Chennai, India – April 11, 2025 — In a strategic move to circumvent impending U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports, Apple has urgently shipped approximately 1.5 million iPhones, weighing around 600 tonnes, from India to the United States. This action follows former President Donald Trump’s announcement of a steep increase in tariffs on Chinese goods, raising smartphone import rates from 54% to 125%.
To expedite the process, Apple collaborated with Indian authorities to streamline customs procedures at Chennai Airport, reducing clearance time from 30 hours to just six. This efficiency mirrors processes already in place at key Chinese airports, facilitating rapid shipments.
India has become an increasingly strategic manufacturing base for Apple as the company diversifies production away from China. Production at Indian Foxconn plants has ramped up, including operations on Sundays and the addition of workers to meet a 20% production boost.
Analysts warn that the new tariffs could lead to significant consumer price hikes. For instance, a $1,599 iPhone 16 Pro Max could cost up to $2,300 under the new tariffs. Although Trump has paused most tariffs for 90 days, a 10% default tariff remains, prompting companies like Apple to act swiftly.
This development underscores the global tech industry’s scramble to adapt to new U.S. trade policies and highlights India’s growing role in global supply chains.
