Foxconn Recalls Chinese Staff, Apple’s India Plans Hit

Foxconn Technology Group, Apple’s largest iPhone assembler, has asked hundreds of Chinese engineers and technicians to leave its factories in India and return home, according to a Bloomberg report. This move could slow down Apple’s efforts to expand its manufacturing base in India.

The process of sending staff back began around two months ago. More than 300 Chinese workers have already left, sources familiar with the matter told Bloomberg. While some Taiwanese support staff are still working in India, most of the Chinese experts have returned home.

The reason behind this sudden shift is not officially known. However, Bloomberg earlier reported that China has been quietly discouraging the movement of high-end technology, skilled labor, and advanced equipment to countries like India and Vietnam. This may be an effort by Beijing to limit the relocation of manufacturing operations out of China.

Foxconn has been gradually expanding iPhone production in India, helping Apple reduce its dependence on Chinese factories. The company had deployed many experienced Chinese engineers to train local workers and speed up operations. Their departure could impact production quality and timelines.

Despite this setback, Apple is continuing to increase exports of India-made iPhones. According to Indian customs data, Foxconn shipped $4.4 billion worth of iPhones from India to the U.S. between January and May 2025. That figure has already beaten the total exports of $3.7 billion for all of 2024.

Between March and May 2025, 97% of Foxconn’s iPhone exports from India went to the U.S., compared to just 50% in the same period last year.

This change in strategy comes as the U.S. government, under President Donald Trump, is preparing to impose tariffs on Chinese imports. Apple, which sells more than 60 million iPhones every year in the U.S., used to rely on Chinese factories for over 80% of those devices. But rising trade tensions and high tariffs have forced the tech giant to look for alternative production bases.

India currently faces only a 10% tariff from the U.S. and is negotiating to avoid a possible 26% “reciprocal duty” that Trump had proposed earlier this year.

While India offers cost advantages and lower tariffs, the return of key Chinese workers may slow the ramp-up. It remains to be seen how Apple and Foxconn adjust their plans amid growing geopolitical and trade tensions.