Tech Desk 
May 15, 2025
In a strong message to Apple, former US President Donald Trump has asked the tech giant not to expand its manufacturing in India.
Instead, he urged Apple CEO Tim Cook to focus on creating more jobs and production facilities in the United States.
As Apple looks to move its manufacturing out of China, it has started shifting production to India and Vietnam. But Trump doesn’t seem happy about it.
Speaking on his trip to Qatar, Trump declared he had a "little problem" with Tim Cook. "You're my friend, I was nice to you. You're coming here with $500 billion, but now you're building everywhere in India," he said to Cook.
Trump mentioned Apple's proposal to invest $500 billion in the US within four years but emphasised that such efforts would have to be greater.
He blasted India's trade policies as "very difficult" for American businesses because of high tariff rates.
"India has one of the world's highest tariff barriers," Trump asserted. But he went on to say that India is currently presenting a "no-tariff" offer as both nations negotiate import levies.
Last week, Tim Cook said that most of Apple's products for the American market would, in the not-too-distant future, be produced in Vietnam and India rather than China.
