Production leaves China for first time

Brazil's minister of science and technology, Aloizio Mercadante, has announced that a new Foxconn factory in Jundiaí is complete and already producing iPads, reports note. The information was revealed at a hearing of the country's Commission of Economic Affairs. Although production is currently in progress, Brazilian-made iPads are not expected to ship until December.

The plant was originally expected to begin iPad output in July, but was hit with construction delays and a lack of skilled laborers. It has been a major focus for the Brazilian government, requiring sacrifices on matters like taxes in order to lure Foxconn's investment, thought to be worth at least $12 billion. The facility marks the first time Foxconn has built iPads outside of China.

It should also improve the affordability of iPads within Brazil. At present the cheapest model costs R$ 1,649, or about $978 US. This has been primarily blamed on high import taxes; through local production iPads could drop in retail cost by as much as 40 percent.

by MacNN Staff