Trump chides Apple CEO Tim Cook for moving iPhone production to India instead of U.S.
"India can take care of themselves, they are doing very well, we want you to build here,'" Trump says he told the businessman.
WASHINGTON − President Donald Trump said he chided Apple CEO Tim Cook for moving iPhone production from China to India rather than the United States.
“I had a little problem with Tim Cook yesterday,” Trump said May 15 during a trip to Qatar.
Calling him a friend, Trump said he told Cook, "'I've treated you very good...But now I hear you’re building all over India.'"
" 'We are not interested in you building in India, India can take care of themselves, they are doing very well, we want you to build here,' " Trump says he told the businessman. "They're going to be upping their production in the United States."
Apple has been moving production of iPhones sold in the United States from China to India and said it would speed up the process as it seeks to avoid the high tariffs Trump's administration put on Beijing.
A steep 145% tariff on imports from China was temporarily lowered to 30% this week as the two nations attempt to work out a longer term deal. China also lowered its tariffs to 10% for 90 days while negotiations are taking place.
Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Trump is currently on a three-nation tour of the Middle East. He visited Saudi Arabia at the beginning of the week before moving on to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
Contributing: Reuters, Jessica Guynn