During a recent state visit to Qatar, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his disapproval of Apple’s increasing manufacturing presence in India. In a conversation with Apple CEO Tim Cook, Trump reportedly stated, “I don’t want you building in India. India can take care of themselves.”
This statement comes amid Apple’s efforts to diversify its manufacturing operations beyond China, with India emerging as a significant hub. In the fiscal year ending March 2025, Apple’s iPhone production in India reached $22 billion, marking a nearly 60% increase compared to the previous year.
Apple’s shift towards India has been driven by factors such as COVID-19 disruptions in China and escalating U.S.-China trade tensions. However, Trump’s remarks suggest a preference for Apple to bolster its manufacturing footprint within the United States. Following their discussion, Trump indicated that Apple would increase its U.S. manufacturing operations.
The majority of iPhones manufactured in India are produced at Foxconn Technology Group’s facility in southern India. Additionally, Tata Group’s electronics division has acquired Wistron Corp.’s local operations and manages Pegatron Corp.’s Indian facilities, both contributing to Apple’s production capacity in the region.
Trump also highlighted India’s substantial trade barriers, noting the challenges American companies face in accessing the Indian market. Despite claims that India has offered a “zero-tariff” deal on U.S. goods, the Indian government has not publicly confirmed such an offer.
As Apple navigates its global manufacturing strategy, Trump’s comments underscore the complexities of international trade relations and the balancing act companies face between diversification and geopolitical considerations.
