Apple Boosts iPhone Exports from India Amid Rising Trade Tensions

India has become a major manufacturing hub for Apple, with iPhone exports from India surging to ₹1.5 trillion ($17.4 billion) in the financial year 2025 according to the Union Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, as reported by Mint. This impressive growth is a testament to the nation’s growing contribution to global smartphone manufacturing and the success of government efforts to increase local manufacturing.

The minister also added that India’s total smartphone exports have shown an increase of 54% year on year, crossing ₹ 2 trillion in the same period.

India’s Growing Role in iPhone Production

Apple has accelerated iPhone production in India during the past years while expanding its domestic production facilities. Foxconn along with the Tata Group have expanded their operational ability to fulfill global consumer demands as Apple’s major suppliers. The tech giant has chosen this move to match its supply chain evolution strategy which extends past Chinese production territories.

Apple and its suppliers have established massive manufacturing facilities in India because of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. The investment plan and PLI scheme have boosted exports and created thousands of jobs across the country.

The Impact of Indian Trade Policy on Apple

Indian trade policy impact on Apple has been largely positive, with policies focused on reducing dependence on imports and strengthening local manufacturing. The government’s efforts to provide tax incentives and infrastructure support have encouraged Apple to scale up its iPhone production capabilities in India.

Geopolotical tensions along with recent trade policy amendments force Apple to accelerate its manufacturing distribution span. The tariffs imposed by Donald Trump against Chinese imports could eventually reach 50% in value which made Apple and other firms move their manufacturing operations out of Chinese facilities. The experts predict that Apple will continue to utilize China as its primary manufacturing hub even though the company moves some of its supply chain facilities to India and Southeast Asia.

Apple’s Expanding Manufacturing Footprint in India

Apple manufacturing in India has expanded rapidly, with new production facilities and increased investment from Apple’s suppliers. Foxconn, Apple’s largest manufacturing partner, has been setting up new plants in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to scale up production.

With Apple now manufacturing and exporting premium iPhone models from India, the country is expected to strengthen its position in the global smartphone market. Industry analysts predict that Apple’s investment in India will continue to grow, paving the way for further expansion in the coming years.

Apple is expanding its Indian production scale aimed at US market operations to mitigate future tariff risks and optimize inventory management strategies. Indian imports will meet US tariffs set at 27% under new proposals from the United States despite sanctions against Chinese imports being more severe.