Apple co-founder Steve Jobs expressed concerns similar to those of President Donald Trump regarding U.S. manufacturing and reliance on foreign-made technology components, a topic that has regained attention in recent economic policy discussions. In a 1991 interview, Jobs warned that the American tech industry was losing control over critical hardware components, even as final assembly remained in the U.S. “Even though most of the computers are assembled here in the United States, a significantly large number of the dollars… flows overseas,” he said.
What Apple founder Steve Jobs said
Jobs then highlighted three of the most expensive computer components at the time—displays, dynamic memory (DRAM), and hard disk drives—all primarily manufactured outside the U.S.
“Almost all of those dollars flow to Japan,” he said, referencing display panels and memory chips. “It’s essential that we don’t continue to be hollowed out as an industry.”
Jobs dismissed the idea that Wall Street was to blame for the lack of domestic investment in manufacturing infrastructure. “Raising the capital is not the problem, and Wall Street is not the problem,” he said.
“The problem is that in many cases, the management of our companies is not from an engineering or manufacturing background anymore and may not appreciate the dependence we have on these underlying technologies.”
He cautioned against U.S. tech companies outsourcing critical technologies and serving only as “final packagers” of products. “Ultimately, the providers of those components don’t need the final packager. They can go directly to the consumer.”
Donald Trump’s policy to boost manufacturing in the US
On Wednesday, Trump announced a 25% tariff on auto imports to encourage domestic production. The administration argues that U.S. automakers can adapt, though companies relying on global supply chains may face increased costs and lower sales.
Trump has also criticized Taiwan for its impact on U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and is reportedly considering eliminating the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act, which provides subsidies to boost domestic chip production and benefits companies like TSMC.