Foxconn Recalls 300 Chinese Engineers From Indian iPhone Plants
Foxconn recalled over 300 Chinese technicians from India, hindering Apple's supply chain diversification amid reports of Chinese government restrictions on technology transfers.
Foxconn (Hon Hai Precision Industry) has recalled more than 300 Chinese engineers and technicians from its iPhone assembly plants in southern India. The withdrawals, which began approximately two months ago, remove the bulk of the company's specialized staff in the country. Foxconn is replacing these employees with personnel from Taiwan and Vietnam and is retrofitting machinery software from Chinese to English to accommodate Indian workers.
The move threatens the strategy of Apple Inc. to diversify its supply chain and ramp up production of the iPhone 17 series, particularly the Pro models. Industry sources warn that the loss of experienced staff will reduce assembly line efficiency and slow the training of the local Indian workforce. Additionally, reports indicate that the Government of China has pressured regulatory agencies to curb the export of advanced technology, capital equipment, and technical talent to India and Southeast Asia to prevent industrial migration.
Apple currently produces between 15% and 20% of its global output in India, with a long-term goal of shifting the majority of U.S.-bound iPhone production to the region by late 2026. This expansion, which includes a $1.5 billion investment by Foxconn, aims to mitigate U.S. trade risks and tariffs. However, the transition faces geopolitical headwinds, including criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who advocates for domestic production within the United States.
