Tech Export Milestone: iPhones Worth $2 Billion Airlifted from India to US in a Month
New Delhi | INVC News
India’s role in the global electronics supply chain just hit a new peak. According to official customs data, Apple’s key India-based suppliers — Foxconn and Tata Electronics — exported a record $2 billion worth of iPhones to the United States in March 2025, marking the highest-ever monthly export figure from India for premium smartphones.
This achievement underscores India’s rising dominance in high-end electronics exports, driven by robust policy support under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme and shifting global supply chains.
✈️ 600 Tonnes of iPhones Flown from Chennai to Major US Cities
Facing potential tariffs from the US administration under President Trump, Apple accelerated production in India and opted for chartered cargo flights to airlift 600 tonnes of iPhones directly to the US. The devices were routed via Chennai Air Cargo Terminal, with primary landings in Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles.
A source involved in the logistics called the move a “pre-emptive strike” against tariff shocks — and a triumph of speed and efficiency in global trade.
🔧 Model Mix: iPhone 13, 14, 15, 16 & 16e Shipped
According to customs data:
Foxconn exported $1.31 billion worth of iPhones in March — matching its entire output for January and February combined. Models included iPhone 13, 14, 16, and 16e.
Tata Electronics, rapidly expanding its footprint in Apple’s supply chain, exported $612 million worth of iPhones, primarily the iPhone 15 and 16, marking a 63% jump over February figures.
Together, the two firms have pushed India’s total iPhone exports to the US in 2025 past $5.3 billion, solidifying India as a trusted alternative to China in high-end tech manufacturing.
🇮🇳 Strategic Implications: India’s Big Tech Export Moment
This surge in Apple exports isn’t just a business story — it’s a strategic inflection point for India’s ambitions in the electronics manufacturing sector. It shows that the country can deliver scale, speed, and quality at a time when global tech giants are seeking China+1 solutions.
The Ministry of Commerce has repeatedly emphasized the importance of scaling up tech exports — and this record-setting month offers a clear signal that the strategy is working.
🛃 Chennai Customs Fast-Tracked: From 30 Hours to Just 6
To meet the urgency, Apple coordinated with Indian airport authorities to cut customs clearance time at Chennai Airport from 30 hours to just 6 hours, showcasing impressive bureaucratic responsiveness and export facilitation.
At least six cargo jets were used in this ultra-fast operation, giving India’s export ecosystem a powerful case study in agile logistics and trade readiness.
🌐 Global Trade Context: Trump’s Tariff Threat Was a Catalyst
The backdrop to this export surge was the Trump administration’s plan to impose 26% tariffs on Indian tech imports — part of a broader realignment of US trade strategy. While the tariffs were eventually suspended for countries excluding China, the move spurred Apple into action.
Apple’s pivot to India proves the company’s intent to de-risk its supply chain — and further validates India’s growing stature in global electronics manufacturing.
