Apple CEO Tim Cook has reportedly reaffirmed the company’s commitment to manufacturing in India, despite mounting pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to shift iPhone production back to American soil.
The tension between the tech giant and the president has escalated in recent weeks, as Trump threatened a 25% tariff on Apple and other smartphone makers unless they relocate their production operations to the United States.
According to insiders familiar with the matter, Tim Cook has made it clear to Trump that Apple will continue its strategic move to scale up manufacturing in India. The decision is part of the company’s broader efforts to diversify its global supply chain, reduce dependency on China, and tap into the growing Indian market.
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Apple has already begun assembling several iPhone models in India through its manufacturing partners, including Foxconn and Wistron. The move not only helps the company mitigate geopolitical risks but also aligns with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” initiative, which offers incentives for local production.
Trump, however, is not satisfied with Apple’s pivot to India. He recently stated that he had informed Cook that any iPhones sold in the U.S. should be built domestically—not in India or any other country. In a Truth Social post, Trump warned that if Apple fails to comply, it will face a tariff of at least 25%.
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“I had a little problem with Tim Cook,” Trump said during a visit to Qatar earlier this month. “We’re not interested in you building in India… we want you to build here.”
Despite Trump’s remarks, Apple appears to be doubling down on its India strategy, emphasizing long-term investments and ongoing partnerships in the region.
Apple’s decision reflects the reality of today’s complex global supply chains. Building iPhones entirely in the U.S. would involve significant costs, infrastructure changes, and workforce challenges. India, on the other hand, offers a rapidly growing market, a young labor force, and government-backed incentives—making it an attractive alternative for large-scale manufacturing.
While Trump’s push for American-made products taps into domestic economic nationalism, industry analysts suggest that tech companies like Apple must balance political pressure with operational efficiency and market strategy.
As the trade rhetoric intensifies, Apple’s next steps will be closely watched. Will the tech titan bow to political demands, or stay the course with its international production model? For now, Tim Cook seems resolute in his vision: India is a vital hub in Apple’s global manufacturing future.
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