Apple Accelerates India Production Amid U.S.-India Trade Tensions

Apple is significantly expanding iPhone production in India, with all four iPhone 17 models now being manufactured across five factories in the country. This includes two newly opened plants operated by Tata Group and Foxconn, marking Apple's largest effort to date to diversify its supply chain away from China. The MOVE comes as global trade restrictions loom and U.S.-India relations face strain over India's imports of Russian oil.

The company plans to introduce a lower-cost iPhone 17e model made in India next year, further solidifying its commitment to local production. According to Canalys, iPhone shipments from India to the U.S. surged 76% in May as Apple seeks to mitigate trade risks.

Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury officials have signaled plans to increase tariffs on India, citing the country's economic gains from purchasing discounted Russian oil during the Ukraine conflict. President TRUMP recently raised tariffs to 50% and threatened further escalation if diplomatic resolutions fail.