Apple has said it will make some of its Mac Mini desktop computers in the US for the first time, as the technology giant works to boost domestic production under pressure from US President Donald Trump.
The iPhone maker unveiled plans on Tuesday for a “significant expansion” of its factory in Houston, Texas to manufacture Mac Mini devices and artificial intelligence servers.
Apple’s latest move comes after the firm pledged last year to increase investment in the US by $600bn (£445bn).
The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the planned scale of Mac Mini production in the US. The niche compact computers, currently made in Asia, account for less than 5% of Mac sales.
“Apple is deeply committed to the future of American manufacturing, and we’re proud to significantly expand our footprint in Houston with the production of Mac mini starting later this year,” chief executive Tim Cook said in a statement.
The company also touted plans for an advanced manufacturing training centre at its Houston location.
Trump, who has pressured manufacturers across sectors to bring production to the US, singled out Apple by name last year, threatening to raise tariffs on its products if it did not move iPhone manufacturing to America.
Apple has been hit hard by Trump’s second-term tariffs, spending more than $3bn on the levies.
After the Supreme Court blocked many of Trump’s sweeping import taxes last week, the president said he would introduce a 10% global rate. He then said on Saturday that the rate would be 15%.
Cook personally donated $1m to Trump’s inaugural committee. Standing beside Trump to announce an additional US investment pledge in August, Cook said Apple’s investments were “already yielding results”.
The White House has been quick to argue that Trump’s policies are convincing companies to put more money into the US. But significant changes to Apple’s supply chain would take time, analysts have cautioned.
Apple earns roughly half its revenue by selling iPhones that are manufactured in China, Vietnam and India.
Apple shares rose by more than 2% on Tuesday.
By BBC News
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