In a dinner with Silicon Valley leaders, Former US President Obama asked Steve Jobs why Apple couldn't manufacture iPhones in the U.S. Jobs responded, "Those jobs aren’t coming back," citing the vast scale, speed, and specialized skills available in China. He emphasized that Apple needed 30,000 engineers to support 700,000 factory workers—resources the U.S. lacked. Despite Apple's $500 billion investment commitment in the U.S., challenges remain due to the absence of a comparable manufacturing ecosystem. In the present scenario, US President Trump's push for domestic production through steep tariffs aims to shift manufacturing stateside. However, Apple's reliance on China's infrastructure and workforce continues to be a significant factor in its global supply chain strategy. (PC: LinkedIn)

The Trump administration has granted key exemptions to US tech companies by removing smartphones, laptops, and semiconductor components from a sweeping list of Chinese goods targeted by new tariffs. Originally set to face reciprocal tariffs as high as 145%, these electronics will now avoid the brunt of the trade measures. The decision is seen as a strategic move to protect American consumers and tech giants like Apple and Nvidia, who rely heavily on Chinese manufacturing. However, these items still remain under a separate 20% China-specific tariff enacted last month, maintaining pressure amid ongoing trade tensions. (PC: Investopedia)  

To circumvent the Trump administration's 125% tariffs on Chinese imports, Apple airlifted approximately 1.5 million iPhones (600 tons) from India to the U.S. By establishing a "green corridor" at Chennai airport, customs clearance was expedited from 30 to 6 hours. Foxconn's Chennai plant increased production by 20%, operating even on Sundays. Apple's Indian exports surged, with Foxconn's shipments to the U.S. reaching $770 million in January and $643 million in February 2025. India's iPhone production could double to $30 billion annually, creating 200,000 jobs. Apple's strategic shift underscores India's growing role in its global supply chain, aiming to mitigate tariff impacts and solidify its manufacturing base outside China. (PC: AFP & Xataka)

The United States has exempted smartphones and computers from President Donald Trump's global tariffs, narrowing the scope of levies that included a 125% tariff on Chinese imports and a 10% baseline tariff on other countries. This move provides significant relief to the tech industry, which had been bracing for increased costs. The exemptions were announced by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Additionally, a notice from the China Semiconductor Industry Association indicated that U.S. chipmakers outsourcing manufacturing to Taiwan would be exempt from China's retaliatory tariffs, as the country of origin would be classified as Taiwan. This development is expected to ease tensions in the ongoing trade disputes. (PC: Wikipedia)

On April 10, 2025, Google laid off hundreds of employees within its platforms and devices unit, which manages key products such as Android software, Pixel phones, and the Chrome browser. This follows a voluntary exit program offered by the company in January. A Google spokesperson explained that the move was part of ongoing efforts to streamline operations after combining the Platforms and Devices teams in the previous year. The goal is to enhance agility and effectiveness within the organization. Earlier in February, Bloomberg reported additional cuts in Google's cloud division, albeit limited to a few teams. These workforce reductions are part of broader restructuring efforts that began in January 2023, when Alphabet announced plans to eliminate 12,000 positions, representing 6% of its global workforce. Google did not respond to Reuters' request for additional comments. (PC: Boom)

On April 11, 2025, global financial markets experienced sharp declines after former U.S. President Donald Trump announced extensive tariffs on imports. The measures imposed a 10% baseline tariff, with rates as high as 54% on Chinese goods and 20% on European Union products. In a swift retaliation, China raised its tariffs on U.S. merchandise to 125%, deepening trade tensions. Major indices, including the Dow Jones and S&P 500, tumbled significantly. Economists warn that these aggressive policies could lead to a global recession reminiscent of the 2008 financial crisis, urging urgent diplomatic efforts to restore stability.

Global financial markets faced significant turmoil on Friday due to escalating trade tensions, especially between the U.S. and China. The U.S. dollar declined, and a sharp selloff in U.S. Treasuries led to the 10-year note yield rising to 4.45%, marking the largest weekly increase since 2001. Investors sought safe-haven assets: the Swiss franc reached a decade high against the dollar, gold surged above $3,200 per ounce, and the Japanese yen strengthened. Asian markets were mixed; Japan's Nikkei dropped 4.3%, while Taiwan’s index gained nearly 2%. The heightened U.S.-China trade war has intensified fears of a deep recession and eroded confidence in U.S. assets. (PC: IG & Financial Times)

On April 11, 2025, the Indian stock market opened robustly amid ongoing US-China trade tensions. At 9:15 am, the BSE Sensex surged over 1,000 points to 74,942.46, while the NSE Nifty climbed 347.25 points to 22,746.40. This rebound followed a previous session where the Sensex declined by 379.93 points to 73,847.15, and the Nifty decreased by 136.70 points to 22,399.15. Notable movements included SBI dropping 3.43% to ₹742.05, Tech Mahindra falling 3.25% to ₹1,272.20, and Larsen & Toubro rising 3.23% to ₹3,059.10. Sector-wise, the PSU Bank Index fell 2.52% to 6,092.55, Nifty IT declined 2.19% to 32,517.35, and Nifty Pharma decreased 1.97% to 19,976.30. (PC: Business Insider & Reuters)

Italian luxury brand Prada will acquire Versace from Capri Holdings for €1.25 billion ($1.38 billion), creating a €6 billion Italian powerhouse. The deal, expected to close in late 2025, aims to counter French dominance by LVMH and Kering. Versace’s recent 15% revenue dip and Donatella Versace’s resignation as creative director paved the way. Dario Vitale of Miu Miu will now lead creative efforts. While Prada vows to preserve Versace’s identity, analysts warn of distraction risks. CEO Andrea Guerra emphasized long-term discipline, calling it a revival effort for Versace. The merger signals Italy’s bold response to France’s luxury fashion aggression.

Apple has urgently transported around 600 tons of iPhones—about 1.5 million units—from India to the U.S. to avoid renewed Trump-era tariffs. The airlifts follow a rapid scale-up in production at Foxconn’s Chennai facility, which increased output by 20%, even operating on Sundays. To support this, Indian authorities accelerated customs clearance to just six hours. Foxconn’s India exports soared to $770 million in January and $643 million in February. The move highlights Apple's deepening manufacturing shift to India, aiming to reduce reliance on China while safeguarding U.S. market supply amid geopolitical and trade uncertainties. (PC: Mint)