Trump could place 10% tariff on phones and notebooks imported from China

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, President Trump said that he will very likely boost tariff levels on US$200 billion of Chinese goods to 25%.

He also said that if negotiations are not favorable, he would impose additional tariffs on goods currently not subjected to tariffs and this could include iPhones, notebooks, and more.

When asked about whether or not US consumers will be able to stomach the additional costs of smartphones and notebooks that will likely result from the tariffs, Trump said:

Maybe. Maybe. Depends on what the rate is. I mean, I can make it 10%, and people could stand that very easily.

History tells us that Apple has usually been quick to adjust to worldwide economic situations, having quickly adjusted prices in the past to reflect international exchange rates. However, it will be interesting to see how Apple will react if tariffs do get placed on iPhones in its largest market.

Apple has previously sent letters to the Trump administration urging the government to find "other, more effective" solutions.

It argued that tariffs would ultimately show up as a tax on US consumers and would increase the cost of products that they have come to depend on daily. Additionally, it would reduce US growth and competitiveness.

Trump, in response, advised companies to bring production to the US or look for alternatives elsewhere.

Source: Wall Street Journal, AppleInsider, Macrumors