Apple seeking further tariff exemptions for Apple Watch, AirPods, plus iPhone components

AppleInsider

On the first possible day it could, Apple is petitioning the US Trade Representative for for relief on tariffs that went into effect on September 1 for a large swath of its product line -- including iPhone and Mac Pro parts.

Apple CEO Tim Cook and President Donald Trump

Apple is basing its petition on claims that it cannot source components outside of China that won't be injurious to Apple's business. Besides just the iPhone components, Apple is seeking waivers for the iPhone smart battery case, Apple Watch components and completed units, Mac Pro and iMac Pro storage, assorted batteries, the HomePod unit as a whole, and the Beats Pill+ wireless speaker.

Apple has previously won some exemptions on item number 8471.41.01, which describes "ADP [Automatic Data Processing] machines, non-portable or over 10kg, comprise in the same housing least central processing unit and input & output unit." Specifically, this is what it got some Mac Pro components excluded from the tariff application.

As of 00:01 ET on September 1, 2019, the administration of President Trump has implemented plans to levy a tariff on goods imported from China, including Apple's iMac, iMac Pro, and Mac mini, plus the HomePod and all headphones. The US Trade Representative (USTR) plans a 15% tariff on other goods to be implemented on December 15.

The US administration's September 1 tariffs include desktop Macs and audio equipment as part of a list published by the USTR, covering approximately 3,000 different types of product and totalling goods worth an estimated $125 billion. This full September 1 list includes other items that could be interpreted as components used by Apple, such as lithium-ion batteries.

The US Trade Representative is not going to add tariffs to smartphones until December 15. As currently planned, the full December 15 list includes "telephones for cellular networks or other wireless networks" (8517.12.00.) Apple is proactively trying to get these waived, and it is not yet clear how successful it will be.

The tariffs are paid by the US companies importing these goods and all of Apple's products will be affected by either the September 1 or December 15 tariffs. During Apple's fiscal year-ending earnings report, Apple CEO Tim Cook said that it had incorporated impacts from tariffs on the report. However, he made no remark as to whether Apple would be forced to raise prices.

dewme

Why do manufacturers feel compelled to either eat the tariff or silently pass it along to their customers through price markups? 

Just put the tariff amount on the price sheet as an non optional adder so customers know exactly what price they’re paying for the tariff, including the extra sales tax or use tax they’re also paying because the overall price tag is higher. 

Quit playing these silly games. We know who’s paying for these tariffs. We are, so show us exactly what we’re paying so we can plan our financial decisions based on real numbers instead of BS and smoke screens that change with the whims of people who don’t have to be concerned with their own personal finances. They’re playing games to satisfy their own egos and gamesmanship and we are paying for it. 

viclauyyc

dewme said:

Why do manufacturers feel compelled to either eat the tariff or silently pass it along to their customers through price markups? 

Just put the tariff amount on the price sheet as an non optional adder so customers know exactly what price they’re paying for the tariff, including the extra sales tax or use tax they’re also paying because the overall price tag is higher. 

Quit playing these silly games. We know who’s paying for these tariffs. We are, so show us exactly what we’re paying so we can plan our financial decisions based on real numbers instead of BS and smoke screens that change with the whims of people who don’t have to be concerned with their own personal finances. They’re playing games to satisfy their own egos and gamesmanship and we are paying for it. 

Most people don’t care or smart enough to understand.

All they see is price increases, so they switch to the next cheaper brand. Especially for low loyalty brand/product. 

ivanh

What’s the point to those consumers out of US? All Apple products are actually shipping out of China to the countries. With of without tariff, an iPhone in Australia is still super expensive.

macxpress

ivanh said:

What’s the point to those consumers out of US? All Apple products are actually shipping out of China to the countries. With of without tariff, an iPhone in Australia is still super expensive.

It's not Apple's fault your currency isn't worth shit....

GeorgeBMac

Relax Tim...  TheGreatNegotiator knows his reelection hinges (among other things) on settling with China.   And, since that's all that matters to him, he's already caving:  They have already pretty much settled the Trade War by trading Wall Street's access to Chinese markets (after China switched to their new "Social Credit System") and restoring U.S. farm exports.  Wall Street got what it wanted and Trump will be able to brag to his base how great and powerful he is because he fixed the problem that he created.  The rest ("IP transfers, National Security, etc...) was just a smoke screen -- although Trump may hang on to some of it just to prove to his cult how tough he is.  But, for the most part, the basic tenets will soon be settled.  Then all that remains is unwinding the cold-war footing and propaganda.

foregoneconclusion

Putting tariffs on computer equipment never really fit the "bring the jobs back" narrative because the United States was never a major manufacturing center for that. When personal computing for the masses took off in the '90s, Asia was always the key manufacturing region. 

GeorgeBMac

foregoneconclusion said:

Putting tariffs on computer equipment never really fit the "bring the jobs back" narrative because the United States was never a major manufacturing center for that. When personal computing for the masses took off in the '90s, Asia was always the key manufacturing region. 

The jobs thing was just the cover.  Actually the whole fiasco cost us jobs -- now and in the future as China forms alliances with other nations and invests in self-sufficiency to insulate itself from further extortion from the U.S.  They are also beginning a process of separating themselves and the world from the U.S. dollar as a base currency.

From the get-go, this fiasco has always been about opening China up to the Wall Street Banksters and private equity.  And that should be interesting -- because those crooks will be playing under Chinese rules and they aren't used to rules.   Here in the U.S. when they get caught they end up with a multi-million dollar severance package.  That doesn't happen in China. 

acejax805

Who cares. Apple users are rich. It's why they don't blink an eye at a $500 watch, a $1000 phone, and a $3000 laptop.