China's Trade Dominance

& Apple's Plush Rush

April 14, 2025

ChatGPT’s Rise to Billions of Users

ChatGPT is taking the world by storm, becoming the most downloaded app globally in March 2025, surpassing Instagram and TikTok for the first time. With 46 million new downloads in a single month, its popularity was fueled by viral updates like the Studio Ghibli-inspired image generation feature and relaxed content moderation policies.

The app’s growing brand recognition is making “ChatGPT” synonymous with AI, much like how “Google” became a verb for search. This surge in downloads mirrors ChatGPT’s explosive user growth. At TED 2025, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealed that ChatGPT now has 1 billion users, doubling its active weekly user base to 500 million in just weeks.

Viral features like Ghibli mode even added 1 million users in an hour, highlighting its global appeal. OpenAI is now focusing on advanced AI capabilities, including memory features and autonomous agents, while navigating concerns about copyright and workforce disruption.

Global Trade Dominance: U.S. vs. China

In 2000, U.S. trade totalled $4.0 Trillion more than 4 times than China’s $474 billion. Over the past two decades, China has transformed into the world’s largest trading powerhouse, overtaking the U.S. in 2012 and solidifying its dominance by 2024. While U.S. trade grew by 167% since 2000 to reach $5.3 trillion, China’s trade skyrocketed by 1,200%, hitting $6.2 trillion.

Image Credits: Visual Cap

China’s trade influence spans across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, positioning it as the primary supplier of manufactured goods while securing essential resources like fuels and minerals from developing economies.

Key partnerships with ASEAN (its largest trading partner for nine consecutive years) and expanded trade routes—such as the China-Europe Railway Express—have reshaped global supply chains. Meanwhile, exports of high-tech products like electric vehicles and wind turbines highlight China’s shift toward innovation-driven trade.

Apple Rush: Stockpiling iPhones as Americans Hoard Essentials

Workers at a factory in China operated by Apple manufacturing partner Foxconn

Apple is ramping up its iPhone production in India, assembling $22 billion worth of devices in FY2025, a 60% increase from the previous year. This marks a significant pivot away from China, where COVID lockdowns and escalating U.S.-China tariffs disrupted operations. India now accounts for 20% of Apple’s global iPhone production, including high-end models like the titanium Pro

Despite progress, challenges remain. Nearly 80% of Apple’s supply chain is still tied to China, and experts estimate it could take up to eight years to relocate just 10% of production capacity. The company airlifted 600 tons of iPhones—about 1.5 million units—from India to the U.S. in March, racing against the April 5 tariff deadline.

While Apple’s pivot to India offers a glimpse of resilience, its heavy reliance on China means the road to diversification will be long and costly.

Streaming Wars: JioHotstar vs. Global Giants

JioHotstar has made history by crossing 200 million paid subscribers within just two months of its launch, making it the third-largest streaming platform globally, trailing only Netflix and Prime Video. This explosive growth is fueled by multi-language IPL live streaming, bundled telecom plans, and affordable pricing.

With innovations like 4K streaming and interactive features, JioHotstar is reshaping India’s OTT landscape, attracting millions of first-time users and expanding its reach across the country. Meanwhile, global players like Netflix and Prime Video are stepping up their game to compete in India’s booming market.

Netflix is investing heavily in original Indian content, including 28 titles for 2025, and has added sports entertainment like WWE with Hindi commentary to its lineup. Prime Video is focusing on live sports and premium originals while introducing ads to boost revenue.

As JioHotstar leverages cricket and regional programming to dominate, international platforms are betting on high-quality productions and strategic partnerships to win over Indian audiences.