Trump’s Criticism of Apple’s India Expansion
President Donald Trump publicly expressed displeasure with Apple’s growing manufacturing footprint in India. Speaking at a business event in Doha, he said he told Apple CEO Tim Cook to stop expanding in India and focus on producing in the US instead. Trump’s remarks pointed out that India imposes high tariffs, making it harder to sell products there, and suggested that India should take care of itself rather than attracting American manufacturing jobs.
He emphasized his commitment to bringing manufacturing jobs back to the US, consistent with his “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) campaign, which focused heavily on boosting domestic production to create local employment.
Why Trump Is Concerned
Trump’s push is rooted in wanting to increase US-based manufacturing jobs and reduce dependence on foreign countries, especially amid geopolitical tensions and trade disputes. Producing Apple products in India means fewer manufacturing jobs and economic benefits for the US workforce.
Industry Perspective on the US-India Manufacturing Dynamic
Experts like CA (Dr.) Suresh Surana acknowledge Trump’s intent to promote US manufacturing but suggest a more collaborative approach between the US and India. He noted that many US tech giants (Microsoft, Google, etc.) have successfully leveraged India’s skilled workforce and cost advantages while maintaining design and branding operations in the US.
He advocates for a partnership model, where some manufacturing and operations remain in India (to leverage cost and talent benefits), while others stay in the US—balancing job creation and global competitiveness.
Apple’s Manufacturing Shift Toward India
Apple has been steadily increasing its production in India since 2017, initially with the iPhone SE, and now producing many popular models including high-end ones like the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max. Recent statistics show a strong growth trajectory:
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Between April 2024 and March 2025, India-made iPhones were worth around $22 billion (Rs 1.83 lakh crore), a 60% increase from the previous year.
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Nearly 15% of all iPhones globally are now manufactured in India.
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In March 2025 alone, over 3 million iPhones were exported from India to the US.
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Apple also started assembling AirPods in India.
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Foxconn, a major Apple supplier, plans to invest $1.5 billion in its India operations.
India’s role is vital to Apple’s global supply chain, offering lower labor costs and a large, skilled workforce, while reducing risks from US-China trade tensions.
Implications of Moving Production Back to the US
If Apple were to heed Trump’s call and shift manufacturing back to the US:
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The cost of making iPhones would increase significantly—analysts estimate prices could rise by up to 25%.
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This cost hike would impact consumers globally, making iPhones more expensive.
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Apple’s profit margins might also suffer due to higher labor costs and the need to build new factories.
Apple’s Current Stance
Despite Trump’s statements, Apple appears committed to continuing its expansion in India. According to recent reports, Apple executives have reassured the Indian government that the country remains a key part of their manufacturing strategy going forward.
Summary
Trump’s push to keep Apple manufacturing in the US aligns with his broader policy goals of revitalizing American manufacturing jobs. However, Apple’s expansion in India is driven by economic efficiencies, geopolitical considerations, and global supply chain diversification. Experts suggest a balanced US-India partnership could be the best approach, while Apple currently seems set on maintaining and growing its Indian production footprint despite political pressure from the US.
