Tech giant Apple has flown around 600 tonnes of iPhones—about 1.5 million units—from India to the United States in a secret move to avoid high tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.
Why Apple Took This Step
The U.S. recently raised tariffs on Chinese imports to 125%, which would make iPhones much more expensive if shipped from China. For example, the high-end iPhone 16 Pro Max could cost up to $2,300 instead of $1,599 due to the tariff increase.
To avoid this, Apple quickly ramped up production in India, where the tariff on iPhone imports to the U.S. is much lower—only 26%, and currently on hold after a 90-day pause.
How Apple Managed the Shift
Apple worked with its supplier Foxconn in Chennai, India, to boost production. The factory even started running on Sundays, which is usually a holiday, to meet Apple’s goal of increasing output by 20%.
To speed things up:
- Apple asked Indian airport officials to cut customs clearance time from 30 hours to just 6 hours at Chennai Airport.
- India set up a special “green corridor” for Apple shipments, similar to the one Apple uses in China.
- Six cargo planes, each carrying around 100 tonnes, have already flown out of India since March, with one taking off right as new tariffs started.
Government Support & Shipment Details
Apple spent eight months planning this strategy. The Indian government supported the move by helping with faster customs clearance. According to customs data:
- Foxconn’s shipments from India to the U.S. increased sharply in January ($770 million) and February ($643 million).
- Most shipments landed in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco.
India: Apple’s New Manufacturing Hub
India is becoming an important manufacturing hub for Apple. According to Counterpoint Research, about 20% of iPhone imports into the U.S. now come from India. The rest still come from China.
Also Read: Apple’s $500B Slide Triggers iPhone Shopping Spree Across U.S.
Apple’s main suppliers in India—Foxconn and Tata—already run three factories with two more on the way.
This move shows how Apple is trying to reduce its reliance on China and adjust quickly to changing U.S. trade policies.
