U.S. President Donald Trump revealed on Thursday that he has directly urged Apple CEO Tim Cook to cancel plans to expand iPhone production in India and instead ramp up operations domestically. Speaking from Qatar, Trump stated:
“I don’t want you building facilities in India,”adding that Cook is a “friend” and pointing to Apple’s promised $500 billion investment in the United States over four years.
The comments highlight Trump’s ongoing push to reindustrialize the American economy and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains, especially in the face of growing geopolitical and trade tensions.
Earlier this year, Tim Cook confirmed that Apple plans to shift most iPhone production for U.S. sales to India and Vietnam. Under that plan:
India would handle the bulk of U.S. iPhone production.
Vietnam would manufacture iPads, Macs, and wearables.
China would continue producing Apple devices for international markets.
This diversification strategy was designed to reduce Apple’s dependence on China amid worsening U.S.-China relations and to take advantage of lower labor costs and favorable incentives in Southeast Asia.
Trump also criticized India’s trade policies, stating that it imposes “the highest tariff barriers in the world,” making it difficult for American companies to export there. Nevertheless, he hinted that India may offer “a no-tariff option” for some trade deals, suggesting that negotiations are ongoing even as Apple looks for cost-effective alternatives.
Following Trump’s renewed tariff threats and public comments on Apple, the company’s stock fell approximately 5.1%, reflecting investor concerns about potential disruptions in its global supply chain. Apple manufactures over 90% of its products in China and faces the challenge of balancing cost-efficiency with shifting political priorities in Washington.
As U.S. political leaders continue to advocate for reshoring production and reducing strategic dependencies, Apple is likely to face increasing scrutiny over where and how its most iconic products are made.