Trump says New Chip Tariffs Coming Over the Next Week, Signals
Flexibility on iPhones
US President Donald Trump said on Sunday
(13.03.2025) he would announce new tariffs on semiconductors "over the
next week," as he continues a push to impose punishing levies to address
US trade issues.
Responding to questions about potential
tariffs on iPhones, Trump said an announcement would come soon but emphasized
the need for “some flexibility.”
He added that there would be flexibility
for certain companies when it comes to semiconductor tariffs, though details
remained unclear.
The U.S. had appeared to ease pressure
with exclusions on key electronics, benefiting companies like Apple and Nvidia,
but Trump and top aides clarified that many of these items would soon face
sector-specific tariffs under a new national security investigation.
Tariff rates on Chinese goods have
soared to 145%, while Beijing retaliated with a 125% band on U.S. imports.
Despite brief relief for tech products, Trump reiterated his hardline stance,
promising more details soon. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick
said semiconductor and pharmaceutical products would face fresh duties within
months.
Trump's tariff volatility has
rattled markets, with falling consumer confidence and backlash from investors,
including some of his allies. Still, the White House claims the strategy is
paying off, citing multiple countries now engaging in trade talks. Meanwhile,
China, excluded from recent pauses, has positioned itself as a stable
counterweight, with President Xi Jinping set to tour Southeast Asia to strengthen
regional ties.
Trump’s tariffs were expected
to raise the price of iPhones and other popular Apple products due to the
company’s reliance on Chinese manufacturing. Analysts from AP estimated the
iPhone 16 Pro Max could see a price jump of up to 29%, pushing its starting
price from $1,200 to $1,550.
While the Trump
administration argues the tariffs will help bring back U.S. manufacturing,
experts say producing iPhones in the U.S. is impractical and could drive prices
above $3,000.