Former US President has issued a stark warning to Apple, threatening a 25% tariff on iPhones manufactured outside the United States, including those assembled in India.
The statement directly challenges Apple’s rapidly growing ‘Make in India’ strategy. Trump made the comments on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating that he had “long ago informed Tim Cook” that all iPhones sold in the US should be manufactured domestically. “If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the U.S.,” he wrote, adding, “not India, or anyplace else.” Apple, which has significantly ramped up its Indian manufacturing operations, may face a serious policy challenge if the tariff threat materialises under a future Trump administration. The tech giant produced iPhones worth approximately $22 billion in India in the fiscal year ending March 2025, a 60% increase from the previous year. India currently accounts for 20% of global iPhone production, a figure expected to rise to 25% within the next few years. The move is part of Apple’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on China amid rising geopolitical tensions and pandemic-era disruptions.
However, Trump’s renewed tariff rhetoric threatens to disrupt Apple’s global supply chain diversification and reintroduce uncertainty into US-India tech trade relations. During a previous visit to Qatar, Trump reportedly told Cook: “I treated you very good… but now I hear you’re building all over India. I don’t want you building in India. India can take care of themselves.” Trump’s comments also referenced Apple’s February pledge to invest $500 billion in the US, casting doubt on the company’s overseas ambitions. The threat of tariffs comes as Apple and its key suppliers such as Foxconn continue expanding Indian operations under New Delhi’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes.
The remarks may also influence ongoing policy debates in Washington, particularly regarding tech supply chain resilience, trade policy, and domestic job creation.
