Apple warns Trump that more China tariffs will help rivals

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Apple has joined a growing chorus of firms urging the Trump administration to drop a plan for more US tariffs on Chinese goods.

The US has said it may impose duties on $300bn (£236.1bn) worth of Chinese products if the two sides can’t reach a trade deal.

In a letter, Apple “urged” the White House to drop the tariff plan.

The tech giant said the duties would “tilt the playing field” to its global rivals.

The company said the proposed tariffs would cover its major products including iPhone, iPads and Airpods, as well as parts used to repair devices in the US.

“We urge the US government not to impose tariffs on these products,” Apple said in its filing to US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, who is considering submissions on the proposed duties.

The company said more tariffs would hurt its “global competitiveness”.

Apple said its Chinese competitors – which include top smartphone maker Huawei – do not have a “significant presence” in the US market and would not be impacted by US duties.

“A US tariff would, therefore, tilt the playing…