Nandini Roy Choudhury, writer
Brief news
- Sen. JD Vance criticized Apple for profiting from “slave labor” in China, advocating for fair wages for American workers and increased tariffs on companies outsourcing jobs.
- Apple maintains it has found no evidence of coerced labor in its supply chain and is diversifying production to countries like India and Vietnam.
- Vance supports stricter antitrust measures against tech companies like Facebook and Google, citing concerns over censorship affecting political participation.
Detailed news
During an appearance on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” on Thursday, Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance made a dig at Apple, asserting that the company profits from “slave labor” in China. His statement was a component of a more extensive discourse regarding the imposition of taxes on companies that depend on manufacturing in China.
“Do I believe that Apple is a malevolent organization?” False. Do I believe that they occasionally capitalize on Chinese slave labor? Yeah, and that’s fairly sick,” stated Vance, a resident of Ohio. “I believe that a company that wishes to capitalize on American markets should also be required to provide American workers with a fair wage.” In May 2022, Apple increased the initial wage for retail employees to $22 per hour.
Apple has previously stated that it has not discovered any evidence of coerced labor in any of its locations. In 2021, the company was requested by the former chairmen of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China to collaborate with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to guarantee that its supply chain is free of coerced labor.
The iPhone manufacturer collaborates with manufacturers that fabricate its devices offshore. Apple has historically depended on China for its production. In response to the deterioration of relations between the United States and China, the latter has implemented measures to diversify its supply chain by increasing manufacturing operations in countries such as Vietnam and India.
For instance, during the previous fiscal year, Apple manufactured iPhones in India that were valued at $14 billion.
Vance also stated on Thursday that he intends to increase tariffs on companies that “ship jobs overseas.” Former President Donald Trump has issued a threat to impose universal tariffs of 10% to 20% on imported goods and additional tariffs of 60% to 100% on goods from China.
Vance endorsed the antitrust enforcement and more stringent merger regulations implemented by Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan.
“The censorship of American citizens by companies such as Facebook and Google, which hinders their ability to participate in their own political processes, is a significant issue,” Vance stated. “And yes, I believe that there should be an antitrust solution to this.”
Meta and Google did not immediately respond to CNBC’s inquiries for comment.
Vance will serve as the keynote speaker at two fundraisers in New York City on Thursday, which will be hosted by several of his most prominent financial industry supporters. It is anticipated that each event will generate over $1 million for Trump’s presidential campaign.
Source : CNBC News
