Apple Gets Temporary Relief From China Chip Tariffs Until 2027

Apple recently gained a breather from potential cost hikes associated with U.S. tariffs on Chinese semiconductors, thanks to a delay in their immediate impact.

A Federal Register filing, covered by CNBC, indicates that while the U.S. plans to move forward with tariffs on semiconductor imports from China, the actual tariff rate will remain at zero percent for approximately 18 months. These tariffs are now set to take effect on June 23, 2027, with the final percentage being announced at least a month prior.

What This Means for Apple

This move temporarily lifts the pressure of increased import costs on various semiconductor components that are crucial to Apple’s extensive product lineup.

While Apple crafts its own A-series and M-series chips, these are produced by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company in Taiwan, sidelining them from the China-specific tariff. However, Apple still relies significantly on Chinese suppliers for other vital chips—such as power management ICs, display driver chips, connectivity controllers, and other logic components found within iPhones, iPads, Macs, and accompanying accessories.

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Most of these parts are likely to be affected by the China-targeted semiconductor tariff when it eventually rises in 2027. This delay is significant for Apple’s cost management and supplier agreements.

A Delay, Not a Rollback

Although the tariff is technically initiated immediately, the zero percent rate functions more as a delay than an outright suspension. This maintains the legal groundwork for potential tariff hikes later on, sidestepping immediate trade interference.

For companies like Apple, this provides temporary certainty while leaving long-term questions unresolved.

Strategic Timing for Apple

The timing of this reprieve aligns well with Apple’s ongoing efforts to diversify production beyond China. Back in August, Apple vowed to invest $600 billion in U.S. domestic manufacturing and infrastructure, thereby buying more time to adapt its supply chain before any tariff costs potentially hit in 2027.

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