By Apple Manufacturing in India Faces Trump’s Criticism Over Expansion Strategy
Apple manufacturing in India has witnessed unprecedented growth, but recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump could cast a shadow over the tech giant’s future plans in the region. As Apple pushes to diversify its production away from China, Trump has made it publicly known that he disapproves of Apple CEO Tim Cook’s decision to ramp up manufacturing efforts in India. This political opposition could complicate Apple’s global strategy and impact its long-term supply chain decisions.
Apple’s Rising Production in India
Apple has been significantly increasing its manufacturing presence in India. According to recent reports, the company’s iPhone production in the country surged to $22 billion in the fiscal quarter ending March 2025. This marks a nearly 60% year-over-year increase, positioning India as a critical manufacturing hub for Apple’s global supply chain.
This shift has been primarily fueled by Apple’s manufacturing partners—Foxconn Technology Group and Tata Group. Foxconn operates a major facility in southern India, producing the bulk of iPhones made in the region. Meanwhile, Tata Group has been expanding rapidly after acquiring Wistron’s local operations and managing Pegatron’s Indian production facilities. Both companies are continuing to invest in new infrastructure to boost capacity and meet Apple’s rising global demand.
Why Apple Is Moving Away from China
Apple manufacturing in India gained momentum as the company sought alternatives to China following major disruptions caused by COVID-19 lockdowns. China’s strict pandemic-related restrictions severely impacted Apple’s ability to maintain consistent production levels, especially at its largest facilities.
Additionally, the imposition of tariffs by the Trump administration during his presidency, along with ongoing diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and China, forced Apple to diversify its manufacturing footprint. India emerged as a strategic choice due to its skilled labor force, favorable production incentives, and growing digital infrastructure.
Trump’s Opposition to Apple’s India Expansion
Despite the business rationale behind Apple’s expansion into India, former President Trump has publicly criticized the move. During his state visit to Qatar, Trump told reporters that he had recently confronted Tim Cook about Apple’s decision to increase production in India.
“I had a little problem with Tim Cook yesterday,” Trump stated, according to a Bloomberg report. “He is building all over India. I don’t want you building in India.”
Trump went on to suggest that Apple should instead prioritize manufacturing in the United States. “We are not interested in you building in India. India can take care of themselves,” Trump reportedly told Cook. He indicated that following their conversation, Apple would work toward expanding its manufacturing footprint within the U.S.
Implications for Apple’s Global Manufacturing Strategy
These remarks could present a challenge to Apple’s goal of making India its primary production base for U.S.-bound iPhones by the end of 2024. While Apple’s iPhone manufacturing is still heavily centered in China, the company had planned to significantly scale operations in India to reduce its dependence on a single market.
Trump’s comments may increase political pressure on Apple to reconsider or rebalance its international production strategy. However, building state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in the U.S. would require considerable investment and time, potentially slowing down Apple’s diversification efforts.
Trade Relations and India’s Role
In addition to criticizing Apple’s operations in India, Trump also pointed out the existing trade barriers that complicate the sale of American goods in the country. He noted that while India remains a vital market, U.S. companies face difficulties due to high import tariffs and regulatory hurdles.
However, Trump acknowledged that India has offered to lower tariffs on certain U.S. goods as part of ongoing trade negotiations. This could pave the way for more favorable business conditions between the two nations and potentially influence future decisions around Apple manufacturing in India.
Conclusion: Navigating the Crossroads
Apple manufacturing in India is at a critical juncture. While the country offers substantial benefits in terms of cost, infrastructure, and scalability, political pressures from the United States may force Apple to reassess its long-term plans. With production already booming and partners like Foxconn and Tata making significant investments, Apple will need to carefully navigate geopolitical dynamics to maintain operational efficiency without compromising on market access or stakeholder expectations.
As the situation develops, the global tech industry and financial markets alike will be watching closely to see how Apple balances innovation, policy, and global supply chain management.
