Apple Asks Trump Administration for Mac Pro Parts Tariff Exclusion

Merely weeks after announcing that it has re-located production of the line from Texas to China, Apple has asked the Trump administration to exclude components that make up the forthcoming Mac Pro from import tariffs. According to Bloomberg, Apple is seeking relief from duties of 25% on key parts and accessories for its high-end desktop computer.

According to filings posted by the Office of U.S. Trade Representative, Apple wants the Mac Pro’s stainless steel and aluminum frame, power supplies, internal cables and circuit boards, and its optional wheels to be excluded from Trump’s proposed tariff. 

In addition to Mac Pro components, Apple is also seeking duty exclusions on its Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad, complementary devices for operating the computer, and the accompanying USB cable for charging external mobile devices.

The exclusion requests from the iPhone maker were posted July 18 and are now subject to a public comment period before they’re reviewed. Some Apple products have been spared from tariffs in the past, including the Apple Watch and AirPods.

U.S. President Donald Trump has promised relief if companies can show that parts or products can only be obtained in China, aren’t “strategically important” to Chinese industrial programs, or that the duties would cause “severe economic harm.”

Last month, Apple asked its major suppliers to assess the cost implications of moving 15-30% of its production capacity from China to Southeast Asia as it prepares for a restructuring of its supply chain.