Odd Lots

Why It's So Hard for Apple to Move Production from China to India

139 snips
Jun 2, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Patrick McGee, a Financial Times reporter and author of 'Apple In China', delves into Apple’s intricate ties with China. He explains how Apple's success is deeply intertwined with Chinese manufacturing and politics, making a swift move to India challenging. McGee highlights the emotional and economic complexities involved in shifting production, the influence of tariffs, and the broader geopolitical ramifications of Apple’s strategies. Listeners will gain insights into the fascinating balance Apple must strike between shareholder returns and national interests.
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ANECDOTE

iPhone Assembly Conveyor Belt Anecdote

  • Apple assembles iPhones on a conveyor belt with 9 to 11 seconds per task.
  • China can produce all 1,000 components at peak volume like no other country.
INSIGHT

India's Struggle Matching China Speed

  • iPhone assembly in India is growing slowly and lacks the efficiency of China.
  • Poor infrastructure and absence of "China speed" hinder India's manufacturing ecosystem.
INSIGHT

No Single Architect for Apple's China Move

  • Apple's move to China was driven by existing supply chains, not a single architect.
  • China's cost, scale, industrial policy, and labor enabled Apple's growth.
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