iPhone Maker Foxconn Says China's 'Days as the World's Factory Are Done'

China will no longer be the world's manufacturing epicenter going forward, according to Apple's largest supply chain partner Foxconn, which has been gradually expanding its operations in other countries amid the U.S.-China trade war.

Apple SR Report 2019 women assembly iphone 03062019 big
"No matter if it's India, Southeast Asia or the Americas, there will be a manufacturing ecosystem in each," said Foxconn chairman Young Liu, according to Bloomberg. Liu boldly proclaimed that while China will continue to be a key location for Foxconn's factories, the country's "days as the world's factory are done."

The report claims that Foxconn's manufacturing capacity outside China is now 30 percent of its total, up from 25 percent last June. Foxconn is one of several Apple suppliers that has expanded operations in India and Vietnam in particular.

Earlier this week, it was reported that Foxconn has commenced its seasonal hiring spree to assist with iPhone 12 production. Apple is widely expected to announce four ‌‌iPhone‌ 12‌ models this year, including a 5.4-inch model, two 6.1-inch models, and a 6.7-inch model, all with OLED displays, 5G connectivity, and a new flat-edged design.

While new iPhones usually begin shipping in late September, Apple recently indicated that supply will be available "a few weeks later" this year. Foxconn expects a dip in its third quarter earnings results as a result of this delay.

Note: Due to the political or social nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.

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Top Rated Comments

steve333 Avatar
69 months ago
I was just about to mention this on another thread.
China needs to learn a lesson and The West needs to stop propping up a country that is run by tyrants who want to achieve world domination.
Next step is to ban any internet companies associated with China until they allow Google, Facebook, and other companies to operate in their country unfettered by censorship. Like that would ever happen.
Score: 72 Votes (Like | Disagree)
calzon65 Avatar
69 months ago
Foxconn is a huge manufacturer ... this is a big deal.

China (i.e., the CCP) blew it and are now paying the price.
Score: 42 Votes (Like | Disagree)
cocky jeremy Avatar
69 months ago
Anything that hurts China is a win for everyone else.
Score: 33 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JM Avatar
69 months ago
Politics VERY very far aside, it's always a good idea to diversify in business and investing.
Score: 32 Votes (Like | Disagree)
satchmo Avatar
69 months ago
In other words, the remaining poor countries will now do the cheap labour.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mansu944 Avatar
69 months ago

I was just about to mention this on another thread.
China needs to learn a lesson and The West needs to stop propping up a country that is run by tyrants who want to achieve world domination.
Next step is to ban any internet companies associated with China until they allow Google, Facebook, and other companies to operate in their country unfettered by censorship. Like that would ever happen.
We need to make sure those companies are open and not censored also.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)