Foxconn's manufacturing facility to play key role in Apple's India expansion — image source: Foxconn
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India wants to slash imports of laptops like MacBook Pro to force all tech companies boost local production.
A similar plan to restrict imports of personal computers was proposed last year, but the government shelved it after protests from Apple and other tech companies. According to Reuters, local government sources say India plans to start consultations with manufacturers from late October.
The plan is sure to face the same resistance as the 2023 attempt. However, companies need a license to import products into India, and those licenses currently expire at the end of 2024.
As a result, firms will have to reapply for approval regardless of what new conditions the government imposes. Unspecified sources say India believes the industry has had enough time to adapt to requirements that encourage domestic production.
“We are working on such restrictions as global treaties do not allow us to impose any tariff measures on laptops and tablets,” the source said. “This leaves us with few policy options to restrict imports.”
However, the sources also said they could delay the import curbs for a few months if necessary.
India currently gets two-thirds of its personal and business technology needs from imports. As part of the new plan, the government is also considering new minimum quality standards to help curb the flow of cheaper imports, mostly from China.
India's move to increase manufacturing in the region comes as Apple expands production there. However, that local production is currently focused on iPhones.
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