U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threat to impose a 25% tariff on Apple products manufactured in China has sent shockwaves across the tech and trade industries. But beyond the immediate China-U.S. friction, a critical question now emerges: Where does this leave Apple’s “Make in India” strategy?
Apple’s India Bet: A Quick Recap
Over the last three years, Apple has aggressively scaled its production in India, shifting assembly of key iPhone models to factories in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The move was in response to both supply chain diversification goals and growing tension between the U.S. and China.
India’s government has welcomed Apple’s investment, offering incentives under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and streamlining policies to attract global manufacturers. Apple’s supplier, Foxconn, even announced multi-billion-dollar expansion plans in India.
Trump’s Tariff Threat: Not Just About China?
While Trump’s latest remarks were aimed specifically at China, analysts warn that the underlying message could affect all foreign manufacturing, including India. Trump has repeatedly called for companies to bring production back to U.S. soil—regardless of the country they’re outsourcing to.
“We want our products made right here in America. Not in China, not in India, not anywhere else,” Trump said during his latest campaign rally.
This raises concerns about whether devices made in India could eventually be caught in the tariff net, especially if the former President pushes for an “America-first” manufacturing policy across the board.
What Could This Mean for Apple?
If tariffs extend beyond China, Apple may face significant pressure to begin assembling its most popular devices in the United States—a move that would be costly, time-consuming, and logistically complex.
While Apple has small-scale assembly lines and R&D facilities in the U.S., large-scale manufacturing in America is far from viable in the short term. On the other hand, shifting away from India now would complicate Apple’s long-term diversification plans, potentially increasing reliance on China again—a move that would contradict both geopolitical and business logic.
India’s Role Still Strategic
Despite the uncertainty, experts believe India remains a strategically vital partner in Apple’s global supply chain.
“Even if Trump returns to office, India will continue to play a central role in Apple’s manufacturing strategy. What changes is the export equation—whether goods made in India get taxed entering the U.S.,” says Rahul Mehta, a supply chain analyst at TechAsia Group.
India also represents a booming consumer market, giving Apple even more reason to retain and expand its footprint there.
Conclusion: A Delicate Balancing Act
As Trump’s potential return reshapes trade rhetoric, Apple finds itself walking a tightrope between geopolitical realities and business imperatives. While “Make in India” remains strong for now, future U.S. policy could reshape the way Apple—and the rest of Big Tech—think about global manufacturing.
One thing is clear: the iPhone’s journey from the factory to your pocket is about to get even more politically charged.
