Apple is seeking to start assembling iPads in India to reduce its dependence on China

Apple is seeking to start assembling iPads in India to reduce its dependence on China, a producing center. Apple first sought to assemble the iPhone in India in 2016.

The local government rejected most of Apple’s requests, but in any case, the company started with the iPhone SE for its local production in India.

And Apple’s supplier, the iPhone maker, did get the tax relief it sought: the ability to import iPhone components into China without paying any import taxes.

At present, Apple is continuing to seek incentives to increase the proportion of iPhones produced in India. Last year, the Indian government announced a plan to reward smartphone makers for increasing production.

These incentives account for 4% to 6% of the value of mobile phones, depending on sales. Apple has been working hard to decrease its dependence on China as a manufacturing center. A report a few months ago stated that iPad production may increase to Vietnam this year.

Another report last month pointed out that much iPad product production will leave China. According to Reuters, the Indian government is currently preparing similar plans for tablets, laptops, and servers.

Three sources told Reuters that the government is preparing to introduce another incentive to promote the production of local IT products, including tablets, laptops, and servers. The incentive plan will give manufacturers funds to return export cash.

The budget for the next five years will reach 70 billion rupees (about 964.5 million US dollars) and is expected to be launched at the end of February. According to reports, Apple hopes that the total value of the plan will triple to 200 billion rupees.

The company thinks this is necessary because India does not yet have the supply chain needed to produce iPads, so most of the components need to be imported from China.

Reuters quoted unnamed government and industry sources as saying that if an agreement is reached with the government, Apple will ‘plan to bring iPad tablet manufacturing to South Asian countries.’ Previously, Apple suppliers have been working hard to meet customers’ requirements for establishing a diversified production base.

In December last year, Foxconn invested US$270 million to establish a subsidiary in Vietnam. Luxshare Precision, as a new iPhone assembler and an AirPods contract maker, is expanding the production capacity of HomePod mini in northern Vietnam.

(Via)