Apple CEO Tim Cook to Join Trump at White House Amid India Tariff Debate

Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook is expected to appear alongside President Donald Trump at a White House announcement on Wednesday, according to a CBS report confirmed by multiple financial-news services. The event, details of which have not been disclosed, marks a rare joint appearance by the two leaders as the administration looks to showcase U.S. technology investment. Cook told Fox News that recently floated U.S. tariffs on imports from India would not materially affect Apple. The company shifted significant iPhone assembly for the U.S. market from China to India over the past two years to reduce exposure to earlier trade measures. Analyst Gene Munster of Deepwater Asset Management estimates a 50 percent levy on Indian exports could add roughly $2.5 billion in quarterly costs for Apple, or about 7 percent of operating income, unless exemptions are granted. Munster expects the iPhone maker’s domestic investment commitments to improve its chances of avoiding the harshest duties.