Apple’s CEO Tim Cook discussed with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick last week the possible effects of President Donald Trump’s tariffs on iPhones cost, as reported by two individuals aware of the phone call who talked to the Washington Post on Thursday.
Using his tariff authority, Trump last week granted exceptions for laptops, smartphones, and other gadgets. These exclusions were primarily based on imports from China, some of which are imported by tech companies like Apple, HP, and Dell.
The Post claims that Peter Navarro, the White House trade adviser, supported maintaining the taxes.
Calls for comment were not immediately answered by Apple, Dell, or HP.
White House spokesperson Kush Desai told the Post that Apple and no other company had received “any exceptions.” “The White House’s initiative will build on the pledges already made by businesses like as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Nvidia, and Apple to increase their production in the US.” he said.
Analysts warned earlier this month that Trump’s broad tariffs might affect consumer products like iPhones.
Last week, the Trump administration announced and then postponed hefty penalties on dozens of nations, causing uncertainty in the global economy.
