“According to reports, Apple shipped a record amount of iPhones from India during the month of March.”
“On the 15th (local time), foreign media, including Reuters, reported that Apple’s major suppliers in India, Foxconn and Tata, exported around $2 billion (approximately 2.857 trillion KRW) worth of iPhones to the United States in March, marking the largest monthly shipment to date.”
“During this period, Foxconn exported $1.31 billion worth of iPhones, reaching its highest record ever, equivalent to the combined export volume of January and February this year.”
“The export models included the iPhone 13, 14, 16, and 16e. As a result, the total value of India-made iPhones exported by Foxconn to the U.S. for the fiscal year 2025 amounts to $5.3 billion.”
“Another Apple supplier, Tata Electronics, exported $612 million worth of iPhones in March. The exported models were the iPhone 15 and 16, representing a 63% increase from February.”
“This surge in Indian-made iPhone exports is interpreted as Apple’s measure to secure inventory in the U.S. market ahead of the Trump administration’s announcement of reciprocal tariffs.”
“Previously, President Trump announced on the 2nd that high reciprocal tariffs would be imposed on major trading partners, with Indian-made products subject to 26% and Chinese products to 145%.”
“However, President Trump later deferred the reciprocal tariffs for 90 days on countries other than China, and exempted electronic products, such as smartphones, from the tariffs.”
“A source mentioned that at least six cargo charter flights were involved in the iPhone transport operation, which was a strategic response to avoid tariffs.”
“Apple reportedly requested airport authorities to reduce the clearance time at Chennai Airport in Tamil Nadu, southern India, from the usual 30 hours to 6 hours to expedite transportation, according to Reuters.”