Apple, like many other U.S. countries, has outsourced almost the entirety of its manufacturing operations to China. The ongoing trade dispute between the two countries has resulted in complications for these companies as the products that they make and then import into the United States now face tariffs as the U.S. is imposing tariffs on products made in China. President Donald Trump has said that Apple won’t be given any relief on tariffs for Mac Pro parts made in China.
“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!,” the president tweeted on Friday.
Apple had asked the U.S. Trade Representative’s office earlier this month to waive the 25 percent tariff on 15 parts. They include parts for its Mac Pro desktop. In a discussion with reporters later on, the president said that he thought Apple is going to build a plant in Texas. “I think they’re going to announce that they’re going to build a plant in Texas. And if they do that, I’m starting to get very happy,” he added.
It was reported in June this year that Apple is moving the manufacturing of its new Mac Pro desktop from Texas to China. The company has not yet commented on the tariff issue or plans for a new plant in Texas.