Apple Faces Manufacturing Shift Pressure amid US Tariff Threats, India Rises as Key Alternative

Apple is under escalating pressure as the US government, led by President Trump, threatens a 25% tariff on iPhones unless manufacturing is brought back to the US from China. Both articles highlight that a full relocation of iPhone production to the US is unrealistic in the short term due to the entrenched Asian supply chain, substantial technology gaps, and high labor costs. As a result, US-made iPhones could cost between $1,500 and $3,500, significantly higher than current prices. Although Apple is diversifying assembly into India and Vietnam to mitigate US-China trade risks, most manufacturing is still based in China. Foxconn, Apple’s primary assembler, is investing $1.5 billion in a new Indian plant to boost non-China capacity. However, if the US imposes tariffs on Indian-made iPhones as well, Apple may need to increase US iPhone prices by $100–$300 to maintain profit margins. The summaries agree that a swift relocation of manufacturing is improbable and would need years of investment and infrastructure buildup. For crypto traders, ongoing supply chain uncertainties, trade tensions, and potential device price hikes could create volatility in tech stocks, affect global manufacturing sentiment, and indirectly influence crypto sectors related to technology and supply chains. The latest update emphasizes that while symbolic moves are possible, material shifts in Apple’s supply strategy remain a long-term process, with limited immediate market impact.