an apple It is reportedly looking for new suppliers that can provide critical components to its contract manufacturers in India. According to a report in the Economic Times, the company is looking at Indian, Japanese and South Korean component manufacturers.This is said to be after the government delayed approval to import batteries, camera lenses, chargers and other equipment needed to manufacture flagship iPhones and iPads in India from existing suppliers – mostly of Chinese origin. “With imports delayed pending various approvals at both the central and state levels, Apple is now looking for suppliers who can set up supply chains in India in time to speed up local production,” the report said, citing sources.In January this year, about 17 Chinese companies that supply components for Apple devices applied for government permits to set up manufacturing plants in the country. While fourteen received initial approval, applications from four companies were put on hold indefinitely. Of these 17, six are said to have indicated that they are no longer interested in manufacturing in India. And the status of the remaining four companies is currently unknown.“National security it’s a problem”“The approvals (in January) were only preliminary. Since most of these companies are of Chinese origin, national security is also an issue. These approvals should be given cautiously. Issues of environmental permits, which are a state subject, are given by expert committees,” said a senior government official.However, another government official told the publication that it was incorrect to say that we rejected the application of any of these companies. All government approvals must be given after careful consideration of all factors.A list of 14 companies that have received approvalThe 14 camera lens equipment manufacturers include Sunny Optical Technology Group and Han’s Laser Technology Industry Group, headphone maker Luxshare-ICT and capacitor chip maker ON Semiconductor Shenzhen China. Luxshare-ICT moved its manufacturing unit to Vietnam due to delays with permits, another person close to the development said.
