Apple airlifts 1.5 million iPhones from India to US 'to beat' Trump tariffs: Report

This comes after the tech giant stepped up production in India to build inventories as an effort to beat US President Donald Trump's tariffs.

Published on: Apr 10, 2025, 17:19:18 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

American technology giant Apple has reportedly chartered cargo flights for ferrying 600 tons of iPhones, which adds up to as many as 1.5 million units, to the US from India.

People wait in line outside an Apple Store at The Grove in Los Angeles (Jae C. Hong/AP)

This comes after the tech giant stepped up production in India to build inventories as an effort to beat US President Donald Trump's tariffs, according to a report by news agency Reuters.

Also Read: Another Microsoft layoff round coming. This time, it's for middle managers: Report

HT.com cannot independently verify the authenticity of the information contained in the report.

As of now, six cargo jets with a capacity of 100 tons each have flown out since March, with the packaged weight of an iPhone 14 and its charging cable coming to about 350 grams.

Apple has also reportedly lobbied Indian airport authorities to cut the time needed to clear customs at the Chennai airport to six hours, from 30 hours earlier, according to the report which added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has asked officials to support Apple.

Also Read: Byju's subsidiary sues Byju Raveendran, other executives for alleged theft of $533 million

Why is Apple flying out iPhones from India?

This comes after analysts warned that US iPhone prices could surge, due to Apple's high reliance on imports from China, which is also the main manufacturing hub of the devices.

As of now, China is subject to Trump's highest tariff rate of 125 per cent, as compared to 26 per cent on imports from India, which is also now on hold due to the 90-day global pause which excludes China.

The Foxconn plant in Chennai is now also running on Sundays, typically a holiday, to increase production. It churned out 20 million iPhones last year, which also includes the latest iPhone 15 and 16 models, according to the report.

Also Read: Forget markets, here are 8 other early indicators of a recession: Brothel index, lipstick index, and more

Currently Apple sells over 220 million iPhones a year worldwide, with Counterpoint Research estimating a fifth of its total iPhone imports to the US now coming from India, and the rest from China, according to the report.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Stay updated with the latest Business News, stock market updates, petrol and diesel prices, gold and silver rates, income tax updates and major developments from India and across the world.