Apple CEO Tim Cook pledged to increase the company’s investment in China during a visit to the country, despite threats from US President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on Apple products manufactured overseas. Cook met with Chinese Minister of Industry and Information Technology Li Lecheng on Wednesday, during which Li encouraged Apple to strengthen collaboration with local suppliers, while Cook reaffirmed Apple’s commitment to boosting operations in the country.
China remains Apple’s largest market outside the United States and a crucial hub for manufacturing iPhones, with major partners including Foxconn Technology Group and Luxshare Precision Industry Co. During his trip, Cook visited an Apple store in Shanghai, met the creator of Labubu, Kasing Lung, and announced a donation to Tsinghua University, China’s most prestigious academic institution.
While Apple has been diversifying production, increasing operations in India and planning new smart home devices in Vietnam, the company still relies heavily on Chinese manufacturing. Bloomberg News reported that earlier this year, Foxconn sent hundreds of Chinese engineers back from India, highlighting the challenges Apple faces in shifting production outside China. Beijing officials have also reportedly encouraged regulators to restrict technology transfers and equipment exports to India and Southeast Asia, potentially slowing Apple’s supply chain diversification.
Despite these challenges, Cook’s visit underscores Apple’s strategy to maintain strong ties with China, balancing the company’s global production ambitions with the reality of China’s central role in its manufacturing and market presence.
