Apple gains Mac Pro tariff relief despite opposition

Tariffs have become a major focal point for Apple recently, but the company has a win in its category.

In light of a trade war between the United States and China, tariffs have been stamped on a lot of products. Apple was hoping to avoid most of that, though, even if that goal wouldn’t be easy. Fighting against Apple’s efforts was the President of the United States, Donald Trump, which had stated in the past the company’s waiver requests would be refused.

Per Bloomberg:

Apple Inc. gained U.S. approval to avoid tariffs on Chinese imports for the upcoming Mac Pro computer, even though President Donald Trump indicated the company’s waiver requests would be rejected.

However, it turns out that has not been the case, at least in part:

Ten of Apple’s 15 requests for exclusions from 25% duties have been approved, according to the U.S. Trade Representative’s office. Customs and Border Protection determined it can administer the waiver from the levies when the goods enter the U.S. On Thursday, Apple’s request to win exemptions for the components had moved to an advanced stage in the approval process.

So, that’s good news for Apple. And while there have been reports that Apple would “absorb” the costs related to tariffs, it is always possible that things change and tariffs will impact the costs of Apple’s devices.

Still, this is a solid move in the right direction to prevent that from happening. At least as far as the incoming Mac Pro is concerned.