Edith Hejberg
The move is part of a strategy to align with President Donald Trump’s economic agenda and avoid steep tariffs on its flagship products.
Apple will invest an additional $100 billion to expand its manufacturing footprint in the United States, aiming to produce more critical components domestically.
A White House Announcement with High Stakes
The news was revealed at the White House, highlighting a new manufacturing program designed to shift more of Apple’s supply chain into U.S. territory.
The initiative seeks to bolster national security and strengthen the economy, according to officials.
Trump’s “America First” Agenda in Action
White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers called the agreement “another victory” for American manufacturing.
Trump has framed such deals as essential to repatriating production and safeguarding key industries from global disruptions.
Boosting Apple’s U.S. Commitment to $600 Billion
Apple had previously pledged $500 billion in U.S. investments over four years. This new commitment raises that figure to $600 billion, a more significant shift than earlier plans, which had only modestly increased spending.
Tariff Threats Driving Strategy
Trump had warned that Apple could face tariffs of at least 25% on iPhones if manufacturing wasn’t brought stateside.
The company’s latest pledge appears aimed at reducing the risk of further penalties while keeping costs under control.
Tariffs Already Taking a Toll
Apple reported an $800 million hit from tariffs in the June quarter, with projections of $1.1 billion in the September quarter.
These costs have added urgency to negotiations with the White House.
Overseas Production Still Dominates
Currently, most iPhones sold in the U.S. are made in India, while MacBooks, iPads, and Apple Watches come mainly from Vietnam.
Rebuilding those facilities in America would require enormous investment, given the highly specialized operations overseas.
Chips and Semiconductors in Trump’s Crosshairs
Trump announced “approximately” 100% tariffs on imported chips and semiconductors, aiming to pressure companies to produce these components in North America.
The move raises stakes for tech giants dependent on global supply chains.
Cook’s Diplomatic Approach
Apple CEO Tim Cook has maintained a close working relationship with Trump, attending private meetings, dinners, and even the president’s second inauguration alongside other tech leaders like Elon Musk, Sundar Pichai, and Mark Zuckerberg.
Bigger Picture: U.S. Tech Investment Boom
Apple’s pledge joins a wave of recent announcements, including $100 billion in AI data centers from Oracle, SoftBank, and OpenAI, and $500 billion in AI infrastructure plans from Nvidia.
Trump has also secured investment pledges from the EU and Japan, though those commitments are already facing disputes over interpretation.
