iPhones Exported by Foxconn from India Primarily Targeting the US Market

iPhones exported by Foxconn from India between March and May have predominantly been sent to the United States, based on customs data analysed by Reuters. This indicates a notable transformation in trends and highlights Apple’s initiative to navigate significant US tariffs on products from China.

Strategic Shift in iPhone Exports

The information reported by Reuters indicates that Apple has effectively shifted its India-based export strategy, focusing mainly on the US market. In the past, iPhones manufactured in India were distributed to a wider range of countries, including the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and the UK.

Export Figures and Trends

Between March and May 2025, Foxconn exported iPhones valued at $3.2 billion (around ₹27,547 crore) from India, with 97% of these exports directed towards the US. This marks a significant increase from the 2024 average of just over 50%, according to available customs records referenced by Reuters.

In May 2025 alone, nearly $1 billion (roughly ₹8,608 crore) worth of iPhones were sent from India to the US, ranking just below the record $1.3 billion (₹11,191 crore) worth of shipments recorded in March.

Responses from Apple and Foxconn

Apple has chosen not to comment on this development, while Foxconn has not responded to requests for information from Reuters.

Impact of Trade Tensions

The notable increase in shipments from India to the US occurs amid rising trade tensions between Washington and Beijing. Recently, former US President Donald Trump announced a proposed 55% tariff on Chinese goods, awaiting approval from both governments, following previous increases that raised tariffs into triple digits.

In contrast, India currently experiences a standard 10% US import tariff but is attempting to avoid a suggested 26% “reciprocal” tariff that Trump announced in April before pausing it.

Comments from Donald Trump

Trump has also voiced concerns regarding Apple’s manufacturing transition. In May, he stated that he communicated to CEO Tim Cook that the US preferred Apple to manufacture locally rather than in India.

Record Exports in 2025

In the initial five months of 2025, Foxconn has already exported $4.4 billion (₹37,878 crore) worth of iPhones from India to the US, surpassing the total for the entire year of 2024, which was $3.7 billion (₹31,844 crore).

Apple’s Manufacturing Strategies in India

To enhance shipment pace and navigate tariffs, Apple has been increasing its manufacturing operations in India. Notably, in March, they chartered aircraft to send iPhone 13, 14, 16, and 16e models valued at around $2 billion (₹17,213 crore) directly to the US. Furthermore, Apple has engaged with Indian airport authorities to reduce customs clearance times at Chennai Airport—a key export hub—from 30 hours to just six, as previously reported by Reuters.

Looking Ahead: Predictions for iPhone Shipments

According to Prachir Singh, a senior analyst at Counterpoint Research, “made-in-India iPhones are anticipated to comprise 25% to 30% of global iPhone shipments in 2025, an increase from 18% in 2024.”

Tata Electronics’ Role in Exports

Tata Electronics, a smaller player in Apple’s supply chain in India, reported that 86% of its production was exported to the US during March and April, based on the same customs dataset. Data for May was not available, but Tata began exporting iPhones in July 2024, with over half (52%) of last year’s exports heading to the US. Tata has opted not to make any comments.

Challenges in the Indian Manufacturing Landscape

While Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has championed India as a global hub for smartphone manufacturing, high import duties on components pose ongoing challenges. Consequently, local production tends to remain relatively expensive compared to other countries.

Historical Context of US iPhone Production

Despite Apple’s recent strategic transition, the majority of iPhones sold in the US, with annual sales exceeding 60 million units, have typically been manufactured in China, which accounts for roughly 80% of production.