Trump Urges Apple to Cut Expansion in India, Focus on U.S. Manufacturing Amid Trade Talks

Trump Urges Apple to Cut Expansion in India, Focus on U.S. Manufacturing Amid Trade Talks In a statement that stirred fresh debate over global manufacturing and trade policy, former U.S. President Donald Trump, during a recent event in Qatar, revealed that he had directly urged Apple CEO Tim Cook to stop expanding manufacturing in India and instead prioritize domestic production in the United States.

Trump criticized India’s high tariff barriers, asserting that “India can take care of themselves, they are doing very well,” while expressing concerns over the imbalance in trade conditions.

The remarks come amid crucial U.S.-India trade negotiations, with India reportedly proposing a tariff-free agreement on American goods in exchange for avoiding additional U.S. tariff hikes. The proposal includes reducing India’s average tariff rate from 13% to below 4%, aiming to finalize a deal within the 90-day suspension period of new U.S. tariff increases announced on April 9.

Apple, meanwhile, has been actively shifting iPhone production to India, aiming to source a major share of its U.S. iPhone supply from Indian plants by the end of next year — part of its broader diversification strategy away from China.

While Indian officials have not publicly acknowledged the tariff-free offer, sources say Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is scheduled to visit Washington from May 17 to 20 for renewed talks, signaling both sides’ intention to reach a swift and mutually beneficial agreement.

Analysts say Trump’s comments could pressure U.S. tech firms and shape future U.S.-India economic dynamics, especially as both nations weigh strategic manufacturing shifts and broader geopolitical implications.