Trump Opposes Apple’s Expansion in India, Says He Spoke to Tim Cook

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his disapproval of Apple’s decision to increase product manufacturing in India. Speaking on Thursday, Trump said he had a conversation with Apple CEO Tim Cook and told him directly, “I don’t want you building in India.”

Trump said he had always supported Apple and expected the company to increase production in the United States instead.

“I treated you very good,” Trump said he told Cook. “Now I hear you’re building all over India. I don’t want that.”

Apple’s Move to India

Apple is currently expanding its manufacturing operations in India. The company plans to produce around 25% of its global iPhones in the country over the next few years. This move is part of Apple’s effort to reduce its reliance on China, where most iPhones are currently assembled.

Recently, Apple’s main manufacturing partner, Foxconn, received approval to build a semiconductor plant in India with HCL Group.

Trump Wants Apple to Build in the U.S.

Trump said Apple should focus on making more products in America. He also mentioned the $500 billion investment Apple had committed to in the U.S. earlier this year.

“We put up with all the plants you built in China,” he added. “Now you need to build here.”

Trump said Apple would be increasing its U.S. production, but did not share any details.

Trade Talks with India

Trump also spoke about trade with India. He said India has some of the highest tariffs in the world but has now offered the U.S. a deal with zero tariffs. Despite this, Trump’s administration had imposed a temporary 26% tariff on Indian goods last month, which may be reviewed in July.

Experts Say U.S. Manufacturing Would Be Expensive

Industry experts believe making iPhones in the U.S. would raise costs sharply. Some estimates say the price of an iPhone could rise to between $1,500 and $3,500 if fully made in America.

Currently, Apple only makes a few products in the U.S., like the Mac Pro. It has also announced a Texas facility to build servers for its AI technology, called Apple Intelligence.