iPhone Exports from India to US Surge 76% in April, Reaching 3 Million Units

New Delhi: As Apple intensifies its manufacturing operations in India, iPhone exports from the country to the United States surged by 76% year-on-year in April, reaching nearly 3 million units, according to a new report.

Market research firm Omdia revealed that April saw a significant spike in iPhone shipments from India to the US, marking a major shift in Apple’s global supply strategy. In contrast, iPhone shipments from China dropped sharply by 76%, falling to just 900,000 units.

This is the first time India has consistently surpassed China in supplying iPhones to the US market, according to data cited by CNBC.

“Apple has been preparing for this type of trade disruption for years. The spike in April likely reflects strategic stockpiling ahead of potential tariff hikes,” said Le Xuan Chiew, research manager at Omdia.

Currently, the demand for iPhones in the US hovers around 20 million units per quarter.

Manufacturing iPhones entirely in the US would be prohibitively expensive. Without a fully-integrated local supply chain, a 'Made in USA' iPhone could cost as much as $3,500 (over ?2.98 lakh).

Dan Ives, Global Head of Technology Research at Wedbush Securities, recently told CNN that the idea of fully domestic iPhone production is a "fictional tale." He cautioned that replicating Apple’s intricate Asian supply chain in the US would lead to significant cost increases.

Experts estimate it would take Apple at least three years and an investment of $30 billion just to shift 10% of its supply chain to the United States.

During Apple’s latest earnings call, CEO Tim Cook confirmed that “the majority” of iPhones shipped to the US in the current June quarter will be manufactured in India.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has proposed a 50% tax on all imports from the European Union and a 25% tariff on Apple products—unless iPhones are manufactured in the US.

However, sources suggest that India's cost advantages and manufacturing capabilities make it a natural choice for tech giants like Apple. The company has reportedly reaffirmed its commitment to support the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.

India has increasingly become a central hub in Apple’s global supply chain, with major technology firms recognizing the economic and strategic benefits of establishing manufacturing operations in the country.

With inputs from IANS