The focus of the U.S. stock market is set to shift towards Apple Inc. on Monday, April 14, following important remarks from U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. He announced that the government is preparing to introduce a series of “special tariffs” on all smartphone and computer imports. This move has raised eyebrows and could have significant implications for tech giants like Apple.
New Tariffs on Tech Imports
During an interview with ABC News on April 13, Lutnick revealed that various electronic devices—including smartphones, laptops, hard drives, computer processors, and memory chips—will be affected by these new tariffs. He indicated that the U.S. government plans to roll out these tariffs within the next one to two months.
- Key products impacted:
- Smartphones
- Laptops
- Hard drives
- Memory chips
This announcement follows a previous statement from President Donald Trump on April 11, who had earlier assured that imports of smartphones and laptops would not face the elevated “reciprocal tariffs” initially proposed on April 2, 2025. This clarification provided a brief sense of relief to investors, suggesting a potential easing of the ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and other countries.
Impact on Apple’s Stock Performance
As U.S. markets prepare to reopen on April 14, all eyes will be on Apple shares, which had an impressive performance, closing at $198.15—a rise of 4.06% from the previous trading session. This uptick in share price is noteworthy, especially considering Apple’s 52-week high of $260.10 and a 52-week low of $164.08, as per Marketwatch data.
- Apple’s stock performance:
- 5-Year Return: Over 180%
- 1-Year Return: 14.74%
- YTD Loss: More than 18% in 2025
Despite facing challenges, including a significant drop on April 4, Apple’s stock has rebounded since April 8, yielding a remarkable 12.30% return in just five trading sessions. As of the last market close, Apple’s market capitalization stood at an impressive $2.976 trillion.
As investors brace for the market’s opening, the developments around tariffs will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping trading decisions. For those keen on staying updated, keep an eye on how these tariffs will influence not only Apple but also the broader tech sector.
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