Saturday, March 29, 2025
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to Samsung, following similar remarks aimed at Apple. He demanded that smartphone manufacturers produce devices in the United States. Otherwise, they would face a 25% import tariff.
While speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said, “This isn’t just about Apple. This applies to Samsung and any company selling phones in America. If they build factories in the U.S., they pay no tariff. If not, they will face a 25% tax. We need a fair system.”
Trump also used Truth Social to voice his concerns. He said he had already told Apple CEO Tim Cook that iPhones sold in America should be made domestically—not in India or elsewhere. “If Apple doesn’t move production, they’ll face a 25% tax in the U.S.,” he posted.
Following his statement, Apple’s stock dropped by 2.6%. This fall erased $70 billion from the company’s market value.
Apple has started shifting iPhone production from China to India. Recent reports suggest India may soon become the main manufacturing base for iPhones sold in the U.S. This move reflects a response to the ongoing U.S.-China trade war.
Samsung, however, operates differently. It closed its last Chinese manufacturing plant in 2019. Today, Samsung makes smartphones in India, South Korea, Vietnam, and Brazil. Despite this, Trump insists that only U.S.-based manufacturing will avoid tariffs.
He made it clear that relocating production to America is not optional. Only companies making devices in the U.S. will qualify for tariff exemptions.
Trump’s remarks reflect his push to revive domestic manufacturing. He wants to reduce America’s reliance on foreign tech production. With the 2024 election approaching, experts expect more pressure on global companies to shift supply chains to the U.S.
