In a recent interview on CNBC’s Squawk on the Street, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro expressed strong disapproval of Apple’s ongoing reliance on Chinese manufacturing for its iPhone production. Navarro specifically targeted CEO Tim Cook, accusing him of repeatedly delaying efforts to relocate Apple’s manufacturing operations out of China.
Navarro characterized Cook’s approach as a failed promise that has persisted for years, likening it to the longest running soap opera in Silicon Valley. He stated, Going back to the first Trump term, Tim Cook has continually asked for more time in order to move his factories out of China. And my problem with Tim Cook is he never takes the steps to actually do that.
The adviser dismissed arguments that technological or logistical challenges justify Apple’s continued presence in China. He pointed to advancements in global manufacturing capabilities, including artificial intelligence and automation, as reasons why Apple could feasibly produce iPhones elsewhere. Navarro cited India as a potential alternative, noting that the country has been enhancing its manufacturing infrastructure.
Navarro’s comments come amid the Trump administration’s decision to end a 90-day tariff pause, resuming the imposition of new duties targeting major economies such as Japan and South Korea. Apple, with its extensive supply chain ties to China, remains particularly vulnerable to these policy shifts. Following the announcement, Apple’s shares declined by 1.69%, reflecting broader market reactions.
Beyond Apple, Navarro defended the administration’s tariff strategy, asserting that foreign producers have absorbed most of the tariff costs, thereby mitigating inflation concerns. He argued that the tariffs have contributed to economic strength through increased domestic investment, stating, The tariff revenues are coming in and really helping this country. We’re able now to get trillions of dollars of investment here to build up our factories and jobs.
Navarro’s remarks are part of a broader discussion on trade, monetary policy, and U.S. manufacturing, highlighting the administration’s ongoing efforts to encourage American companies to reduce their dependence on Chinese manufacturing and invest more in domestic production.
