Apple Asks Suppliers-Move iPhone Production From China; Waymo Partners with Renault and Nissan; Amazon Air Adds to Fleet

Apple is looking at moving between 15% and 30% of all iPhone production out of China to get around Trump’s tariffs. Cnet.com reports that Apple has polled major suppliers to calculate the costs. China had said last month they might throw a 25% tariff on US goods to retaliate against the US tariffs on their products. Some analysts figure the tariffs could boost iPhone costs by 14%, although Apple’s Tim Cook says he doesn’t see that happening. Apple already builds iPhones in India and South America. Primary supplier Foxconn had said earlier this month that they can make all of Apple’s US bound production of iPhones outside of China if needed….noting that 25% of its capacity is already outside of mainland China.

Waymo has inked an exclusive partnership with Renault and Nissan to research how commercial autonomous vehicles might work for both passengers and packages in France and Japan. According to techcrunch.com, research is the only goal of the partnership ‘for an initial period.’ In a statement from Waymo CEO John Krafcik, Waymo said they see this as an opportunity to bring their autonomous tech to what they called ‘a global stage, with an innovative partner.’

Amazon Air has already been flying its own cargo planes. This week at the Paris Air Show, they announced they are adding 15 more. Mashable.com says they will be leased through GE Capital Aviation Services, and are part of the plan for the Amazon Prime expansion of free one-day delivery. Amazon has had between 40 and 50 cargo planes flying, and plans to have 70 aircraft by 2021. They also will open 3 new air facilities this year: Fort Worth Alliance Airport, Wilmington Air Park, and Chicago Rockford International Airport. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport will act as the primary Amazon Air Hub, but that won’t open until 2021.