Foxconn To Start Building iPhones and iPads In Brazil By Year’s End

In November of last year, Brazilian billionaire Elke Batista declared that he wanted Apple to abandon Foxconn and China and come build iPads in Brazil.

Well, looks like he got half his wish: while Foxconn remains involved, future iPads may soon be built in Brazil thanks to a $12 billion investment by that company in the South American nation.

The news comes from Brazilian president Dilma Roussef himself, who made reference to the possible investment during a visit to Beijing. According to Roussef, Foxconn is committed to the investment, but the government still has to review the company’s plans.

Separate confirmation of Foxconn’s Brazilian plans comes from that country’s science and technology minister, who says that iPads will be produced in existing plants by the end of November.

Great news for the Brazilian economy? Sure, but even better news for Americans waiting for that next iPad or iPhone: the trip from the factory to the Apple Store should be a few thousand miles shorter starting later this year.

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