In a recent business summit held in Doha, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with Apple’s plans to expand iPhone production in India. Addressing Apple CEO Tim Cook, Trump stated, I said to him, ‘Tim, you’re my friend, I’ve treated you very good. You’re coming up with $500 billion, but now I hear you are building all over India. I don’t want you building in India.’
This statement comes in response to Apple’s announcement earlier this month that it would begin importing iPhones manufactured in India to meet the majority of demand in the United States. The move is part of Apple’s broader strategy to diversify its manufacturing base and reduce reliance on China. According to a Bloomberg report in April, Apple already produces 20% of its iPhones in India.
Trump’s comments highlight his ongoing emphasis on boosting domestic manufacturing. He indicated that Apple would be increasing production within the U.S., though specific timelines and details were not provided. Earlier this year, Apple announced plans to invest $500 billion over the next four years to expand its U.S. manufacturing operations, including setting up new facilities, hiring over 20,000 people, and opening a manufacturing academy.
The President’s remarks also coincide with India’s approval of a $435 million Foxconn project to manufacture Apple chips within the country. This development underscores India’s ambition to become a significant player in the global electronics manufacturing sector.
Apple’s strategy to increase production in India aligns with its goal to diversify its supply chain and mitigate risks associated with over-reliance on a single country. The company has been gradually shifting production to India, with plans to import all iPhones sold in the U.S. from India by 2026.
The tension between the U.S. administration’s push for domestic manufacturing and Apple’s global production strategy reflects the complex dynamics of international trade and corporate decision-making. As Apple continues to navigate these challenges, the outcomes will have significant implications for its operations and the broader tech industry.
