As Apple expands in India and Trump pushes for US production, a global tug-of-war over manufacturing and supply chains underscores the shifting dynamics between India, China, and the US.
US-China tariff truce reshapes India's trade landscape
The US-China tariff agreement, reducing US tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30% and Chinese duties from 125% to 10% for 90 days, is creating both opportunities and challenges for India's economy, impacting currency valuation, trade dynamics, and market sentiment.
Automation ain't a fix-all: Xiaomi's smart factory reveals harsh reality for US iPhone production
As Apple plans to make 60 million iPhones in India by 2026, US President Donald Trump urges the company to shift production to the US. While Apple pledges major US investments, full iPhone manufacturing remains unlikely due to labor demands and automation challenges, highlighted by Xiaomi's costly and limited smart factory efforts in China.
Chips made in India: HCL-Foxconn semiconductor venture in Uttar Pradesh approved
India finally approved the chipmaking facility proposed by a joint venture between HCL and Foxconn, which will be the first such facility in Uttar Pradesh, as Foxconn continues to step up its semiconductor investments in India.
India's IESA targets global ties, skills push for chip growth
IESA is accelerating India's semiconductor development by fostering international industry partnerships, supporting OSAT and design startups, advising state policies, and launching workforce training. With India's chip demand set to hit US$103 billion by 2030, IESA sees 2025 as a breakthrough year for locally packaged chips and expanded global engagement.
Renesas expands in India with new offices and Meity-backed startup, academic partnerships
According to a press release on May 13, 2025, Renesas Electronics Corporation announced a partnership with India's Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) to support local startups and academic institutions in VLSI and embedded semiconductor systems. The company also opened and expanded offices in Bengaluru and Noida to accommodate its growing R&D teams, with inauguration ceremonies held on the same day.
Pegatron expands in India after iPhone business sale
Pegatron Corp, formerly a key iPhone assembler in India, is redirecting its focus in the country with a fresh investment into its wholly owned subsidiary. Following the transfer of its iPhone production operations to Tata Electronics earlier this year, Pegatron is now preparing to expand its capacity for communications devices and, eventually, automotive electronics.
Tata reportedly doubles Hosur iPhone enclosure production for Apple's next launch and India expansion
Tata Electronics plans to double iPhone enclosure production at its Hosur facility to support Apple's September launches, according to sources who spoke with the Economic Times. The move comes as Apple deepens its manufacturing footprint in India, with the plant now restored to pre-fire capacity after a setback in September 2024.
Tesla reportedly eyes Western India for CKD assembly unit
Tesla is exploring land parcels in Satara, Maharashtra, to establish a completely knocked down (CKD) assembly unit for electric vehicles (EVs), a senior government official told Business Standard. The move comes after negotiations with Hyderabad-based Megha Engineering failed. Tesla is now in talks with another Indian firm for a joint venture to acquire land and set up the CKD unit, which involves assembling imported vehicle parts locally to reduce import duties.
Dixon Technologies partners with NxtCell to manufacture Alcatel smartphones in India
According to the Economic Times, PTI, and Outlook Business, Dixon Technologies, an Indian electronics manufacturing giant, has signed an agreement with NxtCell India Private Ltd. to produce smartphones for the French brand Alcatel, marking the brand's return to the Indian market after seven years. The partnership, announced on Friday, will see Dixon's subsidiary, Padget Electronics, commence manufacturing within the next 12-18 months, with initial production expected to roll out in 8-10 weeks.
Apple posts record first-quarter shipments in India as premium segment surges
India's smartphone market shipped 32 million units in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 5.5% year-over-year decline, according to IDC. This is the second consecutive quarter of reduced shipments, driven by weak consumer demand and excess inventory from the fourth quarter of 2024.
Article edited by Jerry Chen
