Trump on US tariffs: "I'll talk to Tim Cook" – and shows flexibility
When asked by journalists how long the tariff exemptions for China, which also apply to Apple, will last, Trump gives the company hope. But will this remain so?
Factory tour by Cook and Trump during his first presidency.
(Image: dpa, Evan Vucci/AP/dpa)
Apple shares up 2.21%, market capitalization back at over three trillion US dollars: Have the chaotic days surrounding the Trump “tariffs” now come to an end for the iPhone manufacturer? Presumably not, as the US President himself has only made cautious comments about his 90-day suspension of the punitive tariff hammer against China. Nevertheless, Trump has now made a statement to journalists – and also mentioned Apple boss Tim Cook.
Trump appears flexible, but remains tough on the matter
When asked how long the exemptions should apply and for which products, Trump said he was looking at how he could help car companies switch to other components. “They're going to need a little time because they will make them here in our country.” On Apple, Trump said he was a “very flexible person”. “I don't change my mind, but I'm flexible. Sometimes you can't just have a wall, sometimes you have to be able to go around it, under it or over it.”
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So there are “things that may come” regarding Apple. He spoke to CEO Tim Cook, and he had “recently helped him” – by which Trump apparently meant the suspension of tariffs for 90 days. “I don't want to hurt anybody.” However, his ultimate goal is still to “make the country great” – which effectively means bringing the production of key goods back to the United States, which America has gradually lost to countries such as China and Mexico since the 1970s.
Cook is considered a Trump whisperer
It is not known what Cook discussed with Trump – but the Apple CEO is said to have a good relationship with the US President. The Apple boss has already emphasized in the past that the USA is an increasingly important production location for Apple. The problem, however, is the lack of a domestic supply chain and the necessary workforce for these comparatively simple and strenuous jobs – which is why automation is needed.
Nevertheless, Apple managed to build up capacity in India in a comparatively short time. One in five iPhones is now manufactured on the subcontinent, albeit mainly from Chinese components. Apple itself has not officially commented on the customs chaos, but has let its logistics play out.
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