Apple airlifts 600 tons of iPhones from India Trump tariffs, sources say

Apple has chartered cargo flights to transport 600 tons of iPhones from India to the U.S. This amounts to about 1.5 million devices. The move aims to counter President Trump's tariffs, according to sources.

This strategy shows how Apple plans to manage tariffs and build inventory in the U.S. The United States is one of Apple's largest markets.

Analysts warn that iPhone prices in the U.S. could rise. Apple heavily relies on imports from China, which faces a 125% tariff rate. In contrast, imports from India have a lower tariff of 26%, currently on hold after Trump paused it for 90 days.

One source said, "Apple wanted to beat the tariff." The company worked with Indian airport authorities to reduce customs clearance time at Chennai airport from 30 hours to six hours.

This "green corridor" model mirrors what Apple uses at some Chinese airports. Since March, about six cargo jets have flown out, each carrying up to 100 tons. One flight occurred this week as new tariffs took effect.

The packaged weight of an iPhone 14 and its charging cable is around 350 grams (12.35 oz). This means the total cargo of 600 tons likely included about 1.5 million iPhones after accounting for packaging weight.

Neither Apple nor India's aviation ministry commented on this situation. Sources requested anonymity due to the private nature of discussions.

Apple sells over 220 million iPhones globally each year. Counterpoint Research estimates that one-fifth of U.S. iPhone imports now come from India, while most still come from China.

Trump has consistently raised tariffs on China, reaching a rate of 125%. At a previous rate of 54%, the top-end iPhone would cost $2,300 instead of $1,599 based on projections by Rosenblatt Securities.

In India, Apple increased air shipments aiming for a 20% production boost at its plants. This was achieved by adding workers and extending operations at Foxconn's factory in Chennai to Sundays.

Two sources confirmed that Foxconn's Chennai plant now operates on Sundays, typically a holiday. Last year, it produced around 20 million iPhones, including models like the latest iPhone 15 and 16.

As Apple diversifies manufacturing beyond China, India plays a crucial role. Foxconn and Tata are Apple's main suppliers there with three factories operating and two more under construction.

Apple spent eight months planning expedited customs clearance in Chennai. A senior Indian official noted that Prime Minister Modi's government supported Apple's efforts.

Foxconn's shipments from India surged in value recently: $770 million in January and $643 million in February compared to previous months' range of $110 million to $331 million based on customs data.

Over 85% of these shipments were delivered in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. Foxconn did not respond to Reuters' inquiries regarding this matter.