Apple established its business relationship with Chinese suppliers around 30 years ago, and while the company has formed alternatives in other regions, it will be a difficult task to sever ties with a region that has remained a reliable partner for all these years. In the latest interview with Tim Cook, the company’s Chief Executive highlighted how critical China’s supply chain is to Apple, likely hinting that both will be working with each other for the foreseeable future despite the U.S. government making trade relations difficult.
CEO of one of Apple’s supply chain partners says that they are actively investing in R&D to maintain its business relationship with the Cupertino firm
In an interview with China Daily, Tim Cook made the following statement regarding China’s importance to Apple. Cook also mentions how these partners have continued to improve their factories and will continue to do so. This also suggests that Apple holds incredible significance for China, which is why such companies are willing to invest billions in upgrading their supply lines from time to time.
“There’s no supply chain in the world that’s more critical to us than China. We’ve been building up and investing more and more. Today’s factories are so much more modern. And in 10 years from now, we will keep advancing.”
Wang Chuanfu, CEO of BYD, realizing the upwards potential of joining forces with Apple, has stationed more than 10,000 specialized engineers to help the technology giant. Wang says that Apple’s products carry the highest standard, which is likely why the supplier had invested tons of resources and talent into ensuring that it receives heaps of orders in the years to come.
BYD has also continued to leverage its research and development capabilities, and it is using that advantage to deepen its relationship with Apple. Another example is Foxconn, which is the world’s largest iPhone assembler, has its primary facility located in Shenzhen, and delivers the majority of shipments from that one location. Naturally, with operations happening on such a scale, Apple will likely continue its dependency on the region, though it is still making efforts to expand overseas.
News Source: China Daily
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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