On Friday, President Trump threatened to impose a tariff of 25 percent or more on iPhones made outside the United States. The threat may foreshadow the outcome of the ongoing Section 232 investigation on semiconductors. Readers will recall that when President Trump first exempted smartphones from the reciprocal tariffs on China, the Administration explained it was because such devices would be addressed in the separate action planned for semiconductors. However, it is unclear whether the President will wait for the conclusion of the ongoing Section 232 investigation to act against iPhones.
Additionally, President Trump stated that he is “recommending” a 50 percent tariff on the European Union, set to begin on June 1, after expressing dissatisfaction with the progress of trade negotiations.
