Why does Apple invest $55 billion annually in Chinese manufacturing while US factories struggle to source equipment?

Patrick McGee, Financial Times journalist and author of “Apple in China,” reveals the manufacturing reality behind Apple’s $55 billion annual investment in Chinese factories. This episode explores critical equipment procurement challenges, automation strategies, and reshoring decisions facing manufacturing executives in 2025. Drawing from Tesla’s Shanghai factory experience and Apple’s supply chain dominance, McGee discusses why 350 million Chinese workers create unmatched manufacturing capacity.

The conversation examines China’s “invisible hand” industrial policy that enables overnight factory construction, comparing it to America’s regulatory environment that can delay equipment installations for years. McGee challenges assumptions about humanoid robots as manufacturing solutions, questioning whether importing Chinese-made robots truly addresses US industrial competitiveness. For procurement managers and plant directors planning 2025 capital expenditures, this discussion provides essential insights into global equipment sourcing, supplier relationships, and the geopolitical forces reshaping manufacturing investment strategies.

In This Episode: 

• (00:00) Introduction of guest Patrick McGee, Financial Times author and “Apple in China” insights
• (01:46) Trade war dynamics, tariffs impact on Apple’s China sourcing strategy and India expansion
• (06:57) Apple’s consumer market strategy versus manufacturing location decisions and $70 billion China business
• (15:33) China speed manufacturing advantages, migrant workforce reality, and 350 million worker capacity
• (23:31) Tesla Shanghai factory experience, supplier expertise, and PhD-level tool and die engineers
• (33:02) Humanoid robots debate as manufacturing labor solution versus importing Chinese automation
• (42:48) Tesla and SpaceX success stories in American manufacturing and automation possibilities
• (48:21) Apple’s $55 billion investment model, future funding sources, and consumer-backed growth
• (56:22) Jony Ive and Sam Altman collaboration: manufacturing implications and AI hardware future
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Guest Bio

Patrick McGee is a Financial Times journalist and author of “Apple in China,” examining how Apple became dependent on Chinese manufacturing infrastructure. As the Financial Times’ Apple beat reporter from 2019-2023, McGee covered global supply chain dynamics and US-China trade relationships. His investigative work earned him the San Francisco Press Club Award in 2023. “Apple in China” has been recognized by The Economist as one of 2025’s top 40 books and named a most anticipated title by major publications.

About the Show

The Movers and Makers podcast, powered by Diagon.ai, explores the future of manufacturing and supply chain innovation. Hosted by Diagon co-founders Will Drewery and Greg Smyth, the show covers factory-building strategies, manufacturing processes, and market insights. With expertise from Diagon, a leader in reshoring and streamlining manufacturing equipment procurement, the podcast offers valuable perspectives for engineers, executives, and enthusiasts aiming to optimize supply chains and drive efficiency in the industry.

Resources:

Publications/Articles Mentioned: The Economist magazine, Barry Weiss’s Honestly podcast, Wall Street Journal article on Tesla’s Optimist robot development with Chinese suppliers, “Breakneck” by Dan Wang (upcoming book), “Abundance” by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson, Andy Grove’s 2010 essay on manufacturing and innovation

Book: “Apple in China” by Patrick McGee (available at major bookstores)

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/prmcgee/

Twitter/X: @PatrickMcGee_

Website:https://patrick-mcgee.com/

Diagon.ai

Will Drewery LinkedIn
Greg Smyth LinkedIn