Trump threatens Apple with 25% tariff if it doesn’t build phones in America

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump on Friday demanded Apple make its iPhones in the United States or face a 25% tariff.

“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,” Trump posted Friday morning on Truth Social. “If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the U.S.”

Mr Trump also pushing for a 50% tariff on European Union goods starting June 1. Trump last week during his Middle East trip said he was displeased with Cook, Apple’s CEO, over the company’s plan to manufacture iPhones set to be sold in the United States at newly built plants in India.