NEW DELHI, April 10 – In a dramatic twist to the global tech supply chain story, Apple has quietly airlifted 600 tons of iPhones—approximately 1.5 million units—from India to the United States in an effort to bypass steep tariffs imposed on Chinese imports under former President Donald Trump’s policies.
According to sources close to the matter, the Cupertino-based tech giant leveraged an aggressive logistics and manufacturing strategy to ship high volumes of iPhones produced at Foxconn’s facility in Chennai. This behind-the-scenes move signals a major shift in Apple’s global manufacturing playbook, positioning India as a reliable alternative to China.
Must Read: Xiaomi Poco C61 Review: Unveiling Exceptional Performance in a Budget Powerhouse
Apple’s Discreet Shift Towards India
To dodge tariffs that skyrocketed up to 125% on Chinese imports, Apple began scaling operations in India months ago. The Indian government reportedly fast-tracked customs clearance at Chennai airport, slashing wait times from 30 hours to just six. This “green corridor” mirrored processes Apple already uses in China and was crucial to moving the cargo on time.
The 600-ton shipment, moved via six chartered cargo planes each with 100-ton capacity, underscores the scale and urgency of Apple’s strategy. Each iPhone, including packaging and accessories, weighs around 350 grams—making the math line up to about 1.5 million units.
Foxconn Runs on Sundays
Apple’s contract manufacturer Foxconn ramped up output to meet the surge, with its Indian factory in Chennai now running operations even on Sundays—a rare move in India’s manufacturing ecosystem. Last year alone, the facility produced 20 million iPhones, and it currently handles the latest iPhone 15 and 16 series.
Two more Foxconn and Tata factories are under construction, further solidifying Apple’s long-term commitment to India. Foxconn’s exports from India to the US saw a dramatic increase—$770 million in January and $643 million in February—far exceeding monthly shipment values from the previous year.
Beating the Tariff Clock
At the heart of this strategy lies one key objective: avoid the ballooning cost of doing business under US-China tariffs. With the top-end iPhone 16 Pro Max retailing at $1,599 in the US, a 125% tariff could have pushed its price to $2,300—an alarming jump for consumers.
India, by contrast, was subject to a 26% tariff rate, now paused under a 90-day exemption window. This provided Apple a narrow window to move fast, and move big.
India: Apple’s Next Manufacturing Superpower?
Apple’s move isn’t just about escaping tariffs—it’s about future-proofing its supply chain. With rising geopolitical tensions and growing costs in China, India emerges as a practical and strategic alternative. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has rolled out red carpet incentives for global tech giants, making it easier to scale operations.
Analysts say nearly 20% of iPhones imported to the US now come from India—a number set to grow rapidly in the coming years.
Must Read: Apple’s Vision: Integrating AI and Cameras into Future Apple Watches
