iPhone production: Working conditions in China still under criticism

Translation / Summary: To avoid US tariffs, Apple has been trying to reduce its dependence on China. But production capacity in China can only be replaced step by step, and the largest iPhone production plant in the world remains Foxconn’s factory in Zhengzhou. A new report from China Labor Watch continues to criticize working conditions at this site.

Key points

• Apple is diversifying its supply chain to limit exposure to potential US tariffs, but Zhengzhou remains a central production hub for iPhones.
• China Labor Watch alleges excessive overtime, wage withholding, and overuse of temporary “dispatch” workers at Foxconn’s Zhengzhou facility.
• Apple has said it will investigate such allegations, but changes to deep, China-based production capacity take time.

Sources & further reading

• AppleInsider: iPhones still being made in China under ‘sweatshop’ conditions
• China Labor Watch report

What do you think Apple’s responsibility should be when it comes to worker conditions in its supply chain? Leave a comment below.