President Trump: Apple Should Stop Making iPhones in India

During his visit to Qatar, U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly called on Apple CEO Tim Cook to cease the company’s ongoing transition of iPhone production to India, Bloomberg is reporting.

Trump emphasized the importance of bolstering domestic manufacturing, urging Apple to prioritize producing devices within the U.S. rather than expanding operations abroad.

Apple has been steadily increasing its manufacturing footprint in India, with the country’s contribution to global iPhone production rising to 20% in the fiscal year 2025, up from 14% the previous year. The company aims to produce over 25% of its iPhones in India by 2026, a strategic move to diversify its supply chain and reduce reliance on China.

Trump’s comments reflect his broader economic agenda of reshoring manufacturing jobs to the U.S. He expressed concerns over Apple’s expanding investments in India, including Foxconn’s recently approved $433 million semiconductor plant, and advocated for increased domestic production to strengthen the American economy.

Analysts note that while Trump’s push for domestic manufacturing aligns with his economic policies, shifting significant portions of Apple’s production to the U.S. presents logistical and financial challenges. Apple’s established supply chain in Asia, combined with the region’s skilled labor force and cost advantages, make a rapid transition to U.S.-based manufacturing complex.

India’s growing role in Apple’s supply chain has also been economically beneficial for the country, potentially creating up to 200,000 new jobs and increasing annual iPhone production value to over $30 billion.

However, potential policy shifts and reciprocal tariffs between the U.S. and India could impact the viability of continued expansion in the region.