This archive report was first published on 27 July 2019.
July 27, 2019
US President Donald Trump has rejected Apple's request for tariff exemptions on components for its Mac Pro computers, manufactured in China. The move is part of Trump's efforts to pressure Apple to shift production to the United States.
Trump made the announcement on Twitter, stating, "Apple will not be given Tariff wavers, or relief, for Mac Pro parts that are made in China. Make them in the USA, no Tariffs!"
Later, Trump told reporters that he wanted Apple to manufacture the parts in the United States, saying, "When I heard they were going to build in China, I said when you send your product to the United States, we're going to tariff you."
Apple had filed a request with the US trade representative, seeking exemptions for certain components of its $6,000 Mac Pro desktop computer, citing that they could only be sourced from China. The move comes amid ongoing trade tensions between the US and China.
Trump has threatened to impose punitive tariffs on more Chinese goods to press Beijing to accept more imports and improve protections for US intellectual property. Despite this, Trump praised Apple CEO Tim Cook, saying he was someone "I have a lot of liking for and respect."
Trump also expressed optimism that Apple would announce plans to build a plant in Texas, saying, "We'll work it out. I think they'll announce they'll build a plant in Texas. If they do that, I'm starting to get very happy."
