July 3, 2025 – Yesterday, on July 2, tech media outlet AppleInsider reported that a fresh trade agreement between the United States and Vietnam has sent import costs soaring for a range of Apple products, including the iPad, AirPods, and Mac mini.
In response to previous U.S. tariff policies, Apple had already undertaken a significant overhaul of its global supply and delivery chains. In May of this year, Apple CEO Tim Cook announced that, with the exception of the iPhone, all other Apple products would be imported from Vietnam.
However, the newly inked trade pact between the two countries has thrown a wrench into Apple’s plans, causing a sharp increase in the cost of importing products from Vietnam. Although Apple has the flexibility to shift its production lines among different companies and countries to meet demand and logistical needs, the current list of products manufactured in Vietnam is quite extensive, encompassing:
AirPods
Apple Watch
iPad
Mac mini
MacBook Pro
At present, two types of tariffs are imposed on goods imported from Vietnam, both of which Apple is required to pay. The first is a standard 20% tariff, a significant jump from the less than 4% that Apple previously paid—a fivefold increase. The second is a 40% “transshipment” tariff, which applies if the goods were originally produced in a country other than Vietnam and are then shipped out from Vietnam.
This sudden surge in tariffs poses a new challenge for Apple as it navigates the complex landscape of international trade and strives to maintain its competitive edge in the global market.
