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Apple Ramps Up Manufacturing in India

Apple has significantly increased its iPhone production in India, expanding operations across five factories ahead of the highly anticipated launch of its iPhone 17 lineup. The move underscores Apple’s accelerating effort to diversify its supply chain away from China while strengthening its foothold in one of the world’s fastest-growing smartphone markets.

Bloomberg reported that Apple’s expansion includes new facilities operated by Tata Group and its longtime partner Foxconn Technology, with additional plans to manufacture a new iPhone 17e model in India next year. This marks one of Apple’s largest production shifts outside of China to date.

U.S. Tariff Pressure on India

The timing comes as the White House sharpens its stance on India’s relationship with Russia. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC that the administration is preparing to impose secondary tariffs on India, accusing the country of “profiteering” by purchasing discounted Russian oil and reselling it during the Ukraine conflict.

President Donald Trump has already raised tariffs on India to 50% earlier this month and has threatened to impose secondary tariffs of up to 100% on Russia’s trading partners if no Ukraine peace deal is reached by September.

India’s Rising Role in Apple’s Supply Chain

India has become increasingly central to Apple’s global manufacturing strategy. Recent data from Canalys shows that shipments of iPhones from India to the U.S. surged 76% in May, reflecting Apple’s rapid expansion in the country.

The strategy also aligns with India’s own push to establish itself as a global electronics hub. Analysts note that Apple’s investments could support tens of thousands of new jobs while deepening the company’s long-term commitment to the region.

Balancing U.S. Commitments and Global Strategy

While Apple expands abroad, the company is also doubling down on U.S. investment. The tech giant has pledged to spend over $600 billion in the United States over the next four years, including a $100 billion expansion announced this month. That package includes $2.5 billion for Corning, Apple’s glass supplier, to scale production capacity for future iPhone models.

Industry experts suggest these U.S. investments may shield Apple from the brunt of any tariffs tied to India’s oil trade with Russia. By bolstering both American and Indian production, Apple positions itself to withstand geopolitical headwinds while ensuring steady supply for its global customer base.

The Bigger Picture

Apple’s decision to expand manufacturing in India highlights the growing intersection of global trade, geopolitics, and technology supply chains. As tensions between Washington, Moscow, and New Delhi escalate, companies like Apple are caught between political realities and production needs.

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