In a major shift reflecting its changing global supply strategy, Apple has airlifted approximately 600 tonnes of iPhones from India to the United States to avoid newly increased import tariffs on Chinese-made products.
The move, aimed at beating the 125 pc tariff imposed by the Biden administration on Chinese electronics, showcases how India is fast becoming central to Apple’s manufacturing and export plans.
According to a Reuters report, around 1.5 million iPhones were flown out of Chennai airport in Tamil Nadu, a southern Indian state where Apple has been steadily expanding its production capacity through manufacturing partners like Foxconn and Tata Electronics.
The operation was carried out using chartered cargo planes in a bid to stockpile devices in the U.S. market before the new tariffs took full effect.
The urgency of the shipment prompted Apple to request a drastic cut in customs clearance time at Chennai airport—from 30 hours to just six. Indian authorities reportedly created a dedicated “green corridor” for the iPhone cargo, allowing for swift logistics, a system already in use for Apple shipments in China.
Since March, at least six flights, each capable of carrying about 100 tonnes, have left India with iPhones, with some departures even taking place after the tariff hike was enforced.
The choice to ramp up shipments from India is not incidental. Apple has been actively reducing its reliance on China following years of trade tension and global supply disruptions.
Now, with tariffs on Chinese imports surging to 125 pc and Indian imports temporarily capped at 26 pc for 90 days, the economic incentive for this shift has grown stronger.
Analysts note that without this move, Apple’s premium models like the iPhone 16 Pro Max could have seen their retail prices in the U.S. soar from $1,599 to nearly $2,300.
To meet this logistical and production demand, Apple’s Indian partners have been operating at full capacity.
The Foxconn plant in Chennai, which manufactured 20 million iPhones in 2024, is now running on Sundays—a typical rest day in India—to ensure timely deliveries. Production has reportedly increased by 20 pc, with more labour deployed and extended work hours introduced.
Foxconn and Tata currently operate three manufacturing facilities in India, with two additional plants under construction, further highlighting Apple’s long-term investment in the region.
The rapid expansion has also been backed by the Indian government, with officials from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration offering full support for the fast-tracked customs process and broader logistics coordination.
Customs records reveal the scale of this change. In January 2025, Foxconn’s exports to the U.S. from India reached $770 million, followed by $643 million in February.
This represents a sharp rise compared to previous months when figures hovered between $110 million and $331 million. Over 85 pc of these shipments were directed to major American cities, including Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco.
Apple, which sells more than 220 million iPhones globally each year, has seen India emerge as a major player in its global supply chain. Data from Counterpoint Research suggests that around 20 pc of U.S.-bound iPhones now originate from Indian plants, while the remainder still come from China.
Apple and India’s civil aviation ministry declined to comment on the latest shipments, and insiders involved in the plan remained anonymous due to the sensitive nature of internal discussions.
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