Apple Airlifts $2 Billion Worth of iPhones From India to Beat Trump’s Tariff Deadline

Foxconn and Tata ramp up exports as Apple uses cargo jets to move record shipments ahead of US import duties

New Delhi, April 16, 2025 – In a bold move to sidestep impending U.S. tariffs, Apple airlifted iPhones worth $2 billion from India to the United States in March 2025, setting a new monthly export record for the company’s Indian suppliers, according to customs data reviewed by Reuters.

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The accelerated shipments came just ahead of President Donald Trump’s tariff order imposing a 26% duty on Indian electronics exports, part of a broader trade crackdown where Chinese imports faced over 100% tariffs. While Trump later announced temporary tariff exclusions for smartphones, Apple’s precautionary action reflected its urgency to protect inventory and pricing.

Massive Export Push Led by Foxconn and Tata

Foxconn, Apple’s primary manufacturing partner in India, shipped $1.31 billion worth of iPhones in March alone — more than its exports in January and February combined — from its Tamil Nadu facilities via air cargo. This brings Foxconn’s total 2025 exports to the U.S. to $5.3 billion.

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The shipment included the iPhone 13, 14, 16, and 16e models, with Chicago receiving the bulk of the consignments, followed by Los Angeles and New York.

Meanwhile, Tata Electronics, another key Apple supplier, shipped $612 million worth of devices, including iPhone 15 and 16 models — a 63% increase over the previous month.

iPhones Took Flight — Literally

To “beat the tariffs,” Apple chartered at least six cargo planes to transport more than 600 tons of iPhones from Chennai’s Air Cargo Terminal. Apple also lobbied airport authorities to reduce customs clearance time from 30 hours to just 6 hours — ensuring an efficient escape route for its flagship products.

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Tariff Turbulence Ahead

While the U.S. eventually paused most duties (except those on China), the window for exemption remains narrow, with President Trump hinting that exclusions for consumer electronics will be short-lived. Apple’s preemptive export surge is seen as a signal of how deeply the tech giant is restructuring its supply chain amid geopolitical uncertainty.

Neither Apple, Foxconn, nor Tata Electronics commented on the operation. Reuters is the first to report the granular export and customs details.

Tags: Apple iPhone exports, Foxconn India, Tata Electronics, Trump tariffs, iPhone 16 airlift, US-India trade, Apple production India, Chennai cargo, iPhone supply chain, global tech trade