g-unit1111 :
bit_user :
Yeah, but you no doubt read about the exemption on smartwatches and bluetooth devices? At least the former seems squarely beneficial to Apple, and I'd love to know how they got it.
So does it affect all devices like smart watches and bluetooth speakers, laptops, etc, or just the ones manufactured in certain countries?
Did you read the article or maybe any sort of news? It's China. These tariffs are on China.
g-unit1111 :
Companies like Apple where they have a hundred different supply lines could have one line affected if they manufacture in one country and one line go completely unaffected if they manufacture in another. Like if they manufacture their laptops in China but their smart watches in say Thailand,
I'm no expert, but I'm pretty sure it's not a small undertaking to move an entire assembly operation to another country. There are doubtless contracts, staffing, training, and other obstacles, beyond the practical aspects.
If they
knew how long this would drag on and what would be the outcome, then I think they'd waste no time in adapting. But one problem with this situation is that nobody knows where the chips are going to land. And in that case, not just with China, but also with other countries.
I think the most certainty is currently with Mexico, as it sounds like they've ironed out a mutually agreeable revision to NAFTA. Unfortunately, NAFTA includes Canada, and the President only has Congressional authority to renegotiate NAFTA. So, even though Mexico has agreed to some terms, Canada needs to sign on and Congress needs to ratify the deal (after 90 days). So, even the most certain of the trading relationships is still not exactly settled.
Now, if I remember back a couple of years, something sticks in my head about businesses not liking uncertainty...