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As uncertainty over Trump’s tariffs looms, global tech firms are accelerating efforts to diversify their supply chains. Apple is reportedly producing the iPhone 16e at Foxconn’s factory in Brazil, as indicated by the packaging of a device purchased there, according to MacMagazine.
In addition, on the Brazilian Apple Online Store, the purchase page for the iPhone 16e shows a model number ending in “BR/A,” suggesting that the device was assembled in Brazil. By contrast, iPhones imported from other countries are labeled “BE/A,” the MacMagazine report adds.
As highlighted by 9to5Mac, although iPhones have been assembled in Brazil for some time, the company previously waited several months before beginning production of the latest models in Brazil. Now, production of the latest iPhones in Brazil appears to be starting much sooner.
Apple is reportedly considering expanding its facilities in Brazil, in partnership with Foxconn, to avoid U.S. import tariffs on iPhones, according to 9to5Mac.
9to5Mac notes that although the U.S. government has announced some exemptions to Trump’s new tariffs, Chinese products could still face tariffs of up to 245%, as the exemption from the reciprocal tariff is not permanent.
Meanwhile, as highlighted by Al Jazeera, products imported from Brazil are subject to a minimum 10% tariff under most U.S. trade policies.
Apple is actively diversifying its supply chain beyond China. As part of this effort, Bloomberg notes that the company assembled USD 22 billion worth of iPhones in India in the 12 months ending in March—representing a nearly 60% increase in production compared to the previous year.
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(Photo credit: Apple)
