📱 Trump’s Message to Apple CEO Tim Cook: 'Don’t Build in India, Build in the U.S.'
[Washington D.C., May 13, 2025] – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has made headlines once again, this time for a strong statement directed at Apple CEO Tim Cook, urging the tech giant to halt manufacturing expansion in India and bring production back to American soil.
In a recent interview, Trump said:
“I don’t want you building in India. I want you building in the United States. India can take care of themselves.”
This comment has sparked a fresh wave of discussions on U.S. manufacturing policy, Apple’s global supply chain strategy, and India’s rising role in tech production.
🧭 Background: Apple’s Growing Footprint in India
Apple has been steadily expanding its manufacturing base in India since 2020, with key suppliers like Foxconn, Pegatron, and Wistron ramping up local production. The move was part of Apple’s diversification strategy to reduce reliance on China and leverage India’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes.
According to industry analysts, over 7% of global iPhones were manufactured in India in 2024, with targets set to reach 25% by 2026.
🇺🇸 Trump's 'America First' Tech Push: What's New?
Trump’s comments align with his consistent stance on bringing jobs back to the U.S., a core theme of his "America First" agenda. He has frequently criticized U.S. tech giants for outsourcing jobs and relying heavily on foreign labor for hardware manufacturing.
This time, his focus was squarely on Apple — the world’s most valuable company — and its increasing tilt toward India as a key production hub.
“We built the infrastructure, the tech, the consumer base — now it’s time Apple shows loyalty to the American worker,” Trump added.
🌏 Global Implications: India, China & the U.S.
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India: Seen as a rising tech manufacturing powerhouse, India may interpret Trump's remarks as a challenge to its positioning in global supply chains.
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China: Still Apple's largest manufacturing base, but under scrutiny amid U.S.–China tensions.
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U.S.: Facing labor cost challenges, but Trump insists tax incentives and deregulation can bring factories back.
📈 Apple’s Dilemma: Politics vs Profit
Apple must now walk a tightrope — balancing:
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Cost efficiencies and supply chain diversification in India
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Regulatory and political pressures in the U.S.
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Geopolitical risks with China
Tim Cook, who recently praised India’s role in Apple’s growth, has not issued a response to Trump’s latest statement as of this writing.
❓ FAQs: Trump vs Apple — The India Manufacturing Debate
Q1. Why did Donald Trump criticize Apple’s India plans?
A: Trump urged Apple CEO Tim Cook to prioritize American workers and shift manufacturing operations back to the U.S., citing an “America First” vision.
Q2. How much of Apple’s manufacturing is done in India?
A: As of 2024, about 7–10% of global iPhone production is done in India, with more planned by 2026.
Q3. Will Apple stop building in India after Trump's remarks?
A: There is no official word from Apple yet. The company is likely to continue its dual-track strategy involving both U.S. and international manufacturing.
Q4. What does this mean for India’s tech sector?
A: While India remains a strong player in tech production, political statements like these may impact investor sentiment temporarily.
Q5. Has Trump made similar comments before?
A: Yes, Trump has previously urged U.S. companies like Apple, Ford, and GM to manufacture domestically rather than outsource jobs overseas.
🧠 Final Take
Trump’s remarks to Tim Cook are a stark reminder that tech giants now operate in a deeply political landscape. As manufacturing becomes a geopolitical chessboard, Apple will need to strategically balance diplomacy, cost, and innovation to maintain its dominance.
Whether this leads to policy shifts or is simply campaign rhetoric, one thing is clear — Apple’s India plans are now in the global spotlight.
Reported by Benny on May 15, 2025.