President Donald Trump on Thursday publicly rebuked Apple for expanding its iPhone production in India, signaling growing frustration over the tech giant's shifting global supply chain and using the moment to press for greater domestic manufacturing. The comments came as the company moves to produce up to 25% of its global iPhones in India to reduce its dependence on Chinese factories.
"I had a little problem with Tim Cook yesterday," Trump said at a press conference in Qatar. "I said to him, 'my friend, I treated you very good. You're coming here with $500 billion, but now I hear you're building all over India.' I don't want you building in India."
Apple's recent $500 billion investment pledge to the U.S., announced in February, was intended to signal its long-term commitment to domestic growth. But Trump emphasized that commitment should mean more than just capital. "We put up with all the plants that you build in China for years, now you got build us. We're not interested in you building in India, India can take care of themselves ... we want you to build here," Trump added.
The president also said Apple would be "upping" its production in the United States, though he provided no specifics. CNBC reported that Apple did not respond to requests for comment on the exchange.
Apple currently assembles most of its iPhones in China, but has recently ramped up production in India, where its primary manufacturing partner, Foxconn, received Indian government approval this week to build a semiconductor plant in collaboration with HCL Group. The shift is part of Apple's broader effort to diversify its supply chain amid geopolitical tensions and escalating tariffs.
Trump's remarks coincided with broader trade discussions involving India. He called the country "one of the highest tariff nations in the world" but claimed a breakthrough could be near. "They are willing to literally charge us no tariff," Trump said, referencing a potential U.S.-India trade deal. Under a new reciprocal tariff policy enacted in April, Indian goods entering the U.S. are subject to a 26% duty, though that figure has been temporarily reduced through July.
Experts note that moving significant iPhone production to the U.S. remains unlikely due to cost constraints. Estimates place the price of a U.S.-assembled iPhone between $1,500 and $3,500. At present, Apple manufactures very few products domestically. The Mac Pro is assembled in the U.S., and the company recently announced plans for a Texas-based facility to produce AI server infrastructure for Apple Intelligence.
Apple shares were down about 1% in early premarket trading following Trump's remarks.
