Apple will raise costs by 37.5% due to Trump's tariffs, Cook warns

Apple is facing one of its biggest fiscal challenges in recent years. CEO Tim Cook revealed in a conference call with analysts that the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration will increase its operating costs by 37.5% between July and September, representing $1.1 billion in this quarter alone.

"The situation around tariffs is evolving," Cook warned. And although the company recently posted solid financial results, this new tax burden could mark a shift in its global strategy.

In an effort to mitigate the effects of tariffs, Apple will not only optimize its international supply chain but will also focus on manufacturing more of its products within the United States. This move is part of a $500 billion investment the company has announced over the next four years.

This initiative not only seeks to reduce costs associated with tariffs, but also to strengthen Apple's presence in the United States, aligning itself with the country's new economic and geostrategic policies.

Despite the challenges, Apple reported a net profit of $23.434 billion between April and June, representing a 9.2% year-over-year increase. Its global sales reached $94.036 billion, up 9.6% year-over-year.

Key figures by region:

• America: $41,198 million (+9.3%)
• Europe: $24,014 million (+9.7%)
• Japan: $5.782 billion (+13.4%)
• China: $15.369 billion (+4.3%)

Among the most notable divisions of the quarter are:

• iPhone: $44.582 billion (+13.4%)
• Mac: $8,046 million (+14.8%)
• Services: $27,423 million (+13.2%)
• iPad: $6.581 billion (-8.1%)
• Accessories: $7,404 million (-8.5%)

Additionally, Apple's installed base of active devices reached an all-time high, according to Kevan Parekh, the company's chief financial officer.

Looking ahead to the fiscal fourth quarter, Apple anticipates mid- to high-single-digit year-over-year revenue growth, driven primarily by digital services. The estimated gross margin is between 46% and 47%, despite the impact of tariffs.

Likewise, projected operating expenses will be between $15.6 billion and $15.8 billion, figures that reflect both the expansion and the need to adapt to the new international economic context.

Although Apple has not confirmed an immediate increase in consumer prices, the increased costs could gradually be passed on to its products, especially if trade tensions persist.

The strategy of manufacturing more in the U.S. could mean greater job availability and geopolitical repositioning, but also higher production costs that could eventually impact the end customer.

Apple's 37.5% increase in costs, driven by the Trump-imposed tariffs, represents a pivotal moment for the company. While its financial results remain strong, its industrial relocation and logistics optimization strategy will be key to maintaining its global competitiveness.

As Tim Cook noted, “We are adapting rapidly to ensure growth, regardless of the economic environment.”