Apple under fire again for keeping iPhone production in China as trade tensions escalate

Apple is facing renewed political pressure over its manufacturing ties to China, as former U.S. trade advisor Peter Navarro launched another round of sharp criticism this week. Speaking in multiple interviews, Navarro accused Apple of resisting efforts to shift production out of China and suggested the company wrongly believes it’s immune to the effects of rising tariffs.

His remarks triggered a brief dip in Apple’s stock, highlighting investor sensitivity to escalating trade rhetoric. Navarro called out CEO Tim Cook directly, claiming that Apple has dragged its feet for years despite U.S. pressure to bring iPhone production back home. He questioned why Apple continues to rely so heavily on Chinese factories, saying it’s “inconceivable” that the company hasn’t transitioned elsewhere—especially with new technologies and AI streamlining manufacturing globally.

This comes as the U.S. prepares to implement sweeping new tariffs on August 1, targeting a range of Asian countries integral to the tech supply chain, including South Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand. While not all of these countries are primary assembly locations for Apple, many play critical roles in sourcing components and supporting logistics.

Trump has previously threatened Apple with major tariffs if it doesn’t relocate iPhone manufacturing to the U.S. and has voiced opposition to the company’s expansion in India. Still, experts say the idea of assembling iPhones in America remains far-fetched. Beyond the massive cost of rebuilding infrastructure, the U.S. lacks the specialized labor force China has spent decades cultivating.

Apple continues to defend its global supply model, pointing to China’s unmatched expertise in advanced electronics manufacturing. While the company has made efforts to diversify—expanding production into India and Vietnam—it remains deeply embedded in China’s manufacturing ecosystem.

Despite political pressure, a full departure from China appears neither practical nor near-term. For now, Apple’s bet on global efficiency remains unchanged—even as the political and economic climate grows more unpredictable.