American President Donald Trump said the government would not grant any tariff relief to Apple for components imported from China. Trump later suggested that Apple has plans to open a new plant in the US, in Texas.
In a tweet, Trump said Apple "will not be given Tariff waiver, or relief, for Mac Pro parts that are made in China. Make them in the USA, no Tariffs!".
Later that day, Trump told reporters that Apple CEO Tim Cook may end up manufacturing in Texas. "A man I have a lot of liking for and respect is Tim Cook, and we'll work it out. I think they're going to announce they're going to build a plant in Texas. And if they do that, I'm starting to get very happy," Trump said at the White House, according to Reuters.
Apple had sought relief from 25 percent duties on parts including the computer's stainless steel and aluminum frame, internal cables and circuit boards, according to filings with the Office of the US Trade Representative reported by Cnet. Though the documents don't explicitly name the Mac Pro, the features mentioned are similar to those of the computer.
In a June letter to US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Apple said tariffs would "result in a reduction of Apple's US economic contribution," as the fees would impact all of its major products as well as accessories like monitors, batteries and parts used to repair devices. Apple also said the tariffs could hurt its competitiveness and "tilt the playing field in favor of our global competitors."
