AZ Lawmakers Silent Despite State Impact of Apple’s $600B Investment

Apple’s latest pledge to invest $100 billion more in America, bringing its total U.S. commitment to $600 billion over the next four years, is more than just a national headline — it’s a significant win for Arizona’s growing semiconductor industry. Yet while local business leaders are praising the move, state lawmakers have so far remained publicly silent.

Under its newly launched American Manufacturing Program (AMP), Apple is doubling down on domestic production of critical components. A key piece of that plan runs right through Arizona, where Apple will be the first and largest customer of Amkor Technology’s advanced packaging facility in Peoria. That plant will package Apple silicon manufactured at TSMC’s nearby Phoenix fab, producing chips for iPhones shipped worldwide.

"@Apple is announcing that it will invest $600 billion in the United States over the next four years — that's $100 billion more than they were originally going to invest." – President Donald J. Trump

Made in America 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/y46ddyHFGD

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 7, 2025

Steve Zylstra, President and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council, said the investment will have ripple effects beyond tech manufacturing.

“Apple’s expanded commitment is poised to bolster the high-tech sector in Arizona,” Zylstra said. “It will catalyze further growth in high-skilled manufacturing jobs and attract a slew of ancillary businesses to the state.”

Amkor praised the partnership, noting that the facility — already under construction — is expected to create thousands of jobs over the coming years and establish Arizona as a leader in chip packaging innovation.

Amkor+Apple: Driving Arizona's semiconductor innovation!

Apple invests in our new advanced packaging facility as the first & largest customer.

📱 Amkor will package Apple silicon from the nearby TSMC fab for iPhones worldwide.

🔗 https://t.co/rveKoLdrhI#Amkor #Apple #Chips pic.twitter.com/qNlewRENf7

— Amkor Technology (@AmkorTechnology) August 6, 2025

Former President Donald Trump weighed in shortly after Apple’s announcement, crediting his trade policies for making such investments possible.

“This is the result of tough negotiations and putting America first,” Trump said in a statement. “Companies like Apple are bringing their manufacturing back home because they know the U.S. is once again the best place to do business.”

Despite the economic implications, neither Governor Katie Hobbs nor the official accounts of the Arizona Legislature have issued public statements on the new investment. The Arizona GOP and Democratic leadership have also been silent.

Political observers say the absence of reaction from Arizona’s elected officials may be a missed opportunity to claim credit for an investment that directly strengthens the state’s economy.

The Amkor facility is projected to employ more than 2,000 workers, with additional indirect jobs expected as suppliers and service providers set up nearby. Combined with TSMC’s multi-billion-dollar investment in Phoenix, Arizona’s role in the U.S. semiconductor supply chain is rapidly expanding.

For now, it’s the business community carrying the pom-poms and Trump taking the victory lap, with little fanfare from Arizona lawmakers.