Can Apple run out of iPhone 16 because of Trump and the tariffs?

The tariff war initiated by former President Donald Trump has had a significant impact on the cost of imported products from China, with a levy reaching 145%.

Although iPhones are temporarily exempt from these tariffs, the uncertainty in Apple’s supply chain could result in a possible stock shortage in stores in the coming months.

According to T.H. Tung, a Taiwanese businessman who has analyzed the situation, the disruption in the supply chain has forced Apple to move part of its production from China to India.

Tech companies prepare for the impact of tariffs

This adjustment aims to mitigate the effects of tariffs and ensure the availability of products for the U.S. market, although the viability of this strategy is a considerable challenge.

Although this relocation could eventually ease tariff pressure and meet demand, the immediate effects have led to a surge of purchases at Apple Stores, as consumers fear a shortage of units of the new iPhone 16 and other devices.

This phenomenon of “panic buying” has intensified due to the uncertainty surrounding the supply chain, which has been corroborated by analyst Mark Gurman, who warns of the possibility of shortages in the market.

In addition to Apple, other tech companies like Dell and HP also face the challenge of relying on suppliers affected by these tariffs. Manufacturers like Pegatron, which operate in countries like Vietnam and India, are also under pressure due to lower, yet still relevant, rates.

The current situation suggests that it will not be easy for these companies to adapt quickly, a process that requires long-term planning and could entail prolonged uncertainty in the technology sector.