U.S. President Donald Trump reignited trade tensions on Friday by threatening to impose sweeping tariffs on smartphone manufacturers not producing their devices within the United States. Speaking from the White House, Trump singled out South Korean tech giant Samsung and reiterated earlier threats against Apple, insisting that both companies must relocate their production to American soil or face significant financial penalties.
“It would be more, it would be also Samsung and anybody that makes that product. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be fair,” Trump said when asked about the legality of targeting individual companies with tariffs. He added that the new tariffs could begin by the end of June.
Earlier in the day, Trump posted on Truth Social that Apple would face a 25 percent tariff if it continued manufacturing iPhones abroad, particularly in countries like India. “I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhones… to be manufactured and built in the United States… If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25 percent must be paid by Apple to the U.S.,” he wrote.
Samsung, which produces most of its Galaxy smartphones outside the U.S., particularly in South Korea and Vietnam, would also be affected under Trump’s proposed policy. The move would mark a significant escalation in protectionist trade policy and could have major repercussions on global supply chains and smartphone pricing.
In a separate post, Trump also threatened the European Union with a 50 percent tariff on all imports starting June 1, 2025. He criticized the EU for its “powerful Trade Barriers, Vat Taxes, ridiculous Corporate Penalties,” and other measures he views as hostile to American companies.
“The European Union… has been very difficult to deal with. Our discussions with them are going nowhere!” Trump claimed.
The statements reflect Trump’s longstanding “America First” economic agenda, which heavily emphasizes domestic manufacturing and reducing trade deficits. However, economists warn that such tariffs could spark retaliatory measures, increase consumer prices, and strain international trade relations. As the 2024 presidential race heats up, Trump’s latest trade threats signal a return to his combative global trade stance that defined much of his first term.
