Apple CEO Tim Cook on Tariffs: ‘We’re Hoping Calm Heads Prevail’ – Info Mac
Cook said that while Apple believes the trade agreements the United States has with other major economies are in need of modernization, the company does not think that tariffs are the right approach. “We’re sort of encouraging dialogue and so forth,” said Cook.
In terms of the three tariffs that have already been put in place that impact steel, aluminum, and $50B worth of additional goods from China, none of Apple’s products have been directly impacted.
A fourth tariff that includes goods valued up to $200B is out for public comment, and Apple says it is evaluating the tariff and will be sharing its views on it with the administration before the end of the comment period.
Cook said that examining tariffs is a “tedious process” because there are factors to consider that include not only revenue, but also purchases being made through other companies unrelated to revenue, such as data centers. Apple plans to share its results at a later date.
According to Cook, the risk associated with a macroeconomic issue like an economic slowdown or currency fluctuation is difficult to quantify, and that’s not something Apple is trying to do. Cook said that Apple is “optimistic” that the tariff issue will get sorted out. “There’s an inescapability of mutuality between the United States and China,” said Cook. “Each country can only prosper if the other does… and the world needs the U.S. to and China to prosper.”
Cook said that while he can’t predict the future, he’s “optimistic” that the countries will get through this. “We’re hoping that calm heads prevail,” said Cook.
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