Trump: Apple won't get a tariff break for Mac Pro parts made in China

Donald Trump says his administration will not provide any waivers or relief for Apple Mac Pro components built in China, and said Apple should instead build its products in the U.S.

"Apple will not be given Tariff wavers (sic), or relief, for Mac Pro parts that are made in China," President Trump tweeted with typos in his typically half-assed way. "Make them in USA, no Tariffs!"

Apple will not be given Tariff wavers, or relief, for Mac Pro parts that are made in China. Make them in the USA, no Tariffs!

- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 26, 2019

The new Mac Pro was announced in June, and replaces an older model that was built in Texas, and goes on sale this Fall.

From Todd Haselton at CNBC:

Apple asked for waivers on tariffs on the Mac Pro. Apple said it wanted to be exempt on some parts it uses for the new Mac Pro, including a power supply unit, the stainless-steel enclosure, finished mice and trackpads and circuit boards.

"There are no other sources for this proprietary, Apple-designed component," Apple said in a filing.

Apple said in June that tariffs on its products will reduce its contribution to the U.S. economy. In a letter to U.S. trade representative Robert Lighthizer, Apple said tariffs would "also weigh on Apple's global competitiveness" since Chinese companies compete with the products Apple builds. Trump met with Apple CEO Tim Cook in June to discuss trade.

Trump says Apple will not be given tariff waivers or relief for Mac Pro parts made in China [via techmeme, photo: REUTERS]