iPhone exports from India to the US soar

According to estimates by technology market analysis firm Canalys - now part of Omdia, the number of iPhones exported from India to the US in April 2025 increased by 76% compared to the same period in 2024.

The breakthrough comes as Apple pushes its “Make in India” strategy, a move that analysts predict will face opposition from US President Donald Trump and China.

Omdia data shows that the number of iPhones exported from India to the US in April 2025 reached about 3 million units, while the number of iPhones exported from China in the same period reached only 900,000 units, a sharp decrease of 76% compared to the same period last year.

According to Omdia, their estimates are compiled from customs records and data from iPhone distributors.

The April 2025 numbers clearly reflect Apple's efforts to adapt to US tariffs on goods from China, where Apple manufactures the majority of its iPhones, said Le Xuan Chiew, research manager at Omdia.

“The latest trade war with China is a volatile situation that Apple has been preparing for for a long time,” Chiew said, adding that Apple started investing heavily in its supply chain in India during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Omdia, India has surpassed China in iPhone exports to the US since March 2025. This increase took place before Mr. Trump first announced the “reciprocal tariff” policy on April 2.

The surge in exports this month could be due to Apple stockpiling to cope with the tariffs, Chiew said.

Despite the Trump administration's announcement of a tariff exemption for iPhones and other consumer electronics starting April 11, the shift to India remains unchanged.

In early May 2025, Apple CEO Tim Cook continued to affirm that the majority of iPhones sold in the US will be manufactured in India.

iPhones imported from China are still subject to an additional 30% tariff during Mr Trump's current term, while the base tariff for other countries - including India - is 10%.

While the surge in iPhone exports from India in March and April shows Apple’s supply chain flexibility, Omdia expects the momentum to slow down for the rest of the year.

According to Omdia estimates, iPhone demand in the US is around 20 million units per quarter. India could reach that level as early as 2026.

For its part, China is not letting Apple leave easily. According to Indian news agencies, China is looking to limit India’s access to high-tech and human resources from China – essential elements to support Apple suppliers in India.

Dan Ives, global head of technology research at Wedbush Securities, said that Apple’s plans in India will face many challenges in terms of logistics, distribution and complex supply chain management. However, India will still be a “lifesaver” for Apple in the context of increasingly tightening tariffs./.

(Vietnam News Agency/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/xuat-khau-dien-thoai-iphone-tu-an-do-sang-my-tang-vot-post1041230.vnp