Apple will build plants in the US, not Mexico, Trump says

President Donald Trump told a group of governors that Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook assured him that the company's manufacturing would be moved from Mexico to the United States following a meeting at the White House this week.

Trump stated on Friday that Cook “shut down two plants in Mexico” and will manufacture products in the US instead. This came a day after Trump and Cook met in Washington, where the Apple CEO also promised to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in the US.

“They don’t want to be in the tariffs,” Trump commented.

It’s unclear which manufacturing facilities Trump was referring to, although Foxconn Technology Group — which produces Apple’s iPhones — already has a significant manufacturing presence in Mexico and has plans to expand there.

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Cook, a prominent tech industry figure, has cultivated a close relationship with Trump since his reelection. Cook attended Trump’s inauguration last month and visited his Mar-a-Lago estate during the presidential transition.

Apple finds itself caught in the midst of a growing trade dispute between the US and China, with Trump’s 10% tariff on Chinese-made goods creating difficulties for the company as it faces slower iPhone sales. China, Apple’s main manufacturing hub, is considering investigating Apple’s policies and app developer fees, while the US is its largest market.

During Trump’s first term, Cook was able to secure tariff exemptions for the iPhone. However, Trump has hinted that Apple’s devices may not be exempt this time as he looks to impose broad tariffs on imported goods, stating he plans to avoid exemptions.

Taiwan’s government has pledged support for companies like Foxconn (Hon Hai Precision Industry Co.) in shifting production lines following Trump’s executive orders imposing 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico. Though Trump has paused these tariffs for now, he warned that they could be reinstated if immigration and anti-narcotics issues aren’t addressed.

After the election, Cook posted on social media, expressing Apple’s eagerness to work with the administration to ensure that the US remains a leader in innovation, creativity, and ingenuity.