Suppose you ask me sitting across the coffee table from you – Why is Trump saying Apple should not make iPhones in India? Okay, let me explain it to you in the form of a story – history, politics, production, trade war and the case of the world’s largest tech company, all in one place.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Beginning – Who said what?
Recently, former US President Donald Trump made a major statement at a business forum in Doha, Qatar.
He claimed that he told Apple CEO Tim Cook:
I don’t want you to make in India. I want you to manufacture in America..
And also said that Apple will now increase production in the US.
He stressed:
India can take care of itself. We need jobs here, not there.
This statement started trending, and discussions began as to why Trump is so concerned about Trump Apple India manufacturing.
Chapter 2: Why is Trump saying this now?
Let’s think back a bit.
Trump is well known for his ‘America First’ approach. His aim is that American companies create jobs in the US, not outside.
This remark came precisely at a time when:
The US had increased taxes on Indian steel and aluminum.
India threatened to impose taxes on American products in retaliation.
The trade negotiations between the two nations were proceeding under tense conditions.
In such an environment, Trump’s statement can also be seen as a diplomatic pressure, especially linked to the Trump Apple India manufacturing debate.
Chapter 3: Where does Apple come into this?
Now let’s talk about Apple – Americas most iconic tech company.
Earlier, most of Apple’s products, especially iPhones, were made in China.
But now Apple is shifting production out of China.
The reasons are:
US-China tensions
Rising wages in China
Supply chain problems due to COVID-19
Political instability
Apple has now selected India and Vietnam as its new manufacturing hubs
In India, Apple teamed up with partners like Foxconn and Wistron and declared:
“Within the coming years, India will produce 25% of all iPhones.”
This is what is fueling the Trump Apple India manufacturing debate.
Chapter 4: What’s Trump’s problem?
Trump’s question is simple:
“Apple, you’ve benefited so much from the US, why are you taking jobs to India now?”
He says India levies too many taxes, making it difficult to sell American goods in India.
There’s some truth in this, but not all. The core issue for Trump Apple India manufacturing lies in balancing jobs, politics, and business strategy.
Chapter 5: Can iPhone be made in America?
In theory, yes.
But economically? No.
If iPhone is made in America, the price could be $799 to $1,199.
That’s two to five times higher than the current price.
Reasons:
Labor is very expensive in America.
The supply chain of electronics has been stuck in Asia for decades.
Apple makes some products like Mac Pro in America, but production of large scale products like iPhone is not possible in America.
That’s a big factor in the Trump Apple India manufacturing controversy.
Chapter 6: What is India’s response?
The Indian government took Trump’s statement lightly.
They said:
Apple is committed to manufacturing in India.
India has several reasons for this:
The government promotes manufacturing through the PLI scheme.
Wages in India are cheaper than China or the US.
Political stability.
India has now become a major smartphone hub.
So, whatever Trump says on Trump Apple India manufacturing, India has cemented its place.
Chapter 7: Apple’s response?
Apple has not directly responded to Trump’s remarks
But according to reports obtained by Bloomberg and PTI:
Apple is firm on its India plans.
New iPhone plants and Foxconn-HCL semiconductor units are moving ahead.
That is, whatever Trump says, Apple praises it, but does not accept it. The Trump Apple India manufacturing debate doesn’t affect Apple’s roadmap much.
Chapter 8: The Politics Inside
The US-India trade relations are hidden behind this entire debate.
Trade war and taxes
India is accused of levying high taxes on American goods.
India says – America also imposes taxes on our steel and aluminum.
Trade talks
India’s top trade official is set to travel to the U.S. in mid-May
Trump is probably building pressure ahead of these talks.
Manufacturing stance after Covid
Companies no longer want to rely exclusively on China
India has emerged as a key strategic choice.
That’s why statements like Trump Apple India manufacturing are part of a larger political-economic story.
Chapter 9: What does it mean for investors?
As a finance expert, the key points are:
Apple is not leaving India.
India’s manufacturing power has strengthened.
Trump’s statements are political, not economic.
Apple builds its global supply chain based on strategy, not emotions.
The real market news is hidden in the data, not in the headlines.
So, Trump Apple India manufacturing might make noise, but investors should focus on fundamentals.
Chapter 10: What if Apple agrees to Trump?
Imagine it — Apple says “Ok Trump, now we will manufacture everything in the US.”
What would it take?
New factories in the US, new supplier base.
Training lakhs of workers.
Significant increase in production cost.
Would you buy a $2,000 iPhone?
Probably not.
So despite the Trump Apple India manufacturing debate, Apple will stick to its business decisions.
Conclusion: Politics vs Economics
No matter what Trump says, a global brand like Apple makes decisions:
Based on cost
Based on supply chain
Taking into account logistics and politics
India is and will remain a strong choice.
Brief summary:
Trump tells Apple – dont make iPhones in India.
Apple did not respond and continued to invest in India.
India is an emerging leader in electronics manufacturing.
US-India trade tensions continue.
But for Apple, business logic is more important.
Despite the Trump Apple India manufacturing dispute, the real game is long-term strategy and global economics.
Also read about: Secrets of the Financial Markets of the United States