Trump Urges Tech Firms Including Samsung To Make Electronics In US, Else Face Tariff Pressures

Taking to Truth Social on Friday, Trump said he had “long ago informed” Apple CEO Tim Cook of his expectation that iPhones sold in the US should be made domestically rather than in India or elsewhere

The proposed tariff policy, he explained, would also target other phone manufacturers that do not produce within the United States.

Source : Samsung

Former US President Donald Trump has renewed his push for American-made electronics, warning major smartphone makers that they could soon face heavy tariffs if they don’t shift production to the United States.

Taking to Truth Social on Friday, Trump said he had “long ago informed” Apple CEO Tim Cook of his expectation that iPhones sold in the US should be made domestically rather than in India or elsewhere.

“If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25 per cent must be paid by Apple to the US,” Trump posted. Later, during an Oval Office briefing, he confirmed that the proposed tariff would not only apply to Apple but also extend to other global smartphone companies, including Samsung.

Trump argued that the current level of automation in manufacturing makes domestic production feasible. “Much of the manufacturing process is now highly automated — these facilities are incredible when you see them — and they’re capable of handling it,” he remarked, suggesting Apple could produce cost-effective iPhones within the country. The company currently sells more than 60 million iPhones every year in the US.

Samsung and Others May Face Similar Measures

Trump clarified that Apple was not the only company on his radar. The proposed tariff policy, he explained, would also target other phone manufacturers that do not produce within the United States. Samsung, which manufactures the majority of its phones in countries such as Vietnam, South Korea, Brazil, and India, could also be affected, reported The Financial Express.

“The tariff would apply to any phone maker selling devices in the US. It would be more. It would be also Samsung and anybody that makes that product,” he said. “Otherwise it wouldn’t be fair.” Despite Samsung's earlier exit from China, Trump emphasised that the origin of production matters more than market strategy.

India Production Strategy Draws Criticism

Trump’s statements followed closely on the heels of his Middle East trip, where he criticised Apple’s growing dependence on Indian manufacturing. Cook has publicly stated that most iPhones destined for the US market will soon be built in India, as Apple continues its efforts to diversify its global supply chain.

While in Qatar, Trump reportedly confronted Cook directly, telling him, “I don’t want you building in India.” Despite a long-running business relationship between the two, the comment highlights the growing tension over Apple's offshore operations. The pair met again at the White House on Tuesday, although no details from that meeting have been shared.

Cost Challenges and Strategic Concerns

Producing iPhones in the US could come at a steep price. Analysts estimate that building a domestic supply chain to match the scale and efficiency of Asian operations would require over $30 billion in investment and take several years. A US-manufactured iPhone could potentially cost more than three times its current price of $1,000.

Apple’s late co-founder Steve Jobs had previously explained to former President Barack Obama that the US lacked the industrial engineering workforce required to support the company’s high-volume, high-tech production model. Apple has since trained millions of workers abroad, particularly in China and India.

Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent voiced support for Trump’s tariff stance, pointing to national security and the risk of relying on foreign semiconductor production. He called on American firms to strengthen the domestic supply chain, referencing efforts like TSMC’s new semiconductor facility in Arizona as steps in the right direction.