India’s Smartphone Exports Surge, Driven by Apple and Samsung
India’s smartphone export market witnessed significant growth in 2024, with Apple and Samsung accounting for 94% of total shipments, according to Counterpoint Research. Their expansion in local manufacturing fueled a 6% year-on-year (YoY) increase in overall smartphone exports from the country.
The surge in ‘Made in India’ smartphone shipments is largely attributed to government incentives, strong supply chain investments, and global brands diversifying production away from China. With increased local production and exports, India is fast becoming a leading global smartphone manufacturing hub.
Tata Electronics Records 107% Growth in Smartphone Manufacturing
One of the biggest success stories of 2024 in India’s mobile manufacturing ecosystem was Tata Electronics, which recorded an impressive 107% YoY growth.
- The primary drivers of this exponential growth were the production of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16, which contributed significantly to Tata’s shipment volumes.
- Tata Electronics has expanded its iPhone assembly and is now an integral part of Apple’s global supply chain strategy.
- The company is also venturing into semiconductor fabrication, with a new plant in Dholera, Gujarat, aiming to bolster India’s semiconductor self-sufficiency.
With the increasing role of Indian manufacturers in global supply chains, Tata Electronics’ expansion signifies a major shift in high-end smartphone manufacturing towards India.
Dixon Technologies Strengthens Its Manufacturing Position
In the overall mobile handset segment (including smartphones and feature phones), Dixon Technologies solidified its position as India’s leading manufacturer.
- Dixon’s smartphone manufacturing segment witnessed a 39% YoY growth, propelled by strong shipments from Transsion brands and Motorola.
- New partnerships with brands like Realme and Transsion have played a pivotal role in Dixon’s market expansion.
- Dixon’s joint ventures and strategic collaborations continue to strengthen India’s local handset manufacturing ecosystem.
With government support under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, Dixon’s success underscores India’s growing influence in the global smartphone supply chain.
Why India Is Becoming a Global Manufacturing Hub for Smartphones
According to Prachir Singh, Senior Research Analyst at Counterpoint Research, global smartphone manufacturers are diversifying production to create resilient supply chains and reduce reliance on China.
Key Factors Driving India’s Smartphone Manufacturing Growth:
- Large Domestic Market: India’s growing consumer base drives strong local demand for smartphones.
- Cost-Effective Labor: India offers competitive labor costs compared to other manufacturing hubs.
- Government Incentives: Initiatives like the PLI scheme encourage local production and exports.
- Supply Chain Diversification: Global brands like Apple and Samsung are shifting manufacturing away from China, positioning India as a preferred alternative.
These factors are making India one of the world’s most attractive destinations for smartphone manufacturing and exports.
Samsung Expands India Operations, Boosting Exports
Samsung continued to increase its manufacturing footprint in India, registering 7% YoY growth in smartphone production.
- The company has expanded its export operations, strengthening its position as a dominant player in India’s electronics manufacturing industry.
- Samsung remains a leading beneficiary of India’s PLI scheme, benefiting from government incentives to ramp up local production.
With rising global demand for high-end smartphones, Samsung’s commitment to local production is a key driver of India’s smartphone export boom.
Vivo Ranks as India’s Second-Largest Smartphone Manufacturer
Chinese smartphone giant Vivo secured the second spot among smartphone manufacturers in India, registering 14% YoY growth.
- Vivo’s growth was driven by its expansion in offline retail and a strengthened distribution network.
- The company also topped the charts in India’s total smartphone shipments for 2024, surpassing other competitors.
With India’s offline smartphone market continuing to thrive, Vivo’s growth strategy remains centered on strengthening its distribution and retail presence.
Foxconn Hon Hai Expands Apple Production in India
Foxconn Hon Hai, a key Apple supplier, recorded 19% YoY growth in its manufacturing operations in India.
- The company is setting up a new smartphone display module assembly unit, further enhancing local production capabilities.
- Apple’s push for greater local manufacturing has played a significant role in Foxconn’s expansion in India.
This growth aligns with Apple’s long-term strategy to shift production outside China, making India a critical part of its global supply chain.
Oppo Faces Challenges Amidst Intensified Competition
While other manufacturers saw positive growth, Chinese brand Oppo faced a 34% YoY decline in shipments.
- Increasing competition from Samsung, Apple, and Vivo impacted Oppo’s market share.
- Oppo’s growing reliance on contract manufacturers, rather than in-house production, has contributed to the decline.
As India’s smartphone industry becomes more competitive, brands like Oppo face challenges in maintaining their manufacturing leadership.
DBG Sees Growth with Xiaomi and Realme Partnerships
Contract manufacturer DBG reported double-digit shipment growth in 2024, driven by its partnerships with Xiaomi and Realme.
- Xiaomi and Realme continue to dominate the Indian smartphone market, relying on contract manufacturers like DBG to boost production efficiency.
- As contract manufacturing gains traction, India is positioning itself as a key global hub for smartphone assembly and exports.
India’s Smartphone Manufacturing Industry Set for Strong Growth in 2025
With Apple and Samsung leading India’s smartphone export market, and local manufacturers like Tata Electronics, Dixon, and Foxconn expanding their operations, India’s position as a global smartphone manufacturing powerhouse continues to strengthen.
The combination of government incentives, supply chain diversification, and increased exports is expected to drive double-digit growth in India’s smartphone manufacturing industry in 2025.
