With new reciprocal tariffs set to take effect on April 9, Apple stores across the U.S. have experienced unprecedented crowds of customers rushing to purchase devices before potential price hikes. Multiple Apple employees told Bloomberg their locations were flooded with "panic buyers" concerned about imminent cost increases, with sales on April 5-6 far exceeding typical seasonal levels.
Apple has been strategically preparing for months, dispatching five cargo planes loaded with iPhones from India to the U.S. in late March while simultaneously increasing shipments from China during the traditionally slow season, according to The Times of India. These reserve stocks are expected to last several months and help delay price adjustments.
The Wall Street Journal reports Apple plans to shift more production to India, where tariffs stand at 26% compared to China's 54%, potentially meeting 50% of U.S. iPhone demand from Indian facilities. This move could significantly reshape global electronics manufacturing patterns.
J.P. Morgan analysis shows 90% of Apple's hardware is still made in China. Without tariff exemptions, the company may need to raise average product prices by 6% to offset costs. Notably, Apple's stock has plunged 20% since last Wednesday.
Market watchers are awaiting Apple's May 1 earnings call for official responses to what analysts describe as "the most disruptive trade policy shift in decades." The company's US$500 billion U.S. investment pledge announced in February may serve as leverage in negotiations. This tariff storm not only tests Apple's supply chain resilience but could accelerate regional restructuring of global tech manufacturing.
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