US tech firms bemoan impact of Trump trade tariffs
US President Donald Trump said on Friday he was ready to levy additional taxes on practically all Chinese imports, threatening duties on $267 billion of goods over and above planned tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese products.
On Monday, China’s foreign ministry said it will respond if the United States takes any new steps on trade.
The following are comments made by US tech companies since Trump's announcement.
** Apple Inc said a “wide range” of its products including the Apple Watch would be affected by proposed US tariffs on Chinese goods but gave no sign of an impact on its iPhone.
Apple said its MacMini, a low-priced computer that comes without a keyboard or mouse, would be affected. Many Apple accessories, such as mice, keyboards, chargers and even leather covers for iPhones and iPads would also face tariffs, it said.
AirPods headphones, some of Apple’s Beats headphones and its new HomePod smart speaker also face levies. Apple added that computer parts for its US operations would be hit by the tariffs.
** Dell Technologies said the proposed tariffs will increase costs of vital parts and components for its US services and manufacturing operations.
Dell added that the tariffs on desktops/servers, computer parts, network switches could result in “serious damage” to the company and its employees.
** Intel Corp said proposed tariffs would negatively affect US businesses and “stifle advancements” in telecom infrastructure, including next-generation technologies like 5G.
The company said the tariffs will raise costs for US-based technology companies that manufacture ICT products such as desktop computers, laptops, and servers.
** Fitness tracker maker Fitbit said increased tariffs would compromise its investments in US-based innovation. The company also said tariffs on wearable products would not effectively advance the administration’s goals.
** Agilent Technologies said the increased duties would financially impede its US operations and its end customers in the US and abroad. It added that substantial tariff increases will limit its ability to reinvest in US operations, affecting employees engaged in R&D, design, other support operations.
