The 'iPhone in America' Dilemma: Trump's Manufacturing Challenge

President Trump's proposal to manufacture Apple's iPhone in the U.S. encounters legal hurdles. Economic experts note that tariffs alone may not suffice for re-shoring production jobs as the technological requirements for automation aren't yet available. This shift could raise iPhone prices, impacting consumers negatively.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Updated: 23-05-2025 23:33 IST | Created: 23-05-2025 23:33 IST
The 'iPhone in America' Dilemma: Trump's Manufacturing Challenge
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President Donald Trump's ambition to manufacture Apple's iconic iPhone domestically faces a battery of legal and economic challenges, industry experts warned on Friday, citing the requirement for automated processes for tasks like inserting 'little screws.'

While Trump has threatened a steep 25% tariff on iPhones sold but not made in the U.S., Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick emphasized the need for technology not yet available, a sentiment echoed by Apple's CEO Tim Cook.

Tariffs under current laws could inadvertently give advantages to competitors, undermining Trump's manufacturing goals. Experts caution that moving iPhone production stateside is a logistical challenge that could dramatically increase costs to consumers.

(With inputs from agencies.)

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