Outlook Business Desk
Trump is calling on Apple to produce iPhones in USA as part of his reshoring drive. The White House sees this as evidence of success for the high-tariff trade policy.
Apple's global supply chain, particularly in China, is tough to replicate in the US due to a shortage of factories, skilled workers, and the necessary supply network for large-scale manufacturing.
Apple gets most of its parts from China, from screws to microchips. Everything is made near the assembly line.
With iPhones updated every year, factories need to be retooled regularly. This fast pace adds pressure that current U.S. manufacturing can’t match.
Apple’s largest production hub is in China. Chinese operations have scale, speed, and coordination unmatched globally. Cities like Zhengzhou (iPhone City) run massive assembly lines.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has said labour cost is no longer the reason for staying in China. It’s the combination of skill and scale that makes China essential for now.
iPhones are now being made in India for export. Apple has started manufacturing in the country to reduce its reliance on China, with plants located in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.