Apple increased its iPhone shipments in response to the reciprocal tariff measures imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump's second administration.
Market research firm IDC noted on the 14th that Apple is estimated to have shipped 57.9 million iPhones in the first quarter of this year. This represents a 10% increase compared to 52.6 million units in the same period last year. IDC believes this rise in iPhone shipments is not due to increased demand but rather a result of inventory accumulation in response to tariffs.
It is reported that nine out of ten iPhones produced by Apple are made in China. The Trump administration set a tariff rate of 145% on imports from China. As a result, U.S. corporations, including Apple, have reportedly accumulated inventory in the U.S. over the past several months in response to the tariff increase.
Samsung Electronics shipped 60.6 million smartphones in the first quarter of this year, achieving a 19.9% market share and securing the top position. Shipment volume increased by 0.6% compared to the same period last year. This indicates that the increased shipments by Apple during this period do not stem from rising demand.
Apple's shipments increased not only in the U.S. but also in other regions. This also appears to be a strategy in response to supply disruptions caused by tariffs.
The Trump administration imposed tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese exports but stated it would defer applying reciprocal tariffs on electronics such as smartphones. However, they plan to impose item-specific tariffs on certain products, including semiconductors, so while the tariffs on smartphones will be significantly lower than 145%, they will not be exempt.