New tariffs hit Apple’s supply chain, with no clear exemptions
The United States has chosen to apply new 10% tariffs to goods imported from a total of 60 countries, including the countries where nearly every iPhone and Mac are assembled.
The new tariffs went into effect on Friday, July 24, 2026. They come into force as a 10% blanket import tax imposed by the Trump administration lapsed following a Supreme Court ruling that it was unlawful.
The new action follows a months-long investigation by the U.S. Trade Representative into the possible use of forced labor in the production of goods in 60 countries.
It’s as yet unclear what this means for Apple, however. The company currently imports devices, accessories, and components from Foxconn, Luxshare, and Pegatron, all of which have factories in some of the affected countries.
The 60 countries impacted by the new tariffs make up 99.4% of all U.S. imports.
Unclear exemptions
The new tariffs were announced via a memorandum on the White House website, including a number of possible exemptions. While there doesn’t appear to be a specific exemption for Apple itself, it’s possible Apple may not be impacted.
The memo posted to the White House website outlines criteria under which the U.S. Trade Representative can grant exemptions to specific products.
According to the memo, products that “could cause economy-wide disruptions if subject to the proposed additional tariffs” could be excused. The same can be said for products that “cannot be grown or produced in sufficient quantities or at reasonable prices in the United States or obtained from other sources.”
Apple may argue that its current supply chain cannot be substituted for a U.S.-based alternative. The company has been working to bring some manufacturing to the States, but the process will take decades.
Finally, products for which the new tariffs “may not contribute substantially to the elimination of the acts, policies, and practices” may also be awarded an exemption. It seems unlikely that Foxconn will escape the reasoning behind the tariffs
Foxconn assembles iPhones and other Apple devices, and it has a chequered history. In 2025, a Chinese labor organization accused Apple of turning a blind eye to poor worker conditions at Foxconn’s main iPhone factory.
Apple also came under fire for its lack of action to address chronic Chinese labor law violations at Chinese factories.
Foxconn’s Indian plant has also come under the microscope. It faced accusations of discrimination during the hiring process for workers at its Chennai plant in 2024.
Ultimately, Apple itself does not appear to be exempt from the new Section 301 tariffs. But outgoing Apple CEO Tim Cook may be able to use his relationship with President Trump to ensure Apple’s exposure to the tariffs is minimized.
