Apple is planning to ramp up iPhone production in Brazil to dodge new U.S. tariffs that hit imports from China and India. Right now, Apple faces steep import taxes—34% for Chinese-made iPhones and 26% for Indian ones. But phones assembled in Brazil only get a 10% tariff, which makes a big difference.
Apple’s been building some iPhones in Brazil since 2011, mostly for local customers. Now, it wants to expand that operation—possibly even exporting Brazil-made iPhones to the U.S. to cut costs.
Brazil’s telecom agency just gave the green light for Apple to assemble the iPhone 16 there. Older models like the iPhone 13, 14, and 15 were already made locally. This time, Apple might also produce the iPhone 16 Pro in Brazil, which would be a first.
These tariffs are hitting Apple hard. Since they were announced, the company’s stock has dropped over 10%, wiping out about $300 billion in market value.
