10% Import Tax to Apply on AirPods, Apple Watch, and HomePod Next Month

Starting September 1st, Trump’s new set of tariffs will be applicable on a variety of products in the U.S, including a 10% import tax on smartwatches, fitness trackers, smart speakers, and Bluetooth headphones. According to The Verge, proposed tariffs on cell phones and laptops have, however, been delayed till December 15th.

Apple’s HomePod, AirPods, and Apple Watch, which were exempted last year after manufacturers sent letters to the government asking for relief, will now all be affected by the 10% import tax starting next month. The iPhone and MacBook will not face the new import tax till later this year.

“It is difficult to see how tariffs that hurt U.S. companies and U.S. consumers will advance the Government’s objectives with respect to China’s technology policies,” noted Apple in its letter to the Trump administration:


Although the iPhone and MacBook Pro are spared until December, this tariff hike will still have a significant impact on Apple’s bottom line. CEO Tim Cook said during the company’s last earnings call that, when combined, the company’s divisions for services, wearables, home, and accessories approach the size of a Fortune 50 company.

Apple has not yet issued any statement regarding the forthcoming import tax and whether it will have any effect on the current retail prices of these products in the U.S.

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