In a letter sent out this week to U.S. trade representative Robert Lighthizer, Apple has warned the Trump administration about the risks of proceeding with tariffs of as much as 25% on the import of its products from China, Bloomberg is reporting.
Apple said that since the tariffs will affect almost all of its products, including iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, Apple Watches, AirPods, and the iMac, it would greatly reduce the company’s contribution to the U.S. economy. “We urge you not to proceed with these tariffs,” Apple wrote in the letter.
Apple also highlighted the fact that it is not only one of the largest job creators in the U.S., but is also the biggest corporate taxpayer in the country. The company has also pledged to make a direct contribution to the U.S. economy of more than $350 billion over five years:
In its letter this week to the U.S. government, Apple said that the tariffs would weigh on its global competitiveness. It also stressed its impact on the U.S. economy. “The Chinese producers we compete within global markets do not have a significant presence in the U.S. market, and so would not be impacted by U.S. tariffs,” Apple said.
Apple’s letter was filed during the public comment period for proposed tariffs on about $300 billion in Chinese goods as the U.S. tries to finalize a deal with China that addresses the trade deficit, allegations of intellectual property theft and other trade practices.
Numerous other U.S. companies and trade groups are set to appear at a seven-day public hearing through June 25.
