NuzTube INDIA
A new trade controversy is brewing in the United States after former President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 25% tariff on iPhones manufactured in India, reigniting tensions between politics, technology, and international trade. Trump, speaking earlier this week, said he told Apple CEO Tim Cook to bring full iPhone production back to the United States, or face steep tariffs on all iPhones made abroad — particularly in India.
This development has rattled tech and legal communities alike, as Apple has significantly ramped up iPhone production in India in recent years, planning to sell those devices in key global markets — including the United States. Trump’s blunt message reportedly was, “I hear you are building all over India. I don’t want you building in India… India can take care of themselves.”
California Attorney General Steps In
In response, California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a strong statement, warning that his office is “monitoring the situation closely” and is ready to take legal action if needed to protect the rights of California-based corporations like Apple.
“We will be monitoring what [Trump] does, if he does anything, and we’ll make sure that if the law is broken and we have standing to sue, we’ll take appropriate action,” Bonta told Politico.
Bonta, known for his active role in targeting Big Tech for privacy violations and anti-monopoly behavior, said Trump’s off-the-cuff threats raise serious concerns about economic stability and constitutional overreach.
“A Disappointing Statement”
Referring to Trump’s comments, Bonta said, “The statement about Apple is something that is obviously disappointing. It’s almost like he wakes up in the morning and says, ‘Hey, Apple should build more iPhones in the US,’ and maybe the next day, he says, ‘Hey, I was just kidding.’ That’s not how responsible policymaking works.”
California is home to Silicon Valley and some of the world’s most powerful tech firms, with Apple at the forefront. Bonta emphasized that Apple has played a pivotal role in California’s economic dominance.
“Thanks to companies like Apple, California has become the fourth-largest economy in the world,” Bonta stated. “We’re proud of California companies, and we want to make sure that their rights are not violated — even by the President of the United States, which is not something we’d typically have to protect against.”
Apple’s India Strategy Under Scrutiny
Trump’s remarks come at a time when Apple has been increasing its investment in India, as part of a broader effort to diversify its global supply chain away from China. The company’s manufacturing partners, including Foxconn and Pegatron, have established massive production facilities in India, employing tens of thousands of workers.
According to industry insiders, Apple’s goal is to make India a key hub for global iPhone production, with the capability to export iPhones directly to markets such as the US and Europe. These efforts are aligned with the Indian government’s Make in India initiative, which incentivizes global tech companies to invest locally.
However, Trump’s retaliatory tariff stance could throw a wrench in these strategic plans. If imposed, the 25% tariff would not only affect Apple’s pricing strategy in the US market but also potentially lead to diplomatic tensions between Washington and New Delhi.
Political Overtones and Economic Impact
Critics argue that Trump’s move is politically motivated, aiming to promote an “America First” manufacturing agenda as part of his potential 2024 presidential campaign platform. However, such unilateral trade actions could negatively impact consumers, leading to higher iPhone prices and possibly sparking retaliatory measures from India.
Legal experts have also raised constitutional concerns, suggesting that targeting a single company or sector with punitive tariffs without Congressional backing may overstep presidential authority.
Meanwhile, tech advocates are urging a more measured approach. “It’s one thing to encourage domestic manufacturing,” said an unnamed tech policy analyst, “but it’s another to threaten tariffs that could hurt the entire industry and consumer base.”
The Road Ahead
As Apple continues to expand its footprint in India, all eyes are now on how Trump’s rhetoric evolves and whether any legal action follows. AG Rob Bonta’s readiness to defend California’s tech giants from even federal overreach sets the stage for a broader confrontation that could shape the future of US trade policy, global manufacturing, and tech industry regulation.
With the lines between politics, technology, and law becoming increasingly blurred, the fallout from this issue could ripple far beyond just Apple — affecting how American companies do business globally in the years to come.
Note : NuzTube INDIA has not written this article. This article is from a syndicate feed.
