Apple Airlifts 600 Tonnes of iPhones from India to U.S. to Bypass Trump Tariffs

Covert Strategy Accelerates iPhone Shipments to Circumvent Soaring Import Duties

In a strategic maneuver to avoid skyrocketing tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on Chinese imports, Apple Inc. airlifted approximately 600 tonnes of iPhones from India to the United States over the past few weeks, according to sources familiar with the company’s operations. The move highlights Apple’s deepening manufacturing shift to India and its quiet efforts to bolster U.S. inventory before the full impact of new tariff rules took effect.

Sources revealed that Apple discreetly chartered six large cargo flights, each capable of carrying around 100 tonnes, with the most recent flight departing this week as the latest round of tariffs was triggered. These flights collectively transported an estimated 1.5 million iPhones, based on the packaging weight of an iPhone 14 model, to key U.S. cities including Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco.

The intensified export activity came in response to an increase in U.S. tariffs on Chinese electronics to 125%, a significant leap from the previous 54%. In contrast, iPhone imports from India attract a far lower tariff of 26%—a rate that has temporarily been paused for 90 days, excluding China, under the Trump administration’s latest directive.

Highlights:

• Apple airlifted 600 tonnes of iPhones—approximately 1.5 million units—from India.

• The move aimed to avoid new 125% tariffs on Chinese imports.

• Tariff on Indian iPhone imports stands at 26% and is currently paused.

• Cargo flights were routed to major U.S. cities to meet demand surge.

Sunday Shifts and Indian Government Support Accelerate Production in Tamil Nadu

To meet the sudden spike in export demand, Apple ramped up operations at its Foxconn facility in Chennai, one of its largest manufacturing bases in India. According to three sources familiar with the operations, the plant began operating on Sundays—typically a weekly off day in India—beginning March, as part of a short-term plan to increase output by 20%.

Foxconn India, which produced nearly 20 million iPhones in 2024, played a central role in this logistics surge. Employees were mobilized for extended shifts, and production capacity was temporarily enhanced with additional workforce deployment and machinery optimization.

The Indian government also played a key facilitative role by streamlining customs clearance procedures at Chennai airport. Apple successfully lobbied airport authorities to reduce customs processing time from 30 hours to just six hours, implementing a so-called “green corridor” system, mirroring similar arrangements the company uses in Chinese airports. Sources confirmed this process took Apple nearly eight months of planning, with consistent coordination between its global logistics teams and Indian government stakeholders.

Highlights:

• Foxconn India ran Sunday shifts to meet export targets.

• Output at Chennai facility increased by 20% in March-April.

• Indian authorities enabled faster customs clearance at Chennai airport.

• “Green corridor” reduced customs time from 30 hours to 6 hours.

India Emerges as Apple’s Strategic Manufacturing Hub Amid China Diversification

Apple’s latest operational maneuver confirms its accelerating shift away from China as a sole manufacturing base. While China remains the dominant iPhone assembly hub, recent geopolitical tensions and increasing tariffs have prompted Apple to diversify its production ecosystem, with India playing a critical role.

Counterpoint Research estimates that nearly 20% of iPhones imported into the U.S. now come from India, with the remainder still supplied from China. The company currently works with Foxconn and Tata Electronics in India, which together operate three manufacturing plants, with two more under construction. These facilities assemble the latest iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 models for both domestic and international markets.

The Modi administration has actively supported Apple’s manufacturing shift under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which offers substantial tax benefits for incremental output and exports. A senior Indian government official confirmed that Prime Minister Modi’s office directed relevant ministries to assist Apple with expedited permissions and clearance procedures.

Highlights:

• India now accounts for 20% of U.S.-bound iPhone imports.

• Apple partners with Foxconn and Tata in India with three plants operational.

• Two additional facilities under construction to meet future demand.

• Indian government backing facilitated rapid export approvals.

U.S. iPhone Prices Could Skyrocket Without Diversification

According to calculations by Rosenblatt Securities, the top-end iPhone 16 Pro Max priced at $1,599 in the U.S. would have jumped to $2,300 if subject to the new 125% China import tariff. These numbers underscore Apple’s urgency in moving finished inventory from India to stabilize prices in its largest consumer market.

While Trump’s administration has offered a 90-day pause on tariffs for countries other than China, the long-term outlook remains uncertain. Apple is expected to continue its supply chain recalibration with India, Vietnam, and Mexico emerging as critical new nodes in the company’s global manufacturing network.

Highlights:

• U.S. iPhone retail prices could rise dramatically without tariff avoidance.

• Top-end models may jump from $1,599 to $2,300 under Chinese import duties.

• Apple seeks to reduce over-reliance on China via new manufacturing hubs.

• India, Vietnam, and Mexico now serve as key diversification targets.