In a striking statement made during a visit to Doha, former U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Apple Inc. to halt its iPhone manufacturing operations in India. Trump claimed he had spoken with Apple CEO Tim Cook and directed him to prioritize American interests over expanding operations in India.
“I spoke to Tim Cook yesterday. You’re building a $500 billion company, but now I hear you’re going to start working in India,” Trump said. “But you don’t want to build in India. If you want to help India, fine, but India is one of the highest tariff countries in the world. It’s hard to sell there. India has given us a deal in which they have promised not to impose any tariffs on our goods.”
Trump further added, “Now we don’t want you to build in India. India can take care of itself. They’re doing a very good job. We want you to work in America.”
According to Trump, Apple plans to increase its manufacturing operations in the U.S. with a projected investment of $500 billion.
Currently, Apple manufactures iPhones in India through partnerships with Foxconn and Tata. The company has been ramping up production in the country, and by 2025, it is expected that 15% of iPhones made in India will be exported to the United States.
Trump’s comments could present a significant challenge to India’s Make in India initiative, which aims to boost domestic manufacturing and attract global investments.