India has hit a new milestone in smartphone manufacturing. In the first half of 2025 (January–June), 2.39 crore (23.9 million) iPhones were manufactured in India — a 53% increase compared to the same period last year, according to market research firm Canalys.
Despite political pressure from former US President Donald Trump, who threatened a 25% tariff on iPhones not made in the US, 78% of iPhones sold in the American market are now manufactured in India.
iPhone Manufacturing and Exports Hit Record Highs
According to CyberMedia Research, India exported 2.28 crore (22.88 million) iPhones in the same six-month period. Compared to 1.5 crore (15.05 million) units exported in the first half of 2024, this marks a 52% year-on-year growth.
In terms of value, iPhone exports from India in Jan–June 2025 were worth ₹1.94 lakh crore, up from 1.26 lakh crore during the same period last year.
India Surpasses China in iPhone Exports to the US
In April 2025 alone, 3.3 million iPhones were shipped from India to the US, compared to just 900,000 from China. This represents a significant shift in the global supply chain, with India becoming the top supplier of iPhones to the American market.
Trump’s Warning to Apple: "No iPhones Made in India"
Former President Donald Trump, speaking on his social media platform Truth and at a business event in Doha, criticized Apple’s production shift to India.
“I told Tim Cook long ago that iPhones sold in the US should be made in the US — not India or elsewhere. If not, Apple will face at least a 25% tariff,” Trump said.
On May 15, he added:
“India can take care of itself. Apple must increase production in the US. I don’t want manufacturing in India.”
Despite his remarks, Apple’s key partner Foxconn invested $1.49 billion (approx. ₹12,700 crore) through its Singapore unit into its Indian operations, showing continued confidence in India's production capacity.
Why Apple Is Doubling Down on India: 5 Key Reasons
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Diversifying Supply Chain:
Apple wants to reduce reliance on China due to geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and past lockdown disruptions. -
Government Incentives:
India’s Make in India initiative and PLI schemes provide financial support to tech manufacturers, encouraging local investment from Apple’s partners like Foxconn and Tata. -
Growing Market Demand:
India is one of the fastest-growing smartphone markets. Local manufacturing helps Apple meet demand more efficiently and improve its market share (currently 6–7%). -
Export Opportunities:
Around 70% of India-made iPhones are exported, benefiting from lower import tariffs compared to China. Exports touched $12.8 billion (~₹1.09 lakh crore) in 2024 alone. -
Improving Infrastructure & Workforce:
Though behind China in skilled labor, India is making rapid progress. Foxconn is training workers and expanding facilities, including a $2.7 billion (₹23,139 crore) plant in Karnataka.
The Bigger Picture
Even with international pressure, India is emerging as a major global hub for premium electronics manufacturing. Apple's increasing investment in the country and the shift in global supply chains show that India is no longer just a market — it's becoming the factory of the future.
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