The Impressive TimesNew Delhi , May 30, 2025 : Apple’s strategy to diversify its manufacturing base continues to bear fruit as the company’s iPhone exports from India to the United States saw a dramatic 76% year-on-year increase in April 2025. According to data from market research firm Omdia, Apple’s vendors shipped 2.9 million iPhones to the US last month, reinforcing India’s growing role as a critical hub in Apple’s global supply chain.
The sharp rise in exports is part of Apple’s broader plan to reduce its dependency on China amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and a shifting global trade landscape. India has emerged as a key alternative, supported by favorable government policies, a growing skilled workforce, and a stable investment environment.
Apple’s manufacturing partners—Foxconn, Pegatron, and Wistron (now a part of Tata Group)—have significantly ramped up their operations in India over the last two years. With production facilities located in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, these companies have been instrumental in producing iPhone models, including the latest iPhone 15 series, both for domestic consumption and international markets.
The surge in exports also comes at a time when former U.S. President Donald Trump, who is seeking a return to the White House in the upcoming election, has intensified his calls for American companies to manufacture locally. Despite this political pressure, Apple appears committed to its supply chain realignment, focusing on strategic production hubs that offer long-term efficiency and scalability.
Industry analysts say India’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has played a pivotal role in encouraging electronics manufacturing in the country. “The PLI scheme has provided Apple and its partners a clear cost advantage, making India an attractive option for large-scale production and exports,” said Rohan Verma, a technology analyst with TechInsights.
Notably, Apple’s push to manufacture in India is not solely export-oriented. The company has also expanded its retail presence in the country, launching its first physical stores in Mumbai and Delhi last year, and continues to tap into India’s growing base of affluent consumers.
Omdia’s report also indicates that similar export figures are expected in May, as Apple maintains high production volumes to cater to U.S. demand. With more than 6 million units expected to be shipped over two months, India’s status as a manufacturing powerhouse in the Apple ecosystem is clearly on the rise.
In FY24, Apple crossed the $7 billion revenue mark in India, and iPhone exports played a significant part in this milestone. As geopolitical tensions and supply chain risks prompt global brands to diversify, Apple’s India strategy may become a blueprint for others to follow.
With both export performance and domestic growth on an upward trajectory, India is rapidly evolving from a fringe player to a central figure in Apple’s global operations. Whether or not future political pressure alters this course remains to be seen, but for now, India appears poised to play an even greater role in Apple’s manufacturing future.
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