Apple faces new tariffs after the Supreme Court ruling struck down the previous ones, and this time the company has fewer protections than before. The court said the earlier import taxes were illegal, but the White House quickly replaced them with a fresh global tariff that once again covers most Apple products imported into the United States.
Last year, the Trump administration imposed broad tariffs on Chinese imports, which included many Apple devices. After talks between Apple CEO Tim Cook and the administration, most of Apple’s products received exemptions. That relief followed a sharp escalation between the US and China, where tariff rates briefly climbed to extreme levels before settling at 10%.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act did not give the president authority to impose those tariffs without Congress. The decision effectively wiped out the earlier measures and opened the door for companies to challenge billions in collected duties.
New tariffs under a different law
However, the White House responded within a day. President Trump invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 and announced a new 10% tariff on imports from all countries, later raising it to 15%. Because this tariff applies broadly, Apple products once again fall within its scope.
Section 122 allows tariffs of up to 15% for 150 days, after which Congress must step in. That move shifts Apple back into a position where it must either absorb higher costs or pass them to customers.
Uncertainty for businesses and consumers
The British Chambers of Commerce warned that constant policy shifts are creating instability.
“There is a weariness about the constant changes, the lack of any clarity and certainty in terms of tariffs,” said William Bain, head of trade policy at the BCC.
He added that businesses feel “frustrated and exasperated” by the sudden policy changes.
Economists also point to the burden on consumers. Research from Yale’s Budget Lab estimates that between 31% and 63% of earlier tariff costs reached shoppers through higher prices, while the New York Federal Reserve found businesses and consumers paid nearly 90% of the added costs.
For Apple, the ruling removed one set of tariffs but replaced them with another. As a result, the company now faces renewed cost pressure just as trade policy grows more uncertain.
