Former U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked fresh controversy with his remarks targeting Apple’s decision to manufacture products in India, citing what he called the country’s “extremely high tariffs.”
Speaking at a political rally, Trump stated:
“I told Apple CEO Tim Cook — don’t manufacture in India. They have the highest tariffs I’ve ever seen.”
Trump’s comments come at a time when Apple has been significantly expanding its production footprint in India, assembling products like iPhones and accessories to reduce dependency on China and benefit from India’s growing manufacturing ecosystem.
His remarks have drawn attention from both economic and diplomatic circles, as they risk straining U.S.-India trade relations, especially with India’s tech and electronics manufacturing sector becoming a global hub. The Indian government, under its “Make in India” initiative, has offered incentives to major international companies, including Apple, to boost domestic production.
While Apple CEO Tim Cook has not responded publicly, industry experts note that Apple’s manufacturing in India is aligned with its long-term strategy of diversification and market growth.
Trump’s statement has also triggered a storm on social media, with many users criticizing him for discouraging U.S. business engagement in a key global market.
As the U.S. presidential race heats up, such remarks may have wider implications for global trade discussions and tech supply chains in the coming months.
