India’s smartphone shipments to the United States soar, Apple leads with 77% market share
New Delhi, Thursday, September 25, 2025 — India’s smartphone export story is gaining remarkable momentum, with shipments to the United States recording a nearly three-fold jump during April to August 2025. This surge, which comes against the backdrop of global suppIndia’s Smartphone Exports to US Surge as Apple Leads the Charge
Apple iPhone exports from India triple as the country emerges as a global electronics manufacturing hub
New Delhi, Thursday, September 25, 2025 — India’s smartphone export story is hitting new highs, with shipments to the United States witnessing an extraordinary jump in recent months. Government data shows that phone exports to the US have nearly tripled in April–August 2025 compared to the same period last year. This surge is being powered by Apple, whose iPhone exports from India now account for more than 77% of the overall value.
The growth underscores India’s transformation into a rising electronics manufacturing hub, supported by the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, favorable policy shifts, and global supply chain realignment under the widely discussed China+1 strategy India has been championing.
Apple iPhone Exports from India Dominate
Apple is at the heart of India’s smartphone export growth. Its contract manufacturing partners — Foxconn, Pegatron, and Tata Electronics — have expanded production capacity across Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, making India a significant node in Apple’s global supply chain.
Industry analysts confirm that Apple iPhone exports from India are no longer limited to small trial shipments; they are now central to meeting global demand, particularly in the US market. The quality and scale of production have improved to global standards, reflecting India’s growing capabilities.
“With Apple driving the iPhone export surge, India has become an indispensable partner for one of the world’s largest tech companies,” said a senior market researcher. “This shift is also symbolic of how global manufacturers are diversifying production bases away from China.”
Phone Exports to US See Historic Growth
The US has emerged as the single-largest destination for Indian smartphone exports. According to industry data, phone exports to US touched a record high in April–August, making up nearly half of India’s total smartphone shipments.
This marks a strategic change from earlier years when exports were primarily directed toward the Middle East and Europe. Analysts attribute this trend to rising US demand for premium iPhones and Apple’s confidence in India’s production ecosystem.
By making inroads into the American market, India is not only enhancing its trade footprint but also improving its credibility as a long-term electronics supplier.
India as a Global Electronics Manufacturing Hub
The current wave of export growth highlights India’s ambition to establish itself as a leading electronics manufacturing hub. For decades, China dominated this space, but global shifts, combined with India’s policy interventions, are creating new opportunities.
The Indian government has actively pitched the country as a competitive alternative, offering tax breaks, subsidies, and infrastructure support. The Production Linked Incentive scheme smartphones program has been particularly effective, incentivizing companies to scale both domestic production and exports.
Officials believe these measures are already yielding results. “The sharp rise in smartphone exports reflects the success of our PLI scheme. India is firmly on the path to becoming a global hub for electronics,” a commerce ministry spokesperson said.
Smartphone Export Growth 2025
The numbers themselves are impressive. Between April and August 2025, India’s smartphone exports to the US touched $5.5 billion, compared to $1.9 billion in the same period last year. This nearly threefold increase highlights the scale of smartphone export growth 2025, positioning India among the fastest-growing smartphone exporters in the world.
Economists note that this trend is not just about numbers but represents structural transformation. “India is moving beyond being a consumer-driven market to becoming an export-oriented economy,” said a senior economist. “Such growth in high-value exports strengthens the rupee, narrows trade deficits, and creates jobs.”
Impact of the China+1 Strategy India
The global China+1 strategy India has been pivotal in this shift. As multinational companies reduce overdependence on Chinese factories, India has emerged as the most viable alternative. Its large labor force, competitive wages, and improving infrastructure make it a natural choice for relocating production.
For Apple, India is no longer just a backup option but a strategic manufacturing base. Experts say the ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and trade tensions between the US and China are accelerating this trend, making India’s role even more crucial.
Economic Ripple Effects
The export surge has broader economic implications:
- Job Creation: Expansion of Apple’s suppliers has created tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
- Boost to Ancillary Industries: Packaging, logistics, and local component suppliers are benefiting from increased demand.
- Global Image: India’s reputation as a reliable exporter is growing, which could attract more foreign investment.
Industry insiders argue that India must now focus on increasing local value addition. While assembly is robust, components like semiconductors and advanced displays are still largely imported. Building these ecosystems domestically is key to long-term sustainability.
India US Trade Smartphone Exports
The surge in India US trade smartphone exports also highlights strengthening bilateral ties. With India becoming a key supplier of high-end electronics to the US, trade relations are moving beyond traditional sectors like IT services and textiles.
For the US, diversifying its supply chains to include India enhances resilience, while for India, access to one of the most lucrative consumer markets ensures long-term stability for its export sector.
Experts believe this growing interdependence could pave the way for further cooperation in technology, semiconductors, and innovation partnerships.
Industry Voices and Future Outlook
Manufacturers and trade bodies are optimistic about sustaining the momentum. A senior executive at Foxconn India stated, “The current trajectory shows that India is ready to take on a larger share of global production. Our goal is not just assembly but end-to-end electronics manufacturing.”
Looking ahead, industry experts see India expanding its export portfolio beyond smartphones. Tablets, laptops, and wearables could be the next categories to benefit from local production and export. With Apple and other brands considering India for a wider product range, the growth story may only be beginning.
