Tech major Apple is reportedly on a hunt for new suppliers in India, Japan and South Korea to provide crucial components to its contract manufacturers in India, according to a latest report by the Economic Times.
Apple’s search came against the backdrop of delayed approvals from the Indian government for imports from existing suppliers, primarily of Chinese origin. The Centre is strict with the import activity from China which is creating difficulties for Apple to pull batteries, camera lenses, chargers and other flagship equipment from the Chinese country that are required for manufacturing iPhones and iPads in India, the report added.
In January, about 17 Chinese companies supplying components for Apple’s devices applied for Centre’s clearances to set up manufacturing facilities in India. However, only 14 organisations managed to bag the initial approval and the applications of some companies have been indefinitely delayed, while some are back from the race indicating to government restrictions. The status of the remaining companies is yet to be identified.
Apple has not officially commented on the matter.
