Apple Airlifts 1.5 Million iPhones from India to the U.S. Amid Soaring Trump Tariffs

Apple Airlifts

In a bold and strategic move, Apple has chartered cargo flights to airlift an estimated 1.5 million iPhones—around 600 tons—from India to the United States. The move, according to insiders, is part of the tech giant’s efforts to stay ahead of a steep tariff hike imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

With U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports surging to a staggering 125%, Apple is racing to minimize costs by accelerating iPhone production in India and redirecting supply routes to avoid China.

A Behind-the-Scenes Push to Beat Tariffs

Sources close to the matter told Reuters that Apple quietly ramped up operations at its manufacturing partner Foxconn’s Chennai plant, even going as far as implementing Sunday shifts to meet production demands. This aggressive push was driven by Apple’s goal to increase Indian iPhone output by 20%—a necessary buffer to offset the tariff chaos.

By airlifting inventory directly from India, Apple is avoiding the punishing 125% tariff on Chinese imports, opting instead for the more manageable 26% rate from India. Notably, the new tariffs on India-bound goods are currently on pause due to a temporary 90-day exclusion.

“Apple wanted to beat the tariff,” said one source, noting that the company also lobbied for expedited customs clearance at Chennai Airport. Through negotiations, Apple was able to reduce customs processing time from 30 hours to just six, replicating a model it uses in select Chinese airports.

The Numbers Behind the Move

The shipment of approximately 1.5 million iPhones was achieved using six air cargo flights, each with a capacity of 100 tons. Given that a single iPhone with packaging weighs around 350 grams, the math adds up to an enormous inventory shift meant to prepare for an uncertain regulatory landscape.

According to Counterpoint Research, India now accounts for about 20% of Apple’s total iPhone exports to the U.S.—a significant shift considering China was once the dominant source.

Had Apple not taken preemptive action, the impact on American consumers could have been significant. Rosenblatt Securities projected that under a 54% tariff (prior to the increase), the top-tier iPhone 16 Pro Max—priced at $1,599—would have surged to $2,300. At 125%, prices would climb even higher, making Apple devices less accessible in one of its biggest markets.

India: Apple’s Manufacturing Powerhouse in the Making

Apple’s decision to lean into Indian production highlights its long-term strategy to reduce reliance on China. With major suppliers like Foxconn and Tata now operating three factories in India—and two more under construction—Apple is clearly betting big on the subcontinent.

To accommodate the new logistics needs, Apple reportedly spent eight months planning the customs “green corridor” in Chennai. The Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was said to have supported the effort, viewing Apple’s success as a win for India’s manufacturing ambitions.

Customs data shows that Foxconn’s shipments from India to the U.S. spiked dramatically in early 2025—reaching $770 million in January and $643 million in February, compared to $110–$331 million in the prior four months. These shipments landed primarily in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco.

What’s Next?

As geopolitical tensions and trade policies continue to evolve, Apple’s calculated shift in supply chain strategy may serve as a model for other global tech giants. With India rising as a key manufacturing and logistics hub, Apple is not just reacting to the present—it’s laying the groundwork for the future.

Stay tuned for more insights as the global electronics supply chain continues to adapt to this new economic reality.