- Apple ships iPhones in emergency flights to beat tariff deadline and avoid price hikes
- Five cargo aircraft used in March to transport Apple iPhones fly India to US swiftly
- India may become Apple’s key hub to sidestep high China export tariffs
Apple recently made headlines with an unusual move—flying iPhones from India and China to the United States using five cargo aircraft in just three days. This swift action, which took place in late March, was a calculated step to beat a looming tariff hike set for April 5. According to reports, this was part of Apple’s emergency strategy to avoid the 10 per cent reciprocal duty introduced under Trump-era trade policies.
The aim was simple: avoid the price impact of the new tariffs by getting enough devices into US warehouses in time. The plan worked, at least for now. Apple now has enough stock in the US to keep its current pricing intact for a few months. However, with additional tariffs coming soon, Apple may need to rethink its supply chain strategy in a big way.
iPhones fly India to US cargo shipments
Apple iPhones fly India to US cargo shipments became a focal point in March’s tariff-driven logistics race. A senior Indian government official confirmed that the move was intended to reduce the impact of the new import duties. Apple is focused on minimizing any cost increase that could be passed on to American consumers, especially in an already price-sensitive market.
The urgency makes sense—by getting inventory into the US ahead of time, Apple avoids immediate retail price hikes. But with more tariffs expected starting April 9, the situation remains tense. The next round of duties may force tech companies to make faster, more permanent adjustments to how and where they manufacture their products.
This is where India steps into the spotlight. With its favourable trade terms, India is emerging as a strategic manufacturing and export location for Apple. iPhones manufactured in India face a 26 per cent duty when sent to the US, compared to a hefty 54 per cent on Chinese-made units. That’s a significant 28-point gap in costs.
Apple’s decision to ramp up production in India isn’t sudden. The country has already exported close to USD 9 billion worth of smartphones to the US—with Apple leading the charge. And now, the latest shift suggests this number could grow even more as trade pressures mount.
Analysts believe that India’s role in Apple’s global manufacturing could grow stronger. The Wall Street Journal recently noted that Apple might lean more heavily on Indian exports to avoid rising costs tied to Chinese imports. The goal is to keep pricing stable while preserving profit margins, a balance that’s getting harder under current trade rules.
This shift also aligns with India’s ambition to become a global tech manufacturing powerhouse. As companies look for alternatives to China due to rising duties, India offers a mix of cost-effectiveness, infrastructure support, and skilled labour that could make it the next big hub for electronics exports.
iPhones fly missions may have started as a reactive move, but they signal something bigger: a shift in Apple’s global logistics and production priorities. With India offering lower tariffs and strong export potential, the country could become Apple’s key ally in maintaining global supply and pricing stability.
FAQ
Why did Apple fly iPhones from India to the US?
To avoid a 10% import duty starting April 5 under the US tariff policy.
How many aircraft were used in Apple’s iPhone shipment?
Apple used five full cargo aircraft over just three days in late March.
Will iPhone prices increase in the US due to tariffs?
Not immediately, as Apple stocked up ahead of time, but future hikes are possible.
Why is Apple shifting production to India?
India offers lower export tariffs compared to China, making it more cost-effective.
What are the new tariffs on Indian vs. Chinese iPhones?
Indian iPhones face 26% duty, while Chinese ones are taxed at 54%.
