Apple iPhone Demand Surges Ahead of Tariff Hike, Shares Tumble

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) experienced a weekend surge in iPhone sales as U.S. customers rushed to purchase devices ahead of an anticipated price increase triggered by President Donald Trump’s new trade tariffs on China, Bloomberg reported.

Employees from multiple Apple stores across the U.S. noted a spike in foot traffic, with many buyers citing concerns over looming price hikes. The tariffs, set to take effect April 9, impose a cumulative 54% duty on all Chinese imports—costs that U.S. importers are expected to pass on to consumers. With approximately 90% of iPhones manufactured in China, Apple's flagship product is at high risk of a price increase.

Although the pre-tariff buying spree may offer a short-term sales boost, analysts are uncertain how significantly this will affect Apple’s overall revenue. The company has been facing long-term challenges, including declining iPhone sales in key markets like China, driven by stiff competition and delays in launching artificial intelligence features.

Adding to investor concerns, President Trump warned of possible additional tariff hikes if China fails to meet U.S. demands, creating further uncertainty for companies like Apple that rely heavily on Chinese manufacturing.

Despite the recent sales rush, Apple shares have dropped nearly 18% over the past five days, reflecting investor anxiety over the broader impact of escalating trade tensions on future profitability.

As the April 9 deadline approaches, both consumers and investors are bracing for potential shifts in Apple’s pricing strategy and supply chain costs. The current scenario highlights the growing influence of global trade policy on tech sector performance and consumer behavior.