‘Made in India’ iPhone to get delayed; India says “no” to Apple’s demands

Apple’s plans of setting up manufacturing plants in India might get delayed as the country has rejected most of its demands.

India’s Trade Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government has not accepted most of the demands of the iphone manufacturer.

Apple has sought concessions such as duty exemption on manufacturing and repair units, components, capital equipment and consumables for smartphone manufacturing and service/repair for a period of 15 years.

In a communication to the government, the Cupertino-based technology major has asked for incentives from the Department of Revenue and Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeITy).

Apple also wants relaxation in the mandated 30 per cent local sourcing of components.

It also wants reduction in customs duties on completely- knocked-down and semi-knocked-down units of devices that are to be assembled in the country.

With sales tapering in the US and China, Apple is eyeing India -- the fastest-growing smartphone market in the world -- and looking to set up a local manufacturing unit to cut costs.