Apple says AirPod, WatchPods and AirPods will be more expensive

According to Apple, the latest series of tariffs proposed by the United States vis-à-vis China would affect a number of its upcoming products, including Apple Watch, AirPods and HomePod. The proposed tariffs would impose a 25 per cent tax, either on the products themselves or on the product components, which would increase the price and probably reduce sales.

Several other products would also be affected, according to a letter sent by Apple to the US Trade Representative earlier in the day. Apple says that the Mac Mini, the pen, its mouse and wireless touchpad, leather cases and covers, and some adapters, chargers, cables and internal components would also be affected by the rates.

Apple requests that the United States review its proposal and refuse to set tariffs on product categories covering these devices. "It's hard to see how the tariffs that hurt American businesses and consumers will advance the government's targets for China's technology policies," Apple writes.

Until now, the United States and China have avoided imposing tariffs that could affect key technology products, a field in which countries have strong relationships. Apple, in particular, has been a subject of obvious concern. The material products developed by the company in the United States have made it one of the richest companies in the world, but these products are made in China, creating a large number of jobs.

Although the United States has not explicitly stated that it would tax smartwatches or wireless headsets, the government said it could tax "machines for receiving, converting and "voice transmission", which could describe many Apple products technology categories such as "plugs and sockets to make connections to or in electrical circuits" up to a certain voltage.

This series of tariffs was proposed throughout June and July as part of President Trump's quarrel with China over his business practices. The proposal provided for tariffs of $ 200 billion on Chinese products. The public comment period for the proposal ends today; Apple's commentary was filed Wednesday but became public.

Apple said that, if applied, rates would "turn out to be a tax for US consumers" and "ultimately increase the cost of Apple products." The company believes that this would disadvantage them compared to foreign competitors. would be hit the hardest by taxing these categories.

It is still unclear when the proposed rates will come into effect or if there will be significant changes or exceptions in the final list. "We are going to evaluate the comments and we will make a decision," said White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow in an interview with Bloomberg TV this morning.