In a bold logistical maneuver, Apple has chartered cargo flights to transport an estimated 1.5 million iPhones—roughly 600 tons—from India to the United States. The move comes as the tech giant scrambles to sidestep sharply rising U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports, part of President Donald Trump’s escalating trade measures.
The behind-the-scenes operation reflects Apple’s strategic shift in global supply chain management, as it looks to reduce dependency on Chinese manufacturing and capitalize on lower tariffs from India, where it has rapidly scaled up production.
Tariff Troubles and Tactical Moves
Apple has been under pressure as Trump’s tariff on Chinese imports surged to 125%, far exceeding the 26% tariff on goods from India—a rate now temporarily paused for all countries except China after a 90-day freeze was announced this week.
“One of the key motivations was to beat the tariff clock,” a source said. The urgency triggered a series of cargo flights, each carrying up to 100 tons of iPhones, mostly the latest iPhone 14 and 16 models.
To streamline the effort, Apple successfully lobbied Indian authorities to slash customs clearance time at Chennai airport from 30 hours to just six, establishing a so-called “green corridor”—a model the company already uses at some Chinese airports.
India’s Growing Role in Apple’s Supply Chain
The high-stakes airlift was backed by expanded operations at Foxconn’s massive factory in Chennai, which began running on Sundays—traditionally a holiday in India—to meet production targets. The plant alone produced around 20 million iPhones last year, and now includes both iPhone 15 and 16 models.
India is becoming central to Apple’s global manufacturing strategy. With three factories operated by suppliers Foxconn and Tata, and two more under construction, Apple is clearly positioning India as a critical hub.
According to Counterpoint Research, India now accounts for 20% of iPhone exports to the U.S., with the rest still coming from China.
Foxconn’s shipments from India to the U.S. surged in value to $770 million in January and $643 million in February, compared to a range of $110 million to $331 million in the four months prior, customs data shows. Most shipments landed in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco.
What’s at Stake
At the current 125% tariff rate, a top-tier iPhone 16 Pro Max—normally priced at $1,599—would balloon to a staggering $2,300 in the U.S. That threat to affordability has prompted Apple’s rapid diversification away from China.
The move underscores how geopolitics is reshaping global tech supply chains, with Apple leading the way in adapting to an increasingly protectionist trade environment.
