Trump Publicly Opposes Apple’s India Expansion During Business Event in Qatar
At a high-profile event with global business leaders in Doha, Qatar, former U.S. President Donald Trump made a pointed statement against Apple Inc.’s India-focused manufacturing strategy. Addressing the audience on May 15, Trump revealed that he had personally told Apple CEO Tim Cook not to pursue large-scale manufacturing in India unless it was exclusively aimed at serving the Indian domestic market. His remarks, reported by Bloomberg, have stirred international attention due to their implications for global supply chains and U.S.-India trade relations.
Highlights:
Donald Trump stated he advised Apple CEO Tim Cook against expanding manufacturing in India for non-Indian markets.
Trump emphasized Apple should increase its domestic production in the United States.
His comments were made during a business event held in Doha, Qatar.
“They Can Take Care of Themselves”: Trump on India’s Role in Apple’s Strategy
Trump’s direct language, “Told Tim Cook we’re not interested in you building in India, they can take care of themselves,” underscored his nationalistic economic vision and his continued criticism of American companies outsourcing manufacturing to foreign nations. The former president has consistently advocated for a strong reshoring strategy, aiming to bring back industrial and tech production to the U.S., often using tariffs and trade barriers as leverage to influence corporate decisions.
Highlights:
Trump reiterated his America-first stance, discouraging offshore manufacturing.
He suggested India’s growing economy should rely on self-sufficiency.
The statement highlights Trump’s ongoing push for U.S.-based production as a campaign theme.
Apple’s India Plans Under Scrutiny Amid Shifting U.S. Tariff Policies
Apple has been accelerating its manufacturing shift to India, with plans to produce the majority of iPhones sold in the U.S. within Indian factories by the end of 2026. This move is partly driven by the company’s desire to diversify its supply chain away from China due to rising geopolitical tensions and increasing tariffs imposed on Chinese goods. A Reuters report last month cited company sources saying that Apple is speeding up its India production strategy to mitigate the impact of these tariffs.
Currently, about 80% of the 60 million iPhones Apple sells annually in the U.S. are made in China. Apple’s manufacturing costs in India are estimated to be 5-8% higher than in China, and in some instances, the cost differential reaches up to 10%, making the transition more financially complex but strategically significant for Apple’s long-term resilience.
Highlights:
Apple is planning to shift most of its U.S.-bound iPhone production to India by 2026.
Rising tariffs on Chinese imports are accelerating Apple’s diversification strategy.
India’s manufacturing cost disadvantage remains a challenge, ranging between 5-10%.
Record-Breaking iPhone Exports from India Mark Milestone for Apple and Its Suppliers
Apple’s contract manufacturers in India, particularly Foxconn and Tata Electronics, have achieved significant milestones in recent months. In March, Apple exported approximately 600 tons of iPhones worth $2 billion from India to the United States, marking the highest shipment volume to date. Foxconn accounted for nearly $1.3 billion of that total, with Tata Electronics also playing a crucial role in ramping up export volumes.
These record-breaking shipments underscore Apple’s growing confidence in India’s manufacturing capabilities, especially as U.S. tariffs on China remain a looming risk. This rapid scale-up aligns with Apple’s broader goal of reducing dependency on Chinese factories and building a more diversified global production network.
Highlights:
Apple exported $2 billion worth of iPhones from India to the U.S. in March.
Foxconn led the export surge with $1.3 billion in shipments.
The milestone reflects Apple’s accelerating pivot to Indian manufacturing.
India Offers Zero-Tariff Deal to the U.S., Says Trump
During his remarks in Doha, Trump also claimed that India had offered the United States a trade arrangement involving the complete elimination of tariffs. “India has offered us a deal where basically they are willing to literally charge us no tariff,” Trump stated. While the veracity and details of such a deal have not been independently confirmed, the comment suggests that India is making efforts to strengthen bilateral trade ties with the U.S., possibly in a bid to support companies like Apple that are expanding Indian operations.
This purported offer comes at a time when global trade dynamics are in flux, with the U.S. revising its tariff frameworks. In April, Washington imposed a 26% duty on Indian imports, a figure notably lower than the more than 100% tariff levied on imports from China. While most of these tariffs have been paused temporarily—excluding those on China—Trump’s comments signal the potential for evolving trade deals between India and the U.S.
Highlights:
Trump claimed India proposed a zero-tariff trade offer to the U.S.
The move could be aimed at incentivizing American companies to invest in India.
U.S. duties on Indian imports were set at 26% in April but remain far below tariffs on Chinese goods.
Geopolitical Tensions Shape Apple’s Production Roadmap and U.S. Policy Influence
Apple’s production shifts are unfolding within the broader context of geopolitical rivalries, with China’s deteriorating trade relationship with the U.S. acting as a primary catalyst. While Apple is striving to balance cost, supply chain resilience, and tariff exposure, Trump’s remarks add political pressure and uncertainty to corporate decision-making. The former president’s insistence on reshoring manufacturing aligns with his broader political agenda as the 2024 U.S. election cycle heats up.
For India, the outcome of such high-level interactions between U.S. leaders and global tech executives could influence the trajectory of its growing electronics manufacturing ecosystem. As Apple deepens its investments in India, the geopolitical narrative will remain a key determinant in shaping how and where future iPhones are produced.
Highlights:
U.S.-China tensions are driving Apple’s global supply chain realignment.
Trump’s comments may influence Apple’s long-term investment decisions.
India’s electronics manufacturing growth could be impacted by shifting U.S. trade and political dynamics.
