Apple airlifted US$2 billion worth of iPhones from India to the United States last month, in a strategic move to shield against the impact of rising US import tariffs.
According to The Guardian, customs data revealed that around 600 tonnes of iPhones were flown to the US via six chartered cargo flights, ensuring adequate inventory ahead of anticipated tariff hikes that could significantly increase production costs.
The US recently raised import duties on goods from India to 26%. However, these have been temporarily paused for three months. Meanwhile, the 100% tariff rate on imports from China remains in place.
Foxconn, Apple’s largest manufacturing partner, shipped US$1.3 billion worth of iPhones from India in March alone - its highest ever monthly total. This figure is equal to the combined shipments for January and February, according to Reuters. The March exports included various models from the iPhone 13, 14, 16 and 16e ranges. So far this year, Foxconn has shipped a total of US$5.3 billion worth of iPhones from India to the US.
In comparison, Apple’s other supplier, Tata Electronics, exported US$612 million worth of iPhones in March - around 63% higher than in February.
Shortly after the surge in shipments, the US administration announced a temporary pause on tariffs for electronic items, including smartphones.
