In a surprising twist of U.S. trade policy, President Donald Trump's tariff strategy aimed to push Apple into manufacturing iPhones in the United States has hit a major snag. Despite a steep 145% tariff on products made in the Chinese mainland, experts say that relocating production isn’t a viable option.
Apple’s deep ties with the Chinese mainland go back nearly 18 years, when the first iPhone burst onto the scene. Over the decades, the company has built a robust and intricate supply chain that would be nearly impossible to replicate overnight in the U.S. 
Analysts warn that shifting production stateside would require billions of dollars to set up new manufacturing plants. This massive investment, combined with the economic challenges of building an entirely new supply chain, would likely triple the retail price of an iPhone—making such a move a non–starter, at least until 2028. 
Dan Ives from Wedbush Securities put it succinctly: "The concept of making iPhones in the U.S. is a non–starter." His straightforward assessment reflects a widely held view among investors, who are cautious about handling the soaring costs and potential risks to sales.
The tariff measures have already taken their toll, with Apple’s stock price dropping by 15% and the company's market value falling by around $500 billion since the tariffs were increased on April 2. This issue remains one of the hottest topics among investors and industry watchers.
Looking ahead, Apple CEO Tim Cook is expected to field questions about these challenges during the quarterly conference call on May 1. As discussions unfold, it’s clear that the powerful economic forces and established global supply chains make a rush to U.S. production nearly impossible.
For now, iPhone production stays firmly in the Chinese mainland—a stark reminder of how intertwined global production has become. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story! 
Reference(s):
Why Trump's trade war can't lure Apple to make iPhones in America
cgtn.com
