To avoid U.S. tariffs, Apple plans to air freight $2 billion worth of iPhones from India to the U.S. in March 2025, setting a new record for a single month.

In March of 2025, Apple Inc. airlifted nearly $2 billion worth of iPhones from India to the United States in response to the high tariff policy soon to be implemented by President Trump of the United States, setting a new monthly export record. Foxconn and Tata Electronics led this operation, using at least six cargo planes to transport about 600 tons, equivalent to 1.5 million iPhones, from Chennai Airport in India to multiple cities across the United States. This action highlights the flexibility of Apple's supply chain and underscores India's crucial role in its manufacturing network.

India's Exports Hit Record High: Led by Foxconn and Tata Electronics

According to customs data cited by multiple media outlets, Apple's two main suppliers in India—Foxconn and Tata Electronics—exported iPhones worth nearly $2 billion to the United States as of March 2025, setting a historical record. Foxconn's export value for March reached $1.31 billion, equivalent to its total for January and February, setting a new record. Tata Electronics exported $612 million, a 63% increase from the previous month.

The exported models include various products such as iPhone 13, 14, 15, 16, and 16e, indicating that India has the capability to produce Apple's latest flagship models. All these phones were shipped by air from Chennai's air cargo terminal in southern India, primarily arriving in U.S. cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York, with Chicago being the largest recipient.

Air Transport of 600 Tons of Phones: Apple's Logistics Blitz

To complete shipments before new tariffs took effect, Apple launched an unprecedented air transport operation. According to reports, the company used at least six cargo planes to transport approximately 600 tons, or about 1.5 million iPhones, by air from India to the United States. Such large-scale air transport of electronics is extremely rare due to high costs, but Apple evidently believes that air transport costs are more manageable compared to potential high tariffs.

To expedite the logistics process, Apple successfully lobbied Indian airport authorities to reduce the customs clearance time at Chennai airport from the original 30 hours to just 6 hours, highlighting its emphasis on speed. This operation was described by insiders as a strategic deployment to "beat the tariffs."

Tariff Pressure Forces Apple to Adjust Supply Chain Pace

The backdrop of this air transport operation is the "Reciprocal Tariffs" executive order signed by U.S. President Trump in early April. The order imposed a new round of import tariffs on several trading partners, including China and India. Although Indian products are facing a 26% tariff, much lower than China's over 100% rate, Apple still chose to ship early to avoid any potential cost increases.

Notably, the Trump administration announced in mid-April that it would suspend high tariffs on most countries except China for 90 days and grant temporary exemptions for some electronic products like smartphones, laptops, and communication devices. However, these exemptions were explicitly stated as "temporary" by officials and may be subject to taxation again in the future.

India's Manufacturing Status on the Rise, Total Exports Grow Significantly

Apple's large-scale air transport operation also highlights India's increasingly strategic position in its global supply chain. According to data from the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), India's total mobile phone exports reached 2 trillion rupees (approximately $24 billion) in the 2024-2025 fiscal year, with iPhone exports accounting for as much as 1.5 trillion rupees (approximately $18 billion), indicating Apple's growing reliance on Indian manufacturing.

The export achievements of Foxconn and Tata Electronics also reflect this trend. Foxconn's exports from India to the United States totaled $5.3 billion in the first three months of 2025, while Tata Electronics continues to expand its assembly share in the iPhone 15 and 16 series.

Apple Has Not Commented, Action Shows Supply Chain Flexibility

As of now, Apple, Foxconn, and Tata Electronics have not commented on media inquiries about this air transport operation. However, based on customs data and logistics arrangements, this operation demonstrates Apple's ability to respond quickly and supply chain flexibility in the face of policy changes.

Despite the U.S. government's temporary tariff exemptions for some electronic products, Apple clearly does not want to risk waiting for policy clarification and instead chooses to take proactive measures to ensure sufficient inventory in the U.S. market. This air transport operation is not only a logistical feat but also a real-world test of supply chain strategy.

To avoid U.S. tariffs, Apple plans to air freight $2 billion worth of iPhones from India to the U.S. in March 2025, setting a new record for a single month.

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