During a business event in Doha on May 15, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly expressed his disapproval of Apple’s increasing manufacturing presence in India. Addressing Apple CEO Tim Cook, Trump stated, “I don’t want you building in India. They can take care of themselves.” He emphasized that Apple should focus on expanding its manufacturing operations within the United States
Trump’s remarks come amidst Apple’s efforts to diversify its production beyond China, with significant investments in India. In the fiscal year ending March 2025, Apple’s iPhone production in India reached $22 billion, marking a nearly 60% increase compared to the previous year. However, Trump criticized India’s high tariff barriers, stating, “India is one of the highest tariff nations in the world, so it is very hard to sell there.”
Following his conversation with Cook, Trump indicated that Apple would increase its manufacturing operations in the United States. He mentioned that India had offered a deal to the U.S. to charge no tariffs on American goods, though no official announcement has been made by India regarding such an agreement.
Apple’s current manufacturing strategy includes significant operations in China, with no production facilities in the United States. The company has been shifting some assembly to countries like India and Vietnam to mitigate risks associated with tariffs and geopolitical tensions. BBC
Trump’s statements add pressure on Apple to reconsider its global manufacturing strategy, potentially impacting its plans to diversify production away from China. The situation underscores the complexities multinational corporations face in navigating international trade policies and geopolitical dynamics.