In the midst of the ongoing tariff dispute between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Apple, India has achieved a remarkable milestone. For the first time, India has surpassed China in monthly iPhone exports to the United States, marking a significant shift in Apple’s global supply chain.
In April 2025, India exported 3.3 million iPhones to the U.S., reflecting a 76% year-on-year growth. Meanwhile, exports from China dwindled to just 900,000 units, according to data from Canalys, now a part of the market research firm Omdia. This change comes amid escalating trade tensions and the imposition of hefty tariffs on Chinese imports during Trump’s presidency.
Trump Had Previously Exempted Apple from Tariffs
Currently, iPhones made in China are subject to a 30% import tariff, while iPhones assembled in India face a base tariff of only 10%. Trump had granted Apple an exemption from these tariffs on April 11, which played a role in boosting iPhone exports from India. In March, Apple began stockpiling goods destined for the U.S., leading to a surge in India’s monthly exports, reaching 4.4 million units.
India’s Rapid Export Growth
Between January and April 2025, China remained the leader in overall iPhone shipments, exporting 13.2 million units to the U.S., compared to India’s 11.5 million units. However, experts indicate that these numbers are likely to change. Omdia’s research manager, Lei Xuan Qiu, told CNBC that India has been consistently moving ahead month by month.
Apple Diversifies Post-COVID Manufacturing Strategy
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Apple began diversifying its manufacturing base, with a heavy investment in India’s supply chain. Foxconn, the primary assembler of iPhones in India, has expanded its operations, while Tata Electronics has started assembling iPhone 16 and 16e models at its Hosur plant. It is reported that Apple assembled iPhones worth $22 billion in India for the 2025 fiscal year.
The U.S. Remains Apple’s Largest iPhone Market
Despite India’s rising exports, the U.S. remains Apple’s largest iPhone market, with quarterly demand estimated to be around 20 million units. Analysts caution that India is not yet fully prepared to meet this demand. China’s supply chain experts argue that India’s manufacturing capacity will not be able to grow quickly enough to fulfill all of America’s iPhone requirements.
Trump Warns Apple Over Manufacturing Shifts
Despite India’s progress, Apple is now facing pressure from both Beijing and Washington. While China is unhappy with Apple’s shifting supply chain, Trump has criticized the company for not moving iPhone production to the U.S., threatening a 25% tariff on the company’s products.
In conclusion, while India is making impressive strides in becoming a critical player in the global iPhone manufacturing landscape, it still faces challenges due to political and trade pressures. Apple’s ability to navigate these challenges will likely determine the future trajectory of its manufacturing strategy.
