Trump criticizes Apple’s India expansion, urges local manufacturing

 During a rally in Michigan over the weekend, former U.S. President Donald Trump made a direct plea to Apple CEO Tim Cook, urging the tech giant to stop expanding its iPhone production in India. Trump stated that Apple should "come back home" and manufacture its products in the United States to support American jobs and the economy.

Domestic manufacturing at the center of Trump's message

 “Why does Apple keep sending jobs and tech to India when we have great American workers ready to go?” Trump asked his supporters. He added that if elected again, he would implement tax incentives for companies that manufacture domestically and tariffs for those that operate overseas.

Apple's strategic expansion in India

 Apple has been steadily increasing its manufacturing operations in India, working with suppliers like Foxconn and Wistron. This move is driven by lower labor costs, Indian government incentives, and the need to diversify production beyond China.

 According to Bloomberg, about 7% of iPhones are now made in India, with Apple aiming to raise that to 25% by 2026.

Why Apple is shifting to India

Key reasons include:

• Reducing reliance on China amid geopolitical tensions

• Accessing a large and growing smartphone market

• Attractive tax and labor conditions

• Building a stable supply chain outside China

Is Apple likely to change course?

 Industry experts believe Apple is unlikely to reverse its global strategy. Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities said, “Relocating production to the U.S. would be logistically and financially impossible. Apple is embracing a successful global model.”

Political pressure vs. economic reality

 Although Trump no longer holds office, his comments are influential. His call for Apple to bring jobs back to the U.S. raises significant questions:

• Is domestic manufacturing economically viable?

• Can the U.S. provide the scale and efficiency Apple needs?

• Should companies be guided by national interests or global strategy?

Conclusion

 Trump’s message adds fuel to the growing debate over the future of global tech manufacturing. While calls for economic nationalism grow louder, companies like Apple must balance politics with global supply chain efficiency.

Source: Times of India

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