Tim Cook visited China for the third time in 2024, to participate in the China International Supply Chain Expo and at high-level meetings with the Chinese premier Li Qiang and other global business leaders.
The event precedes a five-day summit focused on trade and supply chains. Cook joined more than 20 executives from large global companies such as Rio Tinto, Corninge Charoen Pokphand Groupalong with Chinese leaders of companies such as Lenovo Group e ICBC.
During the expo, Cook highlighted the crucial importance of Chinese partners to Apple’s operations: “I appreciate them enormously. We couldn’t do what we do without them. I am proud that Apple has exposure here alongside our partners.”
Cook’s visit comes at a critical time, as global businesses prepare for possible trade tensions after the election of Donald Trump in the United States. Trump has promised to raise tariffs on Chinese goods, creating potential risks for Apple, which depends heavily on China as a key market and manufacturing hub.
Some numbers highlight the depth of this relationship:
- 200 major suppliers they partner with Apple, more than 80% of which manufacture in China.
- Most iPhones are assembled in China via FoxconnApple’s historic partner.
Apple is trying to manage the delicate balance between strengthening ties with China and gradually diversifying its own production chain in other countries, such as Vietnam e Indonesia.
Cook also reiterated his commitment to China during a visit to Beijing last month, promising continuous investments. However, the Cupertino giant is expanding its operations to other markets to reduce its dependence on a single country.
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Source: www.iphoneitalia.com
