Foxconn facility plays key role in Apple’s expansion into India — Image courtesy of Foxconn
India wants to drastically cut imports of laptops such as the MacBook Pro to force all technology companies to ramp up local manufacturing.
A similar plan to restrict imports of personal computing products was proposed last year, but the government delayed it after protests from Apple and other tech companies. According to ReutersAccording to local government officials, India plans to begin discussions with manufacturers in late October.
This plan is sure to meet the same resistance as the 2023 plan. However, companies need licenses to import products into India, and those licenses are currently scheduled to expire at the end of 2024.
As a result, companies will have to reapply for approval no matter what new conditions the government imposes. Unspecified sources said India believes the industry has had enough time to adapt to the requirements to ramp up domestic production.
“Global treaties prohibit any tariffs on laptops and tablets, so we are working on these restrictions,” the official said. “There are few policy options left to restrict imports.”
However, the sources said the import restrictions could be delayed for several months if necessary.
Currently, India meets two-thirds of its personal and business technology needs through imports. As part of the new plan, the government is also considering new minimum quality standards to limit the influx of cheap imports, mainly from China.
India’s move to expand manufacturing in the region comes as Apple expands its production there. But currently, that local manufacturing is focused on iPhones.
