特朗普挑起贸易争端，苹果排名滑落、利润受损、消费信心受挫

Core Viewpoint - Apple has fallen from its long-standing position as the market leader to third place, significantly impacted by the trade policies initiated by Trump [1]. Trade Dispute Impact - The trade disputes initiated by Trump have severely affected Apple, leading to increased production costs due to tariffs on components sourced from China, which directly compresses profit margins and affects market performance [2]. - The instability in the global supply chain caused by trade tensions disrupts Apple's production plans, resulting in product supply interruptions and a failure to meet market demand, prompting consumers to turn to other brands [2]. Consumer Confidence Erosion - The unpredictability of Trump's policies has created a climate of uncertainty, making consumers more cautious about purchasing high-priced Apple products, especially during periods of heightened trade tensions [3]. - Nationalistic sentiments have led some consumers to prefer domestic brands, such as Huawei, over Apple, contributing to a decline in Apple's market share in China [3]. Rise of Competitors - As Apple faces challenges due to Trump's policies, competitors have seized the opportunity to grow, with domestic high-end brands increasing R&D investments and improving product quality [4]. - Brands like Huawei and Xiaomi have gained consumer favor through innovative products and competitive pricing, further eroding Apple's market share [4][6]. Strategic Challenges - Trump's policies have hindered Apple's global strategic initiatives, including technology collaborations that are essential for innovation, as isolation can lead to a lack of innovation capabilities [7]. - The trade disputes have also complicated Apple's efforts to expand into emerging markets, making it difficult to tap into new growth opportunities [8]. Brand Image Damage - Apple's brand image has suffered due to its association with U.S. government policies, leading to a decline in consumer goodwill and perceptions of the brand's independence and risk management capabilities [8]. - Actions perceived as aligning with U.S. policies have sparked negative sentiments among consumers in markets like China, further diminishing Apple's global brand appeal [8].