Is Trump Trying to Make Apple Crumble – Or Will It Be Another Turnover?

Hi, I’m Clint, founder of C-Sure Consulting. This week’s edition of C-Shorts explores the far-reaching impact of political decisions on global supply chains and what businesses can do to stay ahead.

🍏 The Tariff Threat and Its Implications

Donald Trump has once again threatened to impose 25% tariffs on iPhones made outside the U.S. He insists that Apple should bring manufacturing back home. This bold move is likely to be more bark than bite for Apple’s customer base.

Why Consumers Won't Feel the Impact

Very few people buy iPhones outright anymore. Costs are often hidden in 2 or even 3-year phone contracts. For both consumers and businesses, these costs are accepted as part of daily life. Companies that rely on Apple systems are unlikely to switch. The hassle of changing systems outweighs the costs of staying put.

So, what is Apple doing in response? CEO Tim Cook is diversifying supply chains away from China. Operations are shifting to India and Vietnam to shield the company from geopolitical shocks. This strategy, however, has drawn fire from Trump, who insists Apple should manufacture domestically or face import tariffs.

The Reality of U.S. Manufacturing

Industry analysts warn that U.S.-made iPhones could more than double in price. This increase is due to high labor costs, limited facilities, and the complexity of establishing a local supply base. While Trump’s tariff threats may make headlines, the real consequences ripple across the entire supply chain—not just at the point of sale.

⚠️ Tariff Threats Create Real Chaos

When businesses face sudden tariff risks—whether for smartphones, industrial components, or other imports—the responses typically follow familiar patterns:

• Stockpiling goods ahead of deadlines

• Skyrocketing warehousing costs

• Obsolete or slow-moving stock if forecasts are inaccurate

• Frozen working capital and reduced flexibility

• Bullwhip effects when supply chain reactions overreact to short-term demand changes

  
  

Which is why forecast accuracy matters more than ever.

Shared Responsibility Across Teams

Forecasting isn't solely the responsibility of the Demand Planner. It's a shared duty across Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) or Integrated Business Planning (IBP) functions. When all stakeholders contribute with real-time data, we can create more robust demand plans. These plans can confidently drive all other planning decisions.

A Personal Supply Chain Story: Lessons from Brexit

This situation reminds me of the months leading up to Brexit. I worked as a Supply Chain Manager for a prominent UK business that relied heavily on EU imports. Suddenly, there were discussions of exorbitant tariffs on key raw materials.

Proactive Measures

We couldn’t gamble with customer service. So, we initiated a significant stockpiling plan, even without clear guidance. We locked in contracts, secured warehousing, and collaborated closely with our suppliers to ensure continuity.

Then, just weeks before Brexit, the proposed tariffs were withdrawn. It was too late to reverse our stockpiling. However, we knew we had made the right decision in protecting our customers. Our motto at the time was, "Plan for the worst and hope for the best!"

The Importance of Clarity in Supply Chains

That’s the nature of supply chains: clarity rarely arrives early enough. If you wait for perfect information, you’ll often be too late to respond effectively. Whether facing a tariff shock, a cyber threat, or climate disruptions, resilient supply chains always emerge victorious.

Exploring New Solutions: Cyber Attack Simulation

As I mentioned last week, we are developing an interactive Cyber Attack Simulation. This tool will help businesses stress-test their responses to supply chain threats. We are currently seeking forward-thinking companies to try it out for free in exchange for honest, early feedback.

If that sounds interesting, we’d love to hear from you!

👉 Click here to register your interest

🤝 Let’s Keep Connected

So there you have it! From tariff turbulence to tech giants under pressure, uncertainty is ever-present in the world of supply chains.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this week’s topics. Do you have suggestions for future discussions? Or comments on my use of puns? Maybe 'Apple Crumble' was too much! 😄

Until next time...

💡 C-Sure Shortcut of the Week

Stockpiling without strong forecasts isn't a strategy — it’s a huge waste of money!

Get cross-functional on your S&OP inputs to avoid cost, waste, and chaos.