Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the irony of American companies, particularly Apple, relocating production to India to avoid high tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on Chinese goods, only to face even higher tariffs in India, leading to increased operational costs and challenges in their supply chains [1][4][19]. Group 1: Tariff Changes and Business Impact - American companies initially moved production from China to India to escape high tariffs, but by late 2025, tariffs on Indian imports had risen to 50%, surpassing those on Chinese goods [4][6]. - The average effective tariff on Chinese goods has increased by 20.2 percentage points, while the average for other regions, including India, stands at 17.3 percentage points, complicating the cost-benefit analysis for companies [6][10]. - Companies like Cocoon USA and Woldenberg's toy business faced unexpected tariff hikes after relocating to India, leading to significant financial burdens [5][6]. Group 2: Operational Challenges in India - Despite lower labor costs in India, the overall manufacturing costs for companies like Apple are 5% to 10% higher than in China due to weak local supply chains and reliance on imports for critical components [8][10]. - The inefficiencies in Indian manufacturing, including lower yield rates and productivity compared to China, further exacerbate the cost issues for American companies [10][12]. - Apple's business model, which relies on retaining ownership of equipment used by local manufacturers, faces potential taxation issues under Indian law, threatening its profit margins and operational strategy [12][15]. Group 3: Strategic Reassessment and Global Supply Chain - The volatility in trade policies has forced many companies to reconsider their global strategies, with some adopting a "China +1" model to mitigate risks while maintaining a presence in China [17]. - The article emphasizes that the pursuit of efficiency in global supply chains is being replaced by a need for diversification and risk management due to geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties [17][19]. - Companies that previously sought to escape China are now facing the reality that the advantages of Chinese manufacturing cannot be easily replicated elsewhere, particularly in India [19].
苹果们这下傻眼了:当初跑去印度避税,现在中国关税比印度还低