Apple CEO Tim Cook Promises to Boost Investment in China Amid Tariff Threats

Apple CEO Tim Cook pledged to boost investment in China during his visit, despite US President Donald Trump's threats to slap tariffs on foreign-made products. Cook met with Chinese Minister of Industry and Information Technology Li Lecheng and outlined a donation to Tsinghua University. Apple remains a key manufacturing hub for the company, but has been diversifying its supply chain away from China. The company is expanding its manufacturing presence in the US and Vietnam, but has faced challenges with its efforts, including Foxconn sending Chinese engineers back home from its iPhone plants in India.

Apple Inc. (AAPL) CEO Tim Cook announced that the iPhone Air will go on sale in China on October 22, following a delay due to regulatory issues. The iPhone Air, Apple's thinnest smartphone, features a 6.5-inch ProMotion display, a 48MP camera, and the A19 Pro chip. The device will be priced at 7,999 yuan ($1,124) in China Tim Cook Says Apple’s iPhone Air To Go On Sale In China This Week^[1].

Cook's visit to China also saw him meeting with key industry figures and discussing Apple's investment plans. Despite U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to impose tariffs on foreign-made products, Cook pledged to boost investment in China. He met with Chinese Minister of Industry and Information Technology Li Lecheng and announced a donation to Tsinghua University Apple CEO Tim Cook Gifted Custom Labubu During China Visit^[2].

Apple's strategic diversification away from China is evident in its plans to expand manufacturing in Vietnam. The company is developing a range of new home devices, including a smart home display and a tabletop robot, to be produced in Vietnam. Apple is also planning to expand its iPad production in Vietnam with the help of BYD Co. Apple to expand smart home mfg with tabletop robot and home hub in Vietnam^[3].

Despite these efforts, Apple faces challenges in diversifying its supply chain. Foxconn has sent Chinese engineers back home from its iPhone plants in India, highlighting the complexities of manufacturing operations across different countries. Apple remains a key manufacturing hub in China but is actively seeking to reduce its dependence on the region.