May 15, 2025 - Business

Trump to Apple: Don't expand iPhone production in India

Ben Berkowitz

Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks to President Trump at the White House in 2019. — Apple CEO Tim Cook and President Trump speak at the White House in 2019. Photo: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images

President Trump on Thursday said he told Apple not to expand iPhone production in India, while also indicating the possibility of a sweeping new trade deal with the country.

Why it matters: Apple was reportedly planning to massively expand phone manufacturing for the U.S. market in India, as a workaround for the ongoing trade war with China.

What they're saying: "I had a little problem with Tim Cook yesterday, I said to him 'Tim you're my friend, I've treated you very good,'" Trump told a news conference in Qatar.

"I don't want you building in India," Trump said he told Cook.
"I said to Tim, I said, 'Tim we've treated you really good, we put up with all the plants that you built in China for years ... we're not interested in you building in India, India can take care of themselves," Trump said.

Apple spokespeople were not immediately available for comment early Thursday morning.

Apple shares were down 1% in early premarket trading.

The intrigue: While speaking about Cook and Apple, Trump also noted that the U.S. was working on a trade deal that would purportedly involve India charging no tariffs on U.S. products.

That would be a significant change from the status quo, as India has some of the highest levies on U.S. goods now.

Editor's note: This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Go deeper: Trump tariffs shake foundations of Apple's iPhone empire

Add Axios on Google

Trump to Apple: Don't expand iPhone production in India

What to read next