📱 Made-in-India iPhone Exports to the US Skyrocket: 97% Shipped Between March and May 2025

🔥 Apple's Strategic Move to Beat China Tariffs and Boost India Production

Apple is rapidly increasing its iPhone exports from India to the United States in a significant shift that highlights its smart strategy to bypass high tariffs on Chinese-made products. According to recent customs data reviewed by Reuters, a stunning 97% of iPhones exported from India between March and May 2025 were shipped directly to the US.

📦 Record-Breaking iPhone Exports from India to the US

Global tech giant Foxconn exported iPhones worth $3.2 billion (approx. ₹27,547 crore) from India during this three-month period, and almost all of them went to the US market. In May alone, shipments touched nearly $1 billion (around ₹8,608 crore), while the record was set in March with $1.3 billion (₹11,191 crore) worth of iPhones exported.

This is a sharp jump compared to 2024, when only about 50% of India’s iPhone exports were headed to the US. Previously, Apple used to distribute India-assembled iPhones across Europe, including the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and the UK.

🌐 Why Apple is Focusing on India

Apple's strategic push to scale up manufacturing in India comes amid growing trade conflicts between the US and China. Former US President Donald Trump recently proposed a massive 55% tariff on Chinese goods, aiming to further reduce China’s role in American supply chains.

In contrast, iPhones made in India currently face only a 10% US import tariff, making Indian manufacturing an attractive alternative. However, the threat of a future "reciprocal" 26% tariff, announced but paused by Trump, still hangs over the negotiations.

✈️ Apple Accelerates Exports from India

To speed up delivery, Apple even chartered special aircraft in March to ship iPhone 13, 14, 16, and 16e models worth approximately $2 billion (₹17,213 crore) directly to the US. The company is also pushing Indian airport authorities to fast-track customs clearance at Chennai Airport, aiming to cut processing time from 30 hours to just six.

According to industry analysts, iPhones made in India could represent 25% to 30% of all global shipments by the end of 2025, up from 18% in 2024.

📊 Tata Electronics Joins the Race

Tata Electronics, a growing Apple supplier, is also focusing on the US market. Between March and April 2025, 86% of Tata’s iPhone exports from India went to the US, based on customs data. Tata began exporting in July 2024, initially sending 52% of its shipments to the US.

🇮🇳 Challenges in India’s Smartphone Manufacturing

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi actively promotes India as a global smartphone hub, high import duties on components still make local production costly compared to other countries. Despite this, India is quickly becoming Apple’s key export base outside China.

📌 Conclusion

Even though most iPhones sold in the US are still made in China (around 80% of supply), Apple’s shift to India signals a major transformation in its supply chain strategy. This rapid growth in India-based manufacturing not only helps Apple reduce tariff pressures but also strengthens India’s position as a leading global player in smartphone production.