Apple Gets Relief on China Chip Tariffs Until 2027

Under a recent announcement published in the Federal Register, Apple has secured a delay on new U.S. tariffs on Chinese semiconductors until mid 2027 (via CNBC).

The tariff will now remain at zero for about 18 months before any charges take effect in June 2027. The exact tariff rates have, however, yet to be determined and will be revealed at least 30 days before they begin.

This development significantly reduces pressure on Apple in the near term because many of the chips and semiconductor components that go into its globally popular devices could have become costlier if tariffs kicked in immediately.

While Apple designs its own central processors, such as the A-series for iPhones and M-series for Macs, these are produced by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company in Taiwan, outside the scope of the China-specific tariff. However, other chips involved in power management, display control and connectivity are sourced from China and could have been subject to hefty duties once tariffs started

The delayed tariff still exists in legal form. Setting the rate at zero for now gives the United States flexibility to raise it later without starting a new legal process. For Apple and other large tech manufacturers this means less uncertainty when planning supply chain investments and global logistics for the next year and a half.

Earlier this year, the Trump administration proposed sweeping tariffs on semiconductor imports, with some officials even suggesting duties as high as 100%. Apple and others were nervous that such punitive measures could dramatically increase the cost of making and selling hardware globally.

Apple also made strategic moves to reduce its exposure to tariffs by committing billions of dollars to expand manufacturing in the U.S. That investment has been part of ongoing negotiations with Washington aimed at demonstrating Apple’s long-term economic contributions domestically.