Former U.S. President Donald Trump has advised Apple CEO Tim Cook to halt iPhone manufacturing in India. This statement is seen as a direct challenge to Apple's plan to expand manufacturing outside of China. Trump cited a conversation with Cook in Qatar, stating that Apple should accelerate its production within the United States. Interestingly, India has proposed reducing tariffs on American goods, hinting at a potential shift in trade dynamics between the two nations.
New Delhi: Former U.S. President Donald Trump explicitly told Apple CEO Tim Cook that he does not want Apple to expand its iPhone manufacturing units in India. Referring to a conversation with Cook during his visit to Qatar, Trump said, "I had a rather pointed conversation with Tim Cook yesterday. He's building factories all over India. I told him I don't want him building any more in India."
Notably, Apple is currently reducing its reliance on China by increasing manufacturing in countries like India. However, Trump wants Apple to expand its production within the United States. He added, "Apple is going to be producing more in the United States now."
Trump's Firm Stance on iPhone Manufacturing in India
Former U.S. President Donald Trump urged Apple CEO Tim Cook to halt the construction of new iPhone manufacturing plants in India. This statement comes as Apple plans to diversify its manufacturing base away from China. During his conversation with Cook in Qatar, Trump noted that India is among the countries with the highest tariff barriers globally, significantly hindering the sale of American products in India.
According to Trump, India imposes high import duties on its products, creating trade obstacles for the United States. Despite this, India has offered to reduce tariffs on American goods as it seeks an agreement on import taxes with Asia.
Political and Economic Challenges Amidst Rising iPhone Production in India
While Apple's iPhone assembly business in India is rapidly expanding, political and economic factors could influence its trajectory. Apple assembled $22 billion worth of iPhones in India in the twelve months to March 2025, a roughly 60% increase year-on-year. This surge is attributed to increased investment and production capacity from major companies like Foxconn Technology Group and Tata Group in India. Foxconn operates a factory in South India, while Tata Group has taken over the operations of Wistron and Pegatron.
Nevertheless, the former U.S. President's recent statement and escalating U.S.-China tensions are making Apple's plan to reduce its dependence on China increasingly challenging. Production was affected by lockdowns in China during the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing Apple to shift production to India and other countries. However, Trump's comments raise questions about manufacturing expansion in India, as the U.S. now prioritizes domestic production. Furthermore, high tariffs and trade policies implemented in India could also impact this shift.
