India is quickly turning into a manufacturing stronghold for Apple, and if early 2025 numbers are anything to go by, that momentum isn’t slowing down. From March to May, an eye-popping 97% of iPhones exported by Foxconn India were shipped straight to the U.S. It almost feels like someone flipped a switch—this isn’t just a data point; it’s a vivid indicator of a major strategic shuffle in Apple’s global game plan.
A Closer Look at Export Patterns
Now, let’s rewind a bit. In 2024, Foxconn India was dividing its shipments among several destinations—places like the Netherlands, Czech Republic, the UK, and the United States. At that time, the U.S. was taking in just over half (about 50.3%) of those exports. But something changed. Fast forward to spring 2025, and suddenly the U.S. became the primary, almost exclusive, recipient. That kind of shift doesn’t just happen by accident.
The models making this journey included the iPhone 16e, the standard iPhone 16, and the high-end iPhone 16 Pro. March, in particular, stood out—shipments hit a staggering $1.3 billion in value, which, translated into local currency, is roughly ¥9.33 billion. Numbers like that are hard to ignore.
Tariff Pressures and Tactical Moves
So why the drastic pivot? Well, much of it seems tied to rising tariff tensions with the U.S. Reuters hints that Apple is fast-tracking its India plans, likely as a way to keep costs in check while safeguarding supply for its biggest market. Makes sense. It’s a calculated move, and a necessary one.
And with Western markets still hungry for premium devices like the iPhone 16 Plus (2024 edition) and the iPhone 16 Pro Max, the need to adapt quickly becomes even more pressing.
India: More Than Just a Backup Plan
To meet this surging demand, Apple hasn’t just shuffled exports—it’s been scaling up production on the ground, too. Reuters notes that two new factories came online in southern India this past April. One, under Tata Electronics, is focusing on older iPhone models. The other, operated by Foxconn, began exporting newer units in May.
This isn’t just about responding to immediate pressure. It aligns closely with Apple Japan’s broader strategy to decentralize its production and insulate itself from potential disruptions. It’s a long-game strategy, and India’s clearly a big part of that blueprint.
Export Surge: The Numbers Speak Loudly
Between January and May 2025, Foxconn shipped out iPhones worth $4.4 billion to the U.S. from its Indian operations. For context, that’s already more than the $3.7 billion exported during all of 2024. Just in May, exports hit the $1 billion mark. That kind of rapid acceleration is rare—and telling.
The Bigger Picture: India’s Growing Role
According to analytics firm Counterpoint, India’s share of global iPhone production could rise to 25-30% in 2025. That’s a notable jump from the 18% reported in 2024. And honestly, it feels like just the beginning.
So while India may have once played a supporting role in Apple’s sprawling global operations, it’s now stepping into the spotlight. And if this trend continues, the country’s position in the Apple ecosystem could become nothing short of central.
