KUALA LUMPUR, March 10 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia rebounded to end higher today with the benchmark FBM KLCI reclaiming the 1,700 psychological level, supported by improved global sentiment after US President Donald Trump signalled a potential de-escalation of the Iran conflict, alongside Malaysia’s stronger Industrial Production Index (IPI) data. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) increased 27.51 points, or 1.64 per cent, to 1,701.68 from yesterday’s close of 1,674.17. The benchmark index opened 10.68 points higher at 1,684.85, its lowest point today, and hit a high of 1,703.61 in the late afternoon session. Market breadth was positive, with gainers thumping losers 929 to 382. A total of 361 counters were unchanged, 982 untraded and 19 suspended. Turnover declined to 3.60 billion units worth RM3.75 billion from yesterday’s 5.52 billion units worth RM5.87 billion.
Last fiscal year, Apple Inc. tripled its iPhone production in India, the world's fastest-growing smartphone market, assembling over $7 billion worth of iPhones and reducing its dependence on China. Now, nearly 7% of Apple's iPhones are produced in India through partnerships with companies such as Foxconn Technology Group and Pegatron Corp., according to sources. This marks a significant increase for India, which was responsible for an estimated 1% of global iPhone production in 2021.
As tensions between Washington and Beijing persist, Apple is seeking to minimize its reliance on China. The company's long-standing partners, responsible for manufacturing the majority of iPhones in China, have rapidly expanded assembly lines over the past year. In 2022, Apple faced challenges at Foxconn's main "iPhone City" complex in Zhengzhou, which exposed supply chain vulnerabilities and led to reduced output estimates. Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has implemented various incentives to promote local manufacturing.
Apple exported $5 billion worth of iPhones in the year ending March 2023, nearly quadrupling the previous year's figure. The tech giant plans to simultaneously manufacture the next iPhones in India and China by fall 2023, marking the first time assembly begins concurrently in both countries. With continued supplier expansion, Apple could assemble 25% of all its iPhones in India by 2025. Company representatives declined to comment.
Before the "iPhone City" incident, Apple had already recognized the need to diversify its supply chain. The company successfully lobbied for incentives in India, encouraging suppliers like Foxconn, Wistron Corp., and Pegatron to increase local production. These suppliers, employing around 60,000 workers in India, manufacture iPhone models ranging from the iPhone 11 to the latest iPhone 14.
This shift in iPhone production signifies an economic victory for India, potentially influencing the plans of other US brands. For Apple, India represents a significant growth opportunity, especially as the Chinese economy faces challenges following strict Covid Zero restrictions.
Apple is set to open its first two retail stores in India, located in Mumbai and New Delhi, next week. CEO Tim Cook is expected to attend the inaugurations, highlighting the growing significance of the Indian market. The Cupertino, California-based company has also requested changes to India's labor laws to facilitate local production expansion and the development of mega factories.
Foxconn, Apple's largest contract manufacturer, plans to invest approximately $700 million in a southern state facility for producing phone components and potentially iPhones.
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