US President Donald Trump’s public admonition of Apple CEO Tim Cook over the company’s growing iPhone production in India has stirred diplomatic waters, even as Indian officials downplay the remarks, emphasising the country’s robust manufacturing ecosystem.
Speaking during a state visit to Qatar, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Apple’s strategy to shift iPhone assembly from China to India, particularly for devices destined for the US market. He reportedly told Cook, “We are not interested in you building in India… we want you to build here,” underscoring his preference for domestic manufacturing.
Despite Trump’s comments, India’s commerce secretary, Sunil Barthwal, highlighted the nation’s competitive edge in smartphone manufacturing. He noted that companies like Apple make strategic decisions based on global advantages, and India stands as a significant player in the smartphone production space.
Apple’s manufacturing footprint in India has expanded considerably. The company produced iPhones worth $22 billion in the past year, with major facilities operated by Foxconn, Tata, and Pegatron. Tamil Nadu, in particular, has emerged as a central hub, contributing approximately 70-80% of India’s iPhone output.
The Indian government’s initiatives, including the Production Linked Incentive scheme and reductions in import duties, have bolstered the country’s appeal as a manufacturing destination. These measures have attracted significant foreign investment, leading to increased local manufacturing capabilities and job creation.
Analysts suggest that while Trump’s remarks reflect a broader narrative of economic nationalism, the logistical and financial challenges of relocating iPhone production to the US make such a shift impractical in the short term. Apple’s entrenched supply chains and cost advantages in Asia, particularly in India, underscore the complexities of reshoring manufacturing.
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