Donald Trump wants Apple to pump the brakes on its India expansion. During a stop in Qatar this week, the former president said he recently pressed CEO Tim Cook to rethink plans to ramp up iPhone production outside the U.S.
“Tim, you’re my friend, but no India”
Trump described a private exchange with Cook. “I had a little problem with Tim Cook yesterday,” he told reporters. “I said, ‘Tim, you’re my friend, I’ve treated you very good.’ But I don’t want you building in India.”
He didn’t stop there. “We’ve already put up with all the plants in China,” he added. “Now India? Let them take care of themselves.”
Trump’s comments came off-script, but the message was clear: he wants Apple jobs to stay on American soil. Or at the very least, not migrate further east.
Apple’s India move, years in the making
Apple has spent the last few years shifting more of its supply chain into India — a strategic hedge against tensions with China. The iPhone 17 is expected to be assembled in facilities run by Foxconn and Tata Electronics, both deeply embedded in India’s tech manufacturing scene.
The shift also aligns with India’s government, which has actively courted tech giants with subsidies and fast-track infrastructure deals.
Tariffs on the table
Trump also hinted at ongoing trade talks that could drop tariffs on U.S. exports to India. “We’re working on a deal,” he said. “Where they don’t charge us anything.”
India currently imposes steep tariffs on American electronics, including smartphones and laptops. Trump’s proposal — if serious — would change that landscape. But linking tariff relief to Apple’s production choices? That part wasn’t made explicit… though it didn’t need to be.
Wall Street watches, Apple stays quiet
After Trump’s remarks, Apple stock dipped slightly in premarket hours — nothing major, but enough to raise eyebrows. The company didn’t respond publicly, and likely won’t anytime soon. Apple rarely comments on political statements unless regulation is directly involved.
In the meantime, production in India continues. But with the U.S. election heating up and trade pressure mounting, the iPhone’s country of origin could become a lot more political than Apple would like.
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