At a business summit in Doha, Qatar, former US President Donald Trump made a provocative statement about Apple’s global manufacturing strategy, specifically targeting its increasing investment in India. Speaking to business leaders, Trump claimed he had a candid conversation with Apple CEO Tim Cook, during which he told Cook not to expand manufacturing operations in India unless it was exclusively to serve the Indian market. According to Trump, he told Cook, “We’re not interested in you building in India. They can take care of themselves.” He suggested Apple should focus instead on upping production within the United States.
Trump’s remarks come at a time when Apple has been ramping up its Indian manufacturing footprint in an attempt to diversify its supply chain away from China and shield itself from rising US tariffs on Chinese imports. Trump said he expressed frustration with Cook over Apple’s $500 billion investment plans, citing the US’s longstanding tolerance of Apple’s China-based operations. The former President added that India has allegedly offered the US a deal with “literally no tariffs,” though no such official confirmation has come from the Indian government.
Apple Shifting Focus to India Amid Global Supply Chain Realignment
Apple has been making major strides in India, with iPhone production hitting approximately 40 to 45 million units in 2024. Of these, around 14 to 15 million iPhones were shipped to the United States, 13 million to international markets, and 12 million were sold within India. The company has partnered with major manufacturing players such as Foxconn and Tata, operating three plants across Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Two more facilities are currently in development.
In March alone, Apple exported iPhones worth $2 billion from India, a record high, with Foxconn contributing $1.3 billion of that total. Despite manufacturing costs in India being 5–10% higher than in China, Apple is accelerating its Indian production plans due to increasing geopolitical tensions and tariff unpredictability. The company now aims for a majority of iPhones sold in the US to be made in India by the end of 2026.
Trump’s Comments Stir Debate Over US-India Trade Relations
Trump’s comments may be interpreted as part of a broader effort to incentivize American companies to reinvest domestically. He has consistently criticized companies for offshoring manufacturing and has promoted a return to “Made in America” policies. However, his comments also sparked speculation about the future of US-India economic ties, especially since his claim about India offering zero tariffs on US goods has not been corroborated by the Indian government.
At the same time, Trump’s remarks downplay India’s growing importance in the global supply chain and its increasing relevance to major tech companies like Apple. As the US government continues to impose heavy tariffs on China—some exceeding 100%—India has become a preferred alternative due to its lower duties and government incentives. In April, the US levied 26% duties on Indian imports, a rate significantly lower than China’s, although most duties have since been paused for three months—excluding China.
Apple’s Future Tied to Diversified Manufacturing Strategy
Apple CEO Tim Cook, in a recent earnings call, acknowledged that the company expects most iPhones sold in the US during the June quarter to originate from India. Other product lines like iPads, MacBooks, Apple Watches, and AirPods will be largely manufactured in Vietnam, further evidence of Apple’s shift away from China.
Trump’s remarks may be seen as politically motivated, aligning with his America-first manufacturing philosophy. But they may also create friction as Apple tries to strategically manage costs, diversify risks, and maintain global production capabilities amid shifting geopolitical realities. For now, Apple appears determined to expand its Indian footprint, regardless of political rhetoric coming out of Washington.
