Please note if you want to buy an Apple product soon, because new American trade rates will start on 1 August. These devices are hit by the new rates!
American trade rates
The United States has announced new trading rates, which affects a number of Apple products. From 1 August there will be higher import tariffs in the United States for products from a series of Asian countries. These are countries such as Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Thailand. The new rates mean bad news for Apple, because certain products are manufactured in these countries.
Apple has been trying to become less dependent on China for some time. For that reason, the company has moved the production of a number of devices to other Asian countries. One of those countries is Thailand, but much higher import rates apply to products from that country from 1 August. The United States are increasing the rates to 36 percent, with possibly major consequences for multiple Apple products.
These products are touched
Apple produces several devices in Thailand. The Apple Watch has been made there since 2022 and was Apple’s first product from that country. For example, the newest Apple Watches are also partly from Thailand. The smartwatch is an important Apple product, which will be hit by the American rates from 1 August. It is quite possible that the import rates of 36 percent ultimately ensure more expensive Apple Watches.
In addition, the Mac Pro and the MacBooks are also manufactured in Thailand. Apple has been making part of the new Macs in Thailand since 2023, but that may have negative consequences. The Mac Pro and MacBooks already have a good price tag, which can be even higher due to the announced import tariffs. As a result of the American rates, Apple may opt for a higher starting price with these products.
American rates still uncertain
So pay attention if you want to buy a new Apple Watch or Mac soon, because the prices may be increased. With these import tariffs, the United States wants to force companies to manufacture more products in its own country. It is still unclear whether Apple is actually planning this in the long term. Apple is confronted with rates for several products, but has previously received an exceptional position from Donald Trump. As far as is known, this is not the case now, which means that the import rates also apply to Apple.
The US president is unpredictable, making it anything but certain that the new import rates will actually be continued on 1 August. If this is the case, this will certainly have consequences for the Apple Watch and Mac (book). It remains to be seen whether Apple increases the prices of these products due to the rates. Do you not want to miss any announcement from the company? Then register for our newsletter, so that you will always stay informed!
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