White House Says Apple Largely Spared by India Tariffs

White House officials told CNBC that Apple Inc. will be “largely unaffected” by the new U.S. tariffs aimed at imports from India, easing concern that the duties could raise the cost of iPhones and other devices assembled in the country. The officials said the tariff package preserves exemptions for semiconductors and several other key components, limiting the impact on Apple’s supply chain and production costs. Semiconductor imports will continue to enter the United States duty-free, according to the officials. Apple has shifted a growing share of iPhone final assembly to India as part of a broader effort to diversify manufacturing beyond China. Analyst Gene Munster had warned that a 50 % duty on Indian exports could trim about $10 billion a year—roughly 7 % of operating income—from Apple if fully applied. The White House assessment suggests the company will avoid such a hit.