In a strategic move to bypass soaring U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports, tech giant Apple has reportedly airlifted approximately 1.5 million iPhones, weighing a total of 600 tons, from India to the United States, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
The operation comes as the Trump administration raised tariffs on Chinese imports to a staggering 125%, prompting companies like Apple to rapidly adjust their supply chain strategies to protect pricing and inventory levels in key markets.
Green Corridor: Apple’s Chennai Customs Hack
To expedite the logistics, Apple lobbied Indian airport authorities to drastically reduce customs clearance time at Chennai airport from 30 hours to just six hours. This move created a “green corridor”, similar to what Apple uses in Chinese airports to streamline high-volume shipments.
Six dedicated cargo flights, each capable of carrying 100 tons, were deployed since March 2025, with one flight reportedly departing just as the new tariffs came into effect.
Cost Avoidance and Market Impact
The decision to shift a significant portion of iPhone shipments from China to India was rooted in avoiding price shocks. Analysts had warned that due to Apple’s heavy reliance on China, U.S. iPhone prices could skyrocket.
At a 125% tariff, the top-end iPhone 16 Pro Max, priced at $1,599, would see its cost surge to nearly $2,300, based on estimates by Rosenblatt Securities.
In contrast, Indian imports faced only a 26% tariff—now temporarily paused for 90 days by President Trump—prompting Apple’s preemptive shipping campaign.
Sunday Shifts and Production Boost
To meet this demand spike, Apple ramped up production at its Indian manufacturing partner Foxconn, whose plant in Chennai now operates even on Sundays, traditionally a day off. This move helped Apple hit its target of a 20% production increase.
Foxconn’s India factory reportedly produced 20 million iPhones in 2024, including the flagship iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 models. Two other sources confirmed that Foxconn’s operations have shifted to a 7-day schedule to meet Apple’s accelerated deadlines.
India’s Growing Role in Apple’s Supply Chain
Apple has spent eight months planning the customs and logistics overhaul in India, positioning the country as a vital node in its global supply chain as it diversifies away from China. Major Indian suppliers Foxconn and Tata currently operate three factories, with two additional facilities under construction.
According to customs data, Foxconn’s shipments from India to the U.S. surged in value to $770 million in January and $643 million in February 2025, up from an average of $110–$331 million in the previous four months. Over 85% of these shipments landed in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco.
Despite requests for comment, Apple, India’s aviation ministry, and Foxconn have not publicly addressed the matter.
This strategic shift marks a significant milestone in Apple’s ongoing efforts to diversify its manufacturing base, mitigate tariff impacts, and solidify India’s role as a global tech manufacturing powerhouse.
