Why Trump Wants Apple to Bring iPhone Manufacturing Back to the U.S.
Apple has been steadily ramping up iPhone production in India, working with partners like Foxconn, Pegatron, and Tata Electronics. But this shift hasn’t gone down well with former U.S. President Donald Trump. At a recent business event in Doha, Trump openly criticized Apple CEO Tim Cook for expanding operations in India instead of focusing on manufacturing in the United States.
“I had a little problem with Tim Cook yesterday,” Trump said. “I am treating you very good… but now I hear you are building all over India. I don’t want you building in India.” He argued that India is a high-tariff market and suggested that Apple should prioritize the U.S. instead. “India can take care of themselves,” he added.
So why is Trump so concerned about where Apple makes its products?
Trump’s “Make America Great Again” campaign has consistently emphasized bringing manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. His administration focused on encouraging American companies to manufacture domestically, creating jobs and reducing dependency on foreign countries for essential goods. Apple, one of the most valuable and influential American companies, is seen as a symbolic player in this push.
According to CA (Dr.) Suresh Surana, Trump’s comments reflect his broader goal of reviving domestic manufacturing and boosting job creation in the U.S. He pointed out that Apple’s large-scale production in India strengthens India’s “Make in India” initiative, which competes with Trump’s vision for a manufacturing resurgence in America.
However, Surana also suggested a more balanced solution—a collaborative approach where companies like Apple can split operations between countries. While India offers cost advantages and a skilled workforce, the U.S. brings strengths in R&D, design, and branding. Many American tech giants already benefit from this model in software and services.
Apple’s shift to India is largely driven by strategic needs. In recent years, the company has sought to diversify its supply chain and reduce reliance on China, especially amid rising geopolitical tensions and trade barriers. Manufacturing in India offers Apple access to a large talent pool and lower costs, while also protecting it from disruptions linked to U.S.-China relations.
Between April 2024 and March 2025, Apple manufactured iPhones worth ₹1.83 lakh crore (about $22 billion) in India—a 60% increase over the previous year. Nearly 15% of all iPhones are now made in India, and in March 2025 alone, over 3 million units were exported to the U.S.
But Trump’s push to bring production back home has economic challenges. Analysts at Bank of America estimate that moving iPhone manufacturing to the U.S. could increase production costs by up to 25%, leading to significantly higher retail prices for consumers.
Despite Trump’s criticism, Apple remains committed to its Indian operations. Reports suggest the company has assured the Indian government that it will continue investing in the country.
In the end, while Trump’s demands align with his domestic agenda, global manufacturing today is driven by cost, scale, and supply chain resilience—factors that make India an increasingly important player in Apple’s future.
