Trump's Warning to Apple: Manufacturing in India Comes with Conditions
Trump's Stance on Apple's Manufacturing Plans
President Donald Trump has stated that while Apple is welcome to establish a plant in India, the tech giant will not be able to sell its products in the United States without incurring tariffs. This remark comes as Trump signed several executive orders in the Oval Office aimed at promoting American nuclear energy.
On Friday, Trump mentioned, "...but I had an agreement with Tim (Cook) that he wouldn't do that."
He added that if they are going to set up a plant in India, that’s fine, but they won’t be able to sell without tariffs. He emphasized, "We are talking about iPhones. If they want to sell it in America, I want it made here."
Earlier on Friday, Trump expressed on social media his hope that the manufacturing of Apple iPhones sold in the U.S. would occur domestically, rather than in India or elsewhere.
He threatened that if the company does not comply, a 25% tariff would be imposed on its products. Trump stated, "I told Tim Cook of Apple a long time ago that the iPhones sold in America will be made here, not in India or any other place. If that doesn’t happen, Apple will have to pay at least a 25% tariff to the U.S."
Just last week, during his trip to West Asia, Trump mentioned in Doha that he advised Apple’s CEO not to manufacture in India but to develop their manufacturing capabilities in the U.S. Under Tim Cook's leadership, Apple is considering shifting iPhone production from China to India.