Trump Threatens 50% EU Tariffs, 25% Apple Penalties/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump threatened a 50% tariff on all EU imports and 25% penalties on Apple products unless iPhones are made in America. The move escalates trade tensions and spooked markets.
Trump’s 50% EU Tariff Threat, Apple iPhone Penalties Escalate Trade War – Quick Looks
- EU Tariff Plan: Trump proposes a 50% tariff on all EU imports starting June 1
- Apple Tariff Threat: 25% penalty if iPhones aren’t manufactured in the U.S.
- Trump’s Justification: Frustration over stalled EU trade negotiations
- China Comparison: EU tariffs proposed higher than current 30% rate on Chinese imports
- Market Impact: Stock futures dropped following Trump’s announcement
- Apple’s Supply Chain: Company is shifting iPhone production to India
- Corporate Backlash: Apple joins Amazon, Walmart in facing trade war pressure
- Trump’s Message to Apple: “iPhones must be made in the USA”
- Deadline Set: Tariffs on EU begin June 1 unless demands are met
- Negotiation Status: EU insists on zero tariffs; Trump wants to maintain U.S. leverage
Deep Look: Trump Slaps EU, Apple With Tariff Ultimatum Amid Escalating Trade War
President Donald Trump reignited trade war tensions Friday by threatening punitive tariffs against both the European Union and tech giant Apple. In a pair of social media posts that rocked global markets, Trump announced his intent to impose a 50% tariff on all imports from the EU and a 25% tariff on Apple products unless iPhones are made in the U.S.
The bold declaration, issued on Truth Social, underscores Trump’s escalating frustration with what he calls “unfair” trade practices by long-standing allies and multinational corporations.
Trump vs. the European Union
In the first of two posts, Trump slammed the lack of progress in trade negotiations with the European Union. The EU has pushed for zero tariffs across the board, while Trump insists on keeping a baseline 10% on most imports to preserve U.S. leverage.
“Our discussions with them are going nowhere,” Trump wrote. “Therefore, I am recommending a straight 50% Tariff on the European Union, starting on June 1, 2025. There is no Tariff if the product is built or manufactured in the United States.”
This tariff, more severe than those currently levied on China, signals a potential economic rift between the U.S. and its traditional allies. Trump recently reduced tariffs on Chinese goods to 30% to restart negotiations with Beijing.
Apple in the Crosshairs
Shortly before announcing his EU trade stance, Trump turned his attention to Apple, demanding the tech company shift iPhone production to American soil or face severe consequences.
“I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhones… be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else,” Trump said. “If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the U.S.”
Apple has long relied on overseas manufacturing, especially in China. In response to earlier tariffs, the company began transitioning some of its supply chain to India. That move, however, appears to have further irritated the Trump administration.
The White House previously warned Amazon, Walmart, and other corporate giants to align with its manufacturing goals or face financial penalties.
Market Fallout
Investors reacted immediately. Stock futures slumped in early morning trading, reflecting fears that heightened trade tensions could ripple across industries. Technology and consumer goods sectors appeared most vulnerable, as analysts warned the proposed tariffs could lead to higher prices and supply chain instability.
While tariffs are intended to boost domestic manufacturing and job creation, critics argue they can lead to higher costs for consumers and trigger retaliatory measures from affected trade partners.
Strategic Pressure or Negotiation Gambit?
Trump’s hardline strategy could be aimed at forcing rapid concessions, especially with the European Union. Trade talks between the two sides have stagnated, and Trump’s tactic appears to be “maximum pressure.”
By pushing for domestic production from U.S.-based companies like Apple and threatening allies with trade penalties typically reserved for adversaries, Trump is effectively expanding his “America First” doctrine into a second term with more aggressive tools.
Still, the effectiveness of this strategy remains uncertain. The EU has not commented directly on the latest threat, and Apple has not publicly responded.
What’s Next?
The administration has set June 1 as the deadline for its EU tariffs. If implemented, the move could inflame U.S.-EU relations, risk retaliatory tariffs, and further rattle global markets already navigating economic volatility from ongoing trade realignments.
As for Apple, the company will need to weigh the cost of tariffs against the logistical and financial burden of reshoring iPhone manufacturing — a process that could take years.
With the global economy already on edge, Trump’s trade salvo has added a new layer of uncertainty to an already tense international trade environment.
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