Trump Threatens 50% EU Tariffs, 25% Penalties on Apple Products

US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 50 percent tariff on all goods imported from the European Union starting June 1, 2025. He also warned of a 25 percent tariff on Apple products if the company continues to manufacture iPhones outside the United States.

Trump shared these plans on his social media platform Truth Social, expressing frustration over stalled trade talks with the EU. The President aims to increase domestic manufacturing and reduce the trade deficit with Europe through these tariffs.

Trump said he intends to charge higher import taxes on EU goods compared to China, despite the EU’s offer to cut tariffs to zero. The EU has proposed mutual tariff reductions, but Trump insists on keeping a minimum 10 percent tax on most imports.

He stated that there would be no tariff on products made or assembled in the United States. This move is designed to push European manufacturers to produce more goods within the US.

Apple is also a key target of these new tariffs. Trump demands that the company manufacture iPhones sold in the US domestically rather than in Asia or India. If Apple does not meet this demand, the company would face a 25 percent tariff on its products.

The President’s announcement adds Apple to a list of US companies affected by the administration’s tariff policies, including major retailers like Amazon and Walmart. These tariffs are part of broader efforts to protect American jobs and reduce inflationary pressures.

The US runs a significant trade deficit with the European Union, meaning it imports more from the EU than it exports. Trump has called this deficit unacceptable and views tariffs as a tool to correct the imbalance and strengthen US industry.

Experts warn that high tariffs could disrupt global supply chains and increase costs for American consumers. While tariffs might encourage some companies to bring manufacturing back to the US, they could also lead to trade tensions and retaliatory tariffs from other countries.

The European Commission has expressed concern about the potential for escalating tariffs and urges negotiations to avoid harming both economies. The new tariffs are set to take effect unless trade talks lead to new agreements before June 2025.