybody that makes that product, otherwise it wouldn’t be fair,” Trump stated
This aggressive stance is part of Trump’s broader strategy to pressure foreign manufacturers into relocating production to the U.S. By leveraging his tariff-making authority—initially through emergency powers invoking global tariffs—Trump seeks to revive domestic manufacturing and reduce trade deficits
