Analyst: Trump will waive Apple’s China tariffs so it doesn’t ‘lose to Samsung’

President-elect Trump has proposed imposing sweeping tariffs on China, where many of Apple’s products are manufactured. However, Apple’s stock price hit an all-time high. Here’s why.

Apple’s overseas competition is safeguard against Trump’s new tariffs

Deepwater Asset Management, which Gene Munster is the managing partner and shared market forecasts for 2025.

One of the predictions concerns Apple (and Tesla), providing a glimpse into how Wall Street views the coming Trump tariffs and their impact on U.S. tech companies.

Deep water prediction:

Apple and Tesla will be exempt from tariffs (if Trump implements his proposed China tariffs) – No doubt many manufacturers will increase tariffs, but Apple and Tesla will be exempt from high tariffs – Trump does not want Tesla loses to BYD or Apple loses to Samsung.

That’s in line with what other investors and analysts expected from the incoming Trump administration.

While new tariffs are likely, it seems likely that Apple should largely avoid any new financial burden.

Trump’s first administration offers hints of things to come

In some ways, Trump’s first administration set a lot of precedents for what Apple might face over the next four years.

In 2019, then-President Trump had dinner with Apple CEO Cook. During the meal, every Trump’s own wordsCook “made a very compelling argument” for Apple to get a tariff exemption.

Cook reportedly argued that it would be difficult for Apple to pay tariffs on the products it assembles in China because many of its competitors don’t have to pay the same levels of tariffs, namely Samsung, which has much of its production in South Korea.

By the same token, Deepwater believes Apple will benefit from tariff exemptions again this time.

While Trump undoubtedly wants Apple to move more of its manufacturing out of China, he also doesn’t want to hurt an American company that faces fierce competition from overseas companies.

As Trump’s inauguration approaches, Cook’s performance may not come as a surprise. Just had another meal with incoming U.S. leaders.

Do you think Apple will be affected by the new tariffs? Let us know in the comments.

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