Game-changing milestone achieved! India accounts for 36 per cent of US smartphone imports, up from 11 per cent a year ago, marking a dramatic shift in global smartphone manufacturing. Apple‘s expanded production in India primarily drives this surge, fundamentally reshaping the US-China-India trade triangle.
Table of Contents
India’s Explosive Export Growth Numbers
The transformation in India’s smartphone export capabilities has been nothing short of remarkable, with unprecedented growth across all key metrics.
| Export Metrics | 2024 Performance | 2025 (Jan-May) |
|---|---|---|
| US Market Share | 11% | 36% |
| Units Exported | 7 million (Jan-May) | 21.3 million |
| Export Value | $3.3 billion | $9.35 billion |
| Growth Rate | Base year | 182% increase |
| Apple Suppliers | 14 companies | 64 companies |
China’s Declining Dominance
China’s share of US smartphone imports fell from 82 per cent in early 2024 to 49 per cent in 2025. The dramatic shift reflects geopolitical tensions and strategic manufacturing diversification efforts by major brands.
Chinese manufacturers are responding with aggressive pricing strategies. The average export price of smartphones shipped to the US fell 45 per cent in June compared to a year earlier, as companies struggle against continued 20-30% tariff pressures.
June saw particularly severe impacts, with smartphone shipments to the US fell 71 per cent in June alone, highlighting the accelerating shift away from Chinese manufacturing.
Apple’s India Manufacturing Revolution
Apple’s commitment to India represents a fundamental strategic pivot. Roughly 20 per cent of its global iPhone production is now based here, with all iPhone models now manufactured through partners like Foxconn.
The company’s supply chain expansion has been dramatic, with Apple’s Indian suppliers rose from 14 in 2023 to 64 in 2025. Foxconn’s recent $1.49 billion investment in Tamil Nadu demonstrates long-term manufacturing commitment despite potential US tariff threats.
India’s Electronics Manufacturing Boom
The broader transformation extends beyond smartphones. The number of mobile manufacturing units rose from just two in 2014-15 to 300 in 2024-25, showcasing India’s rapid industrial scaling capabilities.
Mobile phone production grew 28-fold to ₹5.45 trillion, with exports climbing 127 times to ₹2 trillion during this period. The sector has attracted over $4 billion in foreign direct investment since FY21, establishing India as a serious manufacturing powerhouse.
Future Challenges and Opportunities
Despite Trump’s threats of 25% tariffs on Indian-made iPhones, tech giants remain committed to India’s long-term potential. The manufacturing diversification trend reflects broader supply chain resilience strategies beyond pure cost considerations.
India’s position as the top US smartphone supplier by value represents just the beginning of a larger economic realignment in global technology manufacturing.
FAQs
What percentage of US smartphone imports come from India now?
India now supplies 36% of US smartphone imports, up from just 11% last year.
How much did India’s smartphone exports grow in 2025?
Export value surged 182% year-on-year to $9.35 billion in the first five months.
