Apple soars 15% as Trump reverses on most tariffs

Investing.com -- Apple shares soared over 15% on Wednesday after President Trump announced a 90-day pause in reciprocal tariffs for all countries besides China.  For China, the rate will go up to 125%.  Other countries will have a base rate of 10% during the negotiation period.

While Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) makes most of its products in China, they have been shifting some iPhone supply bound for the U.S. to India.  India is expected to see just a 10% U.S. reciprocal tariff rate as it is expected to be part of the negotiations with the U.S.  In all, more than 75 countries will be part of the negotiations.

Maybe more important for Apple is the fact that Trump said he would look at tariff exemptions for some companies.

Apple investors are hopeful Apple will be included, especially since the iPhone maker has committed to investing $500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years.

Before today’s surge following Trump’s mid-day Truth social media post about the tarrif pause, Apple shares had shed nearly $800 billion in market capitalization.

Earlier today, analyst Wamsi Mohan at BofA Securities estimated that if Apple fully assembled the iPhone in the U.S., the cost would increase 90%. The analyst also sees logistical challenges due to the supply chain if the company moves production to the U.S.

Mohan sees several ways Apple can mitigate its downside risk. In addition to exploring strategies like sourcing more iPhones from India, Apple could also explore raising prices, pushing suppliers for cost efficiency, launching higher-priced products, and adjusting its release schedule, the analyst notes. He said shifting to a two-year iPhone cycle could ease supply chain strain from frequent updates.

Today’s news is a significant relief for Apple, especially if it can get the exemption from Trump.