NEW DELHI: Apple dramatically ramped up iPhone exports from India in March, airlifting nearly $2 billion worth of devices to the United States to stay ahead of tariff hikes proposed by President Donald Trump, according to customs data.
Major Apple suppliers Foxconn and Tata Electronics shipped a record number of smartphones via air freight, bypassing potential delays and costs linked to upcoming US trade policies. The move comes amid escalating global trade tensions, with Washington imposing higher import duties on countries like India and China.
To avoid potential supply chain disruptions and rising prices, Apple used chartered cargo flights to transport 600 tons of iPhones directly from India to key US destinations including Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York.
Foxconn alone exported $1.31 billion worth of iPhones in March—its highest monthly figure ever—matching the combined value of its January and February exports. The shipment included popular models like the iPhone 13, 14, 16, and 16e, bringing Foxconn’s total US-bound exports from India to $5.3 billion in 2025 so far.
Tata Electronics, another major Apple supplier, recorded $612 million in exports, up 63% from February. Its shipments included the iPhone 15 and 16 models.
Apple’s accelerated India-based manufacturing and strategic airlifts come in anticipation of Trump’s trade policy changes. In April, the US introduced a 26% tariff on Indian imports, significantly lower than the 100%+ duties placed on Chinese goods. Although most tariffs have since been paused for three months, China remains an exception.
Neither Apple, Foxconn, nor Tata Electronics responded to requests for comment.
This strategic shift highlights Apple’s growing dependence on India as a manufacturing hub amid shifting US-China trade dynamics and reinforces its efforts to diversify the global supply chain.
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