U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that he expressed to Apple CEO Tim Cook his disapproval of the tech company establishing its production facilities in India, critiquing the company’s plans to shift manufacturing away from China and encouraging him to focus on domestic production.
“I had a minor disagreement with Tim Cook yesterday,” Trump commented. “I told him, ‘my friend, I’ve treated you very well. You’re bringing $500 billion here, but now I’m hearing you’re expanding in India.’ I don’t want you to set up operations in India.”
Trump was referring to Apple’s pledge of a $500 billion investment in the U.S., which was announced earlier in February.
Apple has been increasing its manufacturing in India with the intention of producing about 25% of global iPhones within the next few years, as it aims to lessen its dependence on China, where roughly 90% of its flagship smartphone is presently assembled.
