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Foxconn recalls Chinese workers in attempt to disrupt Apple's India plans
New Delhi
Foxconn Technology Group has recalled hundreds of Chinese engineers and technicians from its iPhone production facilities in India, potentially disrupting Apple's broader manufacturing expansion in the country.
According to a Bloomberg report quoting sources, the withdrawal began nearly two months ago, with the majority of Chinese employees at Foxconn's factories in southern India instructed to return home. More than 300 personnel have departed, leaving mainly Taiwanese support staff in place.
The reason behind the move remains unclear. However, earlier this year, Chinese authorities had informally urged regulators and local bodies to restrict the transfer of technology and equipment to India and Southeast Asia — a possible attempt to slow the migration of manufacturing out of China.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has often praised the proficiency of China's assembly workforce, attributing the company's reliance on the country to their expertise rather than just cost advantages. While the withdrawal of these staff from India is not expected to affect product quality, it could impact assembly line efficiency, a source told Bloomberg
The development comes at a crucial moment for Apple, which is working with manufacturing partners in India to scale up production of the upcoming iPhone 17.
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