Apple has caught itself in a bit of a rut with the new tariffs being imposed on imports from China, India, Vietnam, and other countries. While the Trump administration wants companies to manufacture products locally, the plan might not be viable in the short run, at least for companies that rely on international raw materials and components. The new tariffs are slated to go into effect on April 9, which could have an impact on the iPhone 16 prices in the United States. Customers are now rushing to buy the latest iPhones amid fears of a massive price hike caused by the tariffs.
Customers are rushing to buy new Apple iPhone models ahead of potential price increases caused by the import tax
Bloomberg reports that multiple Apple Store employees have reported a surge in demand, with customers panic-buying iPhones. One Apple employee states, "Almost every customer asked me if prices would go up soon." The report further states that the rush to buy a new iPhone was comparable to the busy holiday season, and it appears Apple has no explanation to give to the customer. Apple Stores were busier on April 5 and April 6 than they were in the previous year during the same time frame, which only goes on to show the psychological impact of the tariffs on the customers and the market.
Apple has prepared for the surge in demand beforehand as it stockpiled handsets in the last week of March. The Times of India reported that Apple shipped five planes full of iPhones and other devices from India to the United States. The company also possibly did the same in China in an attempt to bring in as many iPhones to the States as possible before April 9. This will allow the company to stabilize its stock in case of any shortage that might arise due to rising import costs.
Apple's extra stock for iPhone and other devices could allow the price of the iPhone to remain the same for a while until stocks run out and the company orders more at a higher price. Since the administration has imposed a heftier import tax on China at 54 percent, Apple could mitigate some of the impacts of the tariff by increasing its business in India and other regions that rest at a lower tax bracket. Apple has not commented on the subject so far or if it will increase the price of the iPhone 16 soon, but we will keep a close eye on it, so be sure to follow us for more news.
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