India’s iPhone Exports Hit Record $6 Bn in Q1 Amid Tariff Threats
In a significant milestone, India’s iPhone exports have reached a record high of $6 billion in the April-June 2025 quarter, marking an impressive 82% year-on-year jump, according to a recent report by Business Standard citing government data. This remarkable surge in exports comes despite the looming threat of tariffs from the United States, which has been a major concern for Indian smartphone manufacturers.
Apple, through its vendors, accounted for nearly 78% of these exports, further emphasizing the Cupertino-based tech giant’s dominance in the Indian market. The export figures are a testament to India’s growing importance as a manufacturing hub for Apple and other global technology companies.
The impressive export figures are not limited to the April-June quarter alone. India’s smartphone exports surged by a whopping 58% in the previous quarter, reaching a staggering $7.72 billion. This remarkable growth is a clear indication of the country’s increasing popularity as a manufacturing destination for smartphones.
So, what’s driving this surge in iPhone exports from India? There are several factors at play here. Firstly, India’s government has been actively courting foreign technology companies, offering them lucrative incentives and tax breaks to set up manufacturing units in the country. This has led to a significant increase in foreign investment, with companies like Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi setting up shop in India.
Another factor contributing to the surge in iPhone exports is the country’s large and growing consumer market. India is home to over 1.4 billion people, with a significant portion of them belonging to the middle class. This demographic has a growing appetite for high-end smartphones, making India an attractive market for Apple and other global players.
The threat of tariffs from the United States is also a significant factor driving the surge in iPhone exports from India. With the ongoing trade tensions between the US and India, there is a growing fear among Indian smartphone manufacturers that they may face tariffs on their exports to the US. This has led to a surge in exports to other markets, including Europe and Asia, where Apple’s iPhones are in high demand.
So, what does this mean for India’s economy? The surge in iPhone exports is a significant boost to the country’s economy, creating jobs and driving growth. The government is also generating significant revenue from these exports, with the country’s exports of mobile phones and parts reaching $13.6 billion in the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
In conclusion, the surge in iPhone exports from India is a significant development for the country’s economy and technology industry. With the government actively courting foreign investment and the country’s large consumer market, India is poised to become a major manufacturing hub for global technology companies. Despite the threat of tariffs from the US, India’s smartphone exports are likely to continue surging, driven by the country’s growing popularity as a manufacturing destination.
