Recent reports suggest that the Chinese government is actively trying to interfere with Apple’s ambitions to escalate its iPhone production in India from the current 15% of global output to 25% by 2027.
According to sources, China is employing a variety of tactics to complicate the process for Apple’s manufacturing affiliates to shift operations to India.
iPhone Production Expansion in India
For some time, Apple has sought to reduce its reliance on China for manufacturing, a situation that has been exacerbated by the pandemic. The risks associated with concentrating so much iPhone production in one nation have become increasingly apparent.
India has emerged as a crucial alternative manufacturing hub for Apple, which has progressively increased production capabilities from initially assembling only the iPhone SE to now including the latest flagship models. Apple aims to produce 25% of its iPhones in India by 2027.
The Indian government has been supportive of this initiative by offering various tax incentives on imported parts.
China’s Efforts to Impede the Shift
Firstly, it’s reported that China’s government is making it increasingly difficult for engineers to enter India.
Beijing is intensifying its control over advanced technology, looking to keep essential expertise within its own borders amid escalating trade tensions with the United States and Europe. In recent months, it has imposed stricter measures preventing certain engineers from leaving the country.
This affects companies like Apple’s primary manufacturing partner, Foxconn, which has been spearheading Apple’s changes in the supply chain toward India.
Furthermore, Chinese officials are introducing new export restrictions aimed at retaining crucial battery technologies and are implementing measures to limit the processing of vital minerals. An Indian government representative has also stated that customs delays are being used by China to disrupt the flow of necessary components and equipment.
These developments reflect the increased tensions stemming from the trade conflict initiated during the Trump administration, prompting China to become more aggressive in its stance towards American companies.
Indian Government’s Mixed Response
While India has actively encouraged foreign manufacturers to establish operations within its borders, the Financial Times reports that ongoing political disagreements with China have led the Indian government to block Chinese firms from setting up new facilities.
Notably, Apple supplier Luxshare has reportedly been denied permission to proceed with plans for new manufacturing capacity.
9to5Mac’s Perspective
Given the circumstances, it was predictable that China would not simply stand by as Apple shifted more of its manufacturing out of its borders. It was only a matter of time before the Chinese government found ways to complicate matters for the tech giant.
The current trade conflict suggests that we should expect increasingly stringent measures from Chinese authorities targeting U.S. companies, with Apple being a notable focus. Unless there is a policy reversal by former President Trump, which currently seems unlikely, challenges for Apple may continue to grow.
Image by Ximena Ibañez on Unsplash
