Apple Airlifts Record $2 Billion Worth of iPhones from India Amid Looming Trump Tariffs


Apple Airlifts Record $2 Billion in iPhones from India to Avoid Trump Tariffs

Apple Airlifts Record $2 Billion Worth of iPhones from India Amid Looming Trump Tariffs

Apple Inc. made headlines in March 2025 by airlifting a record $2 billion worth of iPhones from India to the United States to avoid impending tariffs introduced by the Trump administration.

According to customs data reviewed by Reuters, Apple’s top suppliers—Foxconn and Tata Electronics—shipped the devices via cargo flights to ensure uninterrupted inventory in the U.S., one of Apple’s largest markets.

Foxconn and Tata Lead Record-Breaking Exports

  • Foxconn exported iPhones worth $1.31 billion in March—its highest ever in a single month, matching January and February combined.
  • The shipment included iPhone 13, 14, 16, and 16e models, bringing Foxconn’s 2025 total exports to $5.3 billion.
  • Tata Electronics exported $612 million worth of iPhones in March, a 63% increase from the previous month. The shipment included the iPhone 15 and 16 series.

Apple’s Cargo Strategy to Beat Tariff Deadlines

To bypass the anticipated cost increases, Apple airlifted approximately 600 tons of iPhones from the Chennai Air Cargo terminal in India. These flights landed at key U.S. locations including Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles.

Apple also lobbied Indian authorities to reduce customs clearance time at Chennai Airport from 30 hours to just six, accelerating its logistics pipeline significantly.

Tariff Impact and Trade Policy Landscape

In April, the U.S. imposed a 26% duty on imports from India, far lower than the 100%+ tariffs levied on Chinese goods. While the Trump administration later paused some of the duties, Chinese electronics remained heavily affected.

Apple, Foxconn (2317.TW), and Tata declined to comment publicly, but Reuters confirmed the data as part of its exclusive report.

Conclusion: India’s Rising Role in Apple’s Supply Chain

This historic shipment underscores Apple’s growing reliance on India as a manufacturing and export hub. The swift execution of production, clearance, and shipment strategy showcases Apple’s supply chain agility in response to global trade policies.

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