Apple CEO 'Hopeful' for Trade Talks With China, Downplays Expected Effects From Dec. 15 Tariffs

Apple CEO Tim Cook downplayed the impact of a potential hit from tariffs slated for Dec. 15 on smartphones and other devices during the company’s fiscal Q4 earnings call on Oct. 30 The company was already paying some tariffs prior to September and after Sept. 15 when List 4A Section 301 tariffs took effect. Cook’s view of potential December tariffs is “very positive in terms of how things are going,” he said, saying Apple’s guidance reflects that optimism. The tone of trade talks “has changed significantly, and I have long thought that it was in both countries’ best interests to get to an agreement that maybe initially doesn't solve everything but solves some things that each party may want,” he said: “I'm hopeful that that's where we're headed.”