David Hanak Last week we wrote about the fact that Apple has filed an official request for a possible exemption from the tariffs that the US administration imposes on selected products from China, especially electronics. According to the current form of the tariffs, they would apply both to the new Mac Pro and to some accessories. Over the weekend, it emerged that Apple was unsuccessful in its request. US President Donald Trump commented on the case on his Twitter.
On Friday, the American authorities decided not to comply with Apple and will not remove Mac Pro components from the customs lists. In the end, Donald Trump also commented on the whole situation on Twitter, according to which Apple should "produce the Mac Pro in the USA, then no duties will be paid".
Apple will not be given Tariff waiver, or relief, for Mac Pro parts that are made in China. Make them in the USA, at Tariffs!
- Donald J. Trump (@ realDonaldTrump) July 26, 2019
As it stands, it looks like US authorities will impose tariffs of 25% on some specific Mac Pro components. These duties also apply to selected Mac accessories. Conversely, some Apple products (such as the Apple Watch or AirPods) are not subject to customs duties at all.
American companies have the option to apply for an exemption from tariffs in cases where the incriminated goods cannot be imported other than from China, or if they are strategic goods. Apparently, some Mac Pro components do not comply with any of this, and that is why Apple will pay the duties. It will be interesting to see how this ultimately affects the selling prices, as Apple will certainly want to maintain the current level of margins.
Absolutely right. The indiscretion of companies is strengthened. Produce goods that have an extreme selling price, they will move to where there is cheaper power. Do not lower the price of the product. Personally, I would easily pay extra for goods that are really Made in the USA or perhaps Made in Germany, and I will pay attention to the country of manufacture when buying. Donald is an excellent president.
It would be outrageous if Apple or another similarly wealthy company got relief while small businesses didn't.