Apple India Sets Record, Ships 600 Tons of iPhones to U.S. to Beat Tariffs

Representative Image [Workers load 93 tons of iPhone 6 units onto a China Southern Airlines Boeing 777 flight headed to the U.S.] 

Apple's Indian suppliers, Foxconn and Tata, significantly ramped up iPhone shipments to the U.S. in March, reaching a record $2 billion. This surge was driven by concerns over potential tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump prompting Apple to charter cargo flights carrying 600 tons of iPhones to ensure adequate inventory in one of its key markets.

Foxconn alone exported $1.31 billion worth of iPhones, surpassing its combined shipments for January and February. These shipments, originating from Chennai Air Cargo, included iPhone 13, 14, 16, and 16e models, with Chicago receiving the largest volume. Tata Electronics also contributed, exporting $612 million worth of iPhones, marking a 63% increase from the previous month.

Apple reportedly lobbied Indian airport authorities to expedite customs clearance at Chennai airport, reducing processing time from 30 hours to just 6 hours. This strategic move helped Apple navigate the 26% U.S. import duties imposed in April, which were significantly lower than the 100%+ tariffs on Chinese imports.

This development underscores Apple's growing reliance on India as a manufacturing hub, a trend that aligns with broader shifts in global supply chains.