US President Donald Trump publicly cautioned Apple CEO Tim Cook against expanding iPhone production in India. Speaking at Doha, Qatar, Trump expressed dissatisfaction despite Apple’s announced $500 billion investment plans. He said, “I don’t want you building in India… India can take care of themselves.”
Impact on Apple’s India Manufacturing Strategy
Tim Cook had earlier revealed plans to source most iPhones sold in the US from India. This shift was part of Apple’s strategy to mitigate risks amid the ongoing US-China tariff conflict. The plan included redirecting India-made iPhones, previously destined for Europe, the UK, Turkey, and Japan, to the US market starting mid-2025.
India’s Growing Role in Global Production
India has become a significant manufacturing base for Apple as the company seeks to diversify beyond China. In 2024, Apple produced around 40–45 million iPhones in India, making up about 18–20% of its global production. Of these, 14–15 million were exported to the US, and 13 million to other markets.
Trump Pushes for More US Manufacturing
Following his conversation with Cook, Trump indicated that Apple would increase production in the US. Earlier, Apple announced plans to invest $500 billion over the next four years to expand manufacturing domestically, though experts doubt the feasibility of such an ambitious goal.
