Former President Donald Trump is once again targeting global trade practices, this time zeroing in on tech giant Apple and its increasing reliance on India for iPhone production. Speaking during a business summit in Doha on Wednesday, Trump revealed that he had personally urged Apple CEO Tim Cook to halt the company’s manufacturing expansion in India and instead prioritize production in the United States.
“I said to him, ‘Tim, you’re my friend. I’ve treated you very good. You’re coming up with $500 billion, but now I hear you’re building all over India. I don’t want you building in India,’” Trump told the crowd, referencing Apple’s investment commitments. “You can build in India if you want to take care of India — because India is one of the highest tariff nations in the world.”
Trump, who has consistently promoted an “America First” economic agenda, did not clarify whether any formal policy changes or restrictions would follow his comments. He also did not specify a timeline for when Apple might scale up U.S. production. Apple has not yet responded to media requests for comment regarding Trump’s remarks.
Apple’s Shift to India Raises Political Tensions
The public exchange underscores growing political tension over global supply chains and technology manufacturing, especially as U.S.-based companies look to diversify away from China while capitalizing on India’s growing manufacturing infrastructure.
Earlier this month, Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed that the company would begin importing iPhones produced in India to help meet domestic demand in the U.S., a significant shift in Apple’s supply chain strategy. That announcement followed news from India’s government, which approved a $435 million investment from Foxconn—Apple’s major manufacturing partner—to build a semiconductor production facility in India.
This project marks a key step in India’s broader initiative to become a global electronics manufacturing hub, one that both complements and potentially replaces China’s longstanding role in Apple’s supply chain. According to an April Bloomberg report, 20% of Apple’s iPhones are already being produced in India, and The Financial Times later reported that the company aims to import all iPhones sold in the U.S. from India by 2026.
Apple’s increasing reliance on India has been viewed by many analysts as a strategic response to geopolitical uncertainty, rising labor costs in China, and ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions.
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Trump’s Push for Domestic Manufacturing
Trump’s comments in Doha come amid his continued efforts to position himself as a champion of American industry. While out of office, he has remained vocally critical of outsourcing and global supply chains that he believes disadvantage American workers.
In his remarks, Trump suggested that Apple was already “upping” its domestic production plans but did not offer details. “I told Tim, we’ve got the workers, we’ve got the resources, and we’re going to do it here. We’re going to bring it all back,” Trump said.
Earlier this year, Apple announced a $500 billion investment plan to expand its operations in the U.S. over the next four years. That plan includes:
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Opening new manufacturing facilities in several states
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Hiring over 20,000 workers
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Launching a manufacturing training academy
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Investing in domestic supply chain resilience
Despite this commitment, Apple has emphasized that its global production strategy requires a balance between domestic manufacturing and international partnerships to meet the complex demands of its global consumer base.
Apple Balances Between U.S. Policy and Global Supply Needs
Tim Cook has long walked a delicate line between responding to U.S. political pressure and maintaining operational efficiency across global markets. Under his leadership, Apple has increased its visibility in American manufacturing initiatives while also strategically expanding into markets like India and Vietnam.
India, in particular, has become a focal point in Apple’s shift away from China. The Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has introduced several incentives under its “Make in India” initiative, including subsidies, tax breaks, and streamlined regulations for foreign tech manufacturers.
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Apple’s move to start importing India-manufactured iPhones to the U.S. is widely seen as a practical step in reducing exposure to future disruptions from U.S.-China trade disputes or pandemic-related shutdowns in East Asia.
Still, Trump’s criticisms reflect a broader nationalist sentiment that views such international moves as threats to American jobs and industrial sovereignty.
Political Implications Ahead of 2026
Trump’s comments are also being interpreted through a political lens. As the country inches closer to the 2026 midterms, and with speculation about a possible Trump presidential campaign in 2028, his renewed focus on U.S. manufacturing could resonate with voters in key battleground states like Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania — all of which have large manufacturing sectors.
Critics argue, however, that pressuring companies to pull back from global expansion could backfire economically, potentially disrupting supply chains and raising costs for consumers. Apple has repeatedly stated that a globally diversified supply network is critical to keeping product availability stable and prices competitive.
Economists and trade analysts note that while political rhetoric often promotes reshoring, the reality is more complex. “Global electronics manufacturing is an intricate web,” said tech analyst Rachel Wu. “You can’t flip a switch and suddenly move the entire iPhone production line to Texas. There are years of supply chain integration that go into these decisions.”
What Comes Next?
While Trump’s comments may not translate into immediate policy changes, they have reignited debate over the role of American corporations in the global economy and how far political leaders should go to influence private sector decisions.
Apple’s silence following Trump’s statement suggests the company may be weighing its next public response carefully. For now, it appears Apple will continue its hybrid approach — investing in U.S. operations while expanding in international markets like India, which offer growth opportunities and long-term strategic benefits.
In a world where tech, politics, and global trade are more intertwined than ever, the battle over where the iPhone gets made is likely far from over.
