Trump Issues Fresh Threats Even As Apple Supplier Foxconn Bets On India

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC – Amid rising global trade tensions, former President Donald Trump on May 23 renewed threats of steep tariffs against Apple and the European Union, warning of a 25% levy on iPhones not made in the U.S. and a 50% tariff on EU imports. The comments, posted on Truth Social, come just as Foxconn—Apple’s top manufacturing partner—announced a fresh $1.5 billion investment in India, further cementing the shift of iPhone assembly out of China and away from any U.S. production.

Foxconn’s announcement marks the latest in a series of major bets on India, where Apple now produces over half the iPhones it sells in the U.S., according to analysts. CEO Tim Cook has reportedly signaled that output from India could rise another 65% by fall. The trend is unmistakable—and unlikely to reverse.

Trump’s new tariff push arrives just two days after a closed-door meeting with Apple CEO Tim Cook at the White House. While details of the meeting remain undisclosed, the former president’s posts made clear his frustration with Apple’s reliance on overseas manufacturing, particularly in Asia.

CBS News reported that, despite public promises and some investment, Apple’s goal of U.S.-based iPhone production remains out of reach. Industry experts cited by CBS describe the idea as a “pipe dream” given the complex global supply chain and significantly higher manufacturing costs in the U.S.

Apple has pledged $500 billion toward American manufacturing over the next four years, including a new 250,000-square-foot server plant in Texas. But no iPhone production lines are planned for U.S. soil. CBS noted that the costs and logistical challenges of bringing smartphone assembly stateside could drive high-end iPhone prices to as much as $3,500.

Trump’s tariff threats aren’t limited to Apple. In a follow-up post, he described trade talks with the European Union as unproductive and called for a 50% tariff on EU goods starting June 1. He reiterated that companies manufacturing in the U.S. would be exempt.

While the administration has pitched tariffs as a tool to bring jobs and production home, trade experts remain doubtful. Analysts point out that decisions on factory locations depend more on factors like labor costs, regulatory stability, and access to raw materials than on border duties alone.

Apple has not responded publicly to the latest round of threats.