Supply Chain Strategy

Former President Donald Trump intervened during his Middle East tour to halt Apple’s India manufacturing expansion, urging Tim Cook to prioritize U.S. production amid rising import tariffs that could increase iPhone prices for American consumers by $190. Despite India’s 60% year-on-year production growth (valued at $2.2 billion) and intensified Foxconn investments there, 80% of iPhones shipped to the U.S. remain China-made. Trump’s tariff threats cost Apple $900 million in Q1 projections, with shares dropping 15% YTD versus the Nasdaq’s 12% gain. Analysts question whether achieving Washington’s domestic manufacturing goals—including 3nm chips and iOS 19 features—can avoid disrupting geopolitical dynamics and investor expectations.