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Apple has flown nearly 600 tonnes of iPhones from India to the United States over recent weeks, in a strategic push to bypass steep new tariffs imposed on Chinese electronics by the Trump administration. According to sources familiar with the matter, the company executed six chartered cargo flights, each carrying roughly 100 tonnes, from Chennai airport starting in March. The shipments, estimated to include about 1.5 million iPhones, represent one of Apple’s most aggressive moves to date in reducing its dependence on Chinese manufacturing.
The escalation comes as the U.S. imposes a 125% tariff on Chinese electronics—far above the temporarily paused 26% rate on Indian imports. A fresh Trump directive has delayed the Indian tariff hike for 90 days, giving Apple a critical window to shift its logistics.
“Apple wanted to beat the tariff,” a source with direct knowledge of the operation said.
Apple’s pivot to India involved months of preparation. The company spent nearly eight months arranging for expedited customs clearance in Chennai, cutting wait times from 30 hours to just six—a process resembling the “green corridor” Apple uses in China. One senior Indian government official confirmed that the customs fast-tracking was implemented as part of New Delhi’s push to support Apple’s expansion.
Foxconn, Apple’s primary assembler in India, responded by ramping up production at its Chennai facility by 20%, hiring more workers, and operating on Sundays—a typical day off in India. The effort was aimed at fulfilling the sharp uptick in U.S.-bound orders as Apple races to maintain inventory levels amid looming price hikes.
Industry analysts warn the 125% tariff on Chinese imports could dramatically increase iPhone prices in the U.S. For example, the top-tier iPhone 16 Pro Max could see its price jump from $1,599 to over $2,300. Data from UBS Investment Research suggests that a 256 GB model assembled in China may increase by as much as 67%, jumping from $1,199 to $1,999.
Apple’s India strategy appears to be gaining traction. Counterpoint Research estimates that roughly 20% of iPhones destined for the U.S. are now sourced from India. That trend is accelerating as Apple and its suppliers deepen their investments in the country. Commercial shipment data reveals that Foxconn’s exports from India to the U.S. soared to $770 million in January and $643 million in February—significantly higher than the $110 million to $331 million monthly range in the prior four months.
More than 85% of these shipments landed in key U.S. cities including Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. Foxconn and Tata currently operate three production facilities in India, with two additional plants under construction. India’s government views Apple’s growth as a cornerstone of its effort to transform the country into a global tech manufacturing hub.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to raise the issue of trade policy during her upcoming visit to Washington for IMF meetings. However, insiders say current tariff policies are unlikely to ease in the near term.
The tariffs are already having visible effects. Apple store employees report increased demand for iPhones, as consumers rush to buy before price hikes take hold. With iPhones accounting for roughly half of Apple’s revenue, the stakes are high.
Tech analyst Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities noted the broader implications: “If the iPhone were made entirely in the U.S., a $1,000 model could cost $3,500. Global trade is essential to keeping consumer tech prices affordable.”
As the U.S.-China trade dispute intensifies, Apple’s shift toward Indian manufacturing marks a significant realignment in its supply chain strategy. More than just a backup, India is fast becoming a central pillar in Apple’s global production model. Whether driven by tariffs or long-term diversification goals, the pivot is poised to reshape the tech giant’s operational map for years to come.
