Tim Cook's Closed-Door Meeting with President Trump: Tariffs and US Manufacturing on the Agenda

Tim Cook Meets with President Trump at the White House

Apple CEO Tim Cook met with President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday morning. The meeting, first reported by Fox Business, lasted about 45 minutes, and Cook described it as a 'great meeting.' Key topics likely discussed include import tariffs and US manufacturing.

• Import Tariffs: The potential for increased import taxes on devices manufactured in China, particularly the iPhone, is a significant concern for Apple. A recent report suggests that the iPhone's price could rise by 9% to offset these tariffs.
• US Manufacturing: While most of Apple’s supply chain remains in China, there has been a shift towards US-based manufacturing. In 2021, 48 of Apple's 180 suppliers moved operations to the US, with many located in California. The Mac Pro is still assembled in Texas.
• Subsidies for Chip Makers: During the Biden Administration, the Chips Act provided subsidies to companies like TSMC to build plants in the US. Trump's stance on these subsidies may have changed.
• Frequent White House Visits: Apple has a history of frequent visits to the White House, with 87 visits during Biden’s term, including 11 by Tim Cook.