Apple significantly ramped up iPhone shipments from India in March, exporting nearly $2 billion worth of devices to the United States, according to customs data reviewed by Reuters. The surge came as the company chartered multiple cargo flights to move inventory and preempt the impact of tariffs announced by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Apple Races to Beat Tariffs with Record Air Shipments
The tech giant worked with its major Indian suppliers—Foxconn and Tata Electronics—to fast-track the movement of iPhones across borders. In total, Apple transported around 600 tons of devices via air freight to ensure uninterrupted supply in its critical U.S. market amid fears of rising import duties.
“At least six cargo jets were used in the operation,” a source familiar with the matter told Reuters, calling it a strategic move to “beat the tariffs.”
Trump’s Tariffs Prompt Strategic Shift
In April, the U.S. government imposed a 26% duty on imports from India—significantly lower than the over 100% rate imposed on Chinese imports. Although Trump later paused most tariffs (except those on China) for three months, Apple had already launched a full-scale effort to avoid any sudden disruptions.
Foxconn exported smartphones worth $1.31 billion in March alone—its highest-ever monthly total and equivalent to its combined shipments for January and February. These included models such as the iPhone 13, 14, 16, and 16e. Year-to-date, Foxconn has shipped $5.3 billion worth of iPhones to the U.S. from India.
Tata Electronics, another key Apple supplier, exported $612 million worth of iPhones in March, a 63% jump from February. These shipments primarily included iPhone 15 and 16 models.
Chennai Airport Becomes Key Export Hub
Customs data indicated that all of Foxconn’s March shipments were flown out of the Chennai Air Cargo terminal in Tamil Nadu. The iPhones landed at several major U.S. destinations, including Los Angeles and New York, with Chicago receiving the majority of the shipments.
To facilitate the quick turnaround, Apple reportedly lobbied Indian airport authorities to streamline customs clearance. The process time at Chennai airport was cut from 30 hours to just six, allowing faster dispatch of the goods.
Industry Giants Remain Silent
Neither Apple nor its manufacturing partners Foxconn and Tata responded to media requests for comments. However, the scale and urgency of the exports reveal Apple’s behind-the-scenes efforts to manage global supply chain risks.
Trump eventually granted exclusions from steep tariffs on smartphones and other electronics—mostly from China—but warned that such exemptions might not last long. With global operations in flux, Apple’s India exports stand as a testament to the shifting landscape of electronics manufacturing.