Apple’s Fate Flips in 24 Hours: $311 Billion Vanishes as Trump’s Trade War Shakes Tech Giant

In a stunning blow, Apple, once the world’s priciest company, lost over $311 billion in market value in a single day. President Donald Trump’s escalating trade war delivered a shockwave, toppling the tech titan from its throne into a fight for survival.

For years, Apple balanced the tense U.S.-China political tightrope, a symbol of harmony. Now, it’s the biggest victim of Trump’s tariff trap. Just after his return, Trump slapped a fresh 34% tariff on Chinese goods, pushing Apple’s iPhone production costs to a staggering 54% when added to existing levies.

China hit back, imposing 34% duties on U.S. products and banning rare mineral exports vital for tech. This double assault crushed Apple, wiping out over $300 billion in market value in mere hours.

Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, faces his toughest challenge yet. Six weeks ago, he pledged $500 billion in U.S. investments over four years to appease Trump’s administration. That promise? Useless now.

Trouble doesn’t end there. Rising tariffs in India (26%) and Vietnam (46%)—key backup production hubs—leave Apple scrambling. Shifting output from China hasn’t worked; costs keep climbing.

Experts warn passing extra tariff burdens to customers isn’t an option. iPhone sales already lag, dented by lackluster AI features. Higher prices could drive buyers away, slashing profits and hammering stock prices further. Plan C—Cook’s next move—remains unclear.

In China, Apple’s woes deepen. Local giants like Huawei and Oppo gain ground. Some fear Chinese buyers might boycott Apple, retaliation for Trump’s trade salvo. Trump’s team pushes U.S. manufacturing, but making iPhones stateside could balloon prices to $3,500 each—hardly feasible.

Apple’s future hinges on Trump’s next step and Cook’s strategy. Once king of tech, the company now battles to stay afloat in a storm it didn’t create.