Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick reiterated the White House’s view that tariffs are necessary to encourage companies to establish manufacturing facilities in the U.S. The secretary cited Apple’s iPhones as an example of a product he’d like to see built in the U.S.
Lutnick acknowledged that bringing production plants to the U.S. would raise costs for companies, but he believes American workers are more expensive but better. He pointed out that the Trump administration has already enjoyed broad support from the corporate world but is now facing backlash due to the market rout caused by the tariff announcements.
The White House claims the trade deficits with countries across the world represent a “rip-off,” as Lutnick said. However, critics argue that other policies available to the government, such as subsidies and public-private partnerships, could be more effective in inducing companies to build factories in the U.S.
Despite pushback from business leaders and markets, the White House stands firm on last week’s tariffs. Commerce Secretary Lutnick believes the tariffs will protect American workers who invest in the country’s economy.
Source: https://fortune.com/2025/04/07/howard-lutnick-iphones-america-apple-tariffs