Apple's iPhone assembly exit may trigger deeper mfg push

IF Apple moves its iPhone assembly operations out of India, the country may be compelled to shift focus from basic assembly lines to deeper manufacturing such as chips, displays, batteries, and other high-value components, as per the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI).

- RAKESH KUMAR @ New Delhi

The think tank noted that the relocation of iPhone assembly would not only affect India's electronics manufacturing ecosystem but could also help reduce the US' trade deficit with India. GTRI said though iPhones are sold in the US for about $1,000, India's contribution to each device is less than $30. Yet, in trade statistics, the full export value—nearly $7 billion—is recorded as originating from India, infla