Archive · 19 Sep 2026
India's Smartphone Exports Hit Record, Led by iPhone Shipments
India is sending more smartphones to other countries than ever before.
From April to July, its smartphone exports were worth $13.34 billion.
About 70% of those shipments went to the United States.
Apple’s iPhones were a major reason for the increase.
India’s exports to the United States also grew sharply in July.
However, making iPhones in India costs 6% to 8% more than making them in China.
This could make Apple reconsider where it produces some phones.
The Indian government is offering large incentives to encourage more phone manufacturing in the country.
India’s smartphone exports reached a record $13.34 billion between April and July, up more than 31% year on year.
Shipments to the United States made up 70% of the total, reaching $9.4 billion.
Indian smartphone exports to the United States rose 53.8% year on year in July to $2.34 billion.
Apple’s iPhone shipments drove much of the increase, despite concerns about India’s manufacturing cost disadvantage.
India’s smartphone exports are projected to reach $36 billion-$40 billion in FY27, supported by new government incentives.
- Who
- Indian smartphone manufacturers, Apple, Lenovo, the Indian government, and United States buyers.
- What
- India’s smartphone exports reached a record $13.34 billion, driven largely by iPhone shipments to the United States.
- When
- Between April and July; July exports to the United States were reported separately.
- Where
- India, with the United States as the leading destination.
- Why
- Higher Apple iPhone shipments and India’s manufacturing incentives drove growth, although tariff changes and higher production costs create competitive concerns.
India Growth Outlook
Competitiveness Concerns
Future export growth
India Growth Outlook
The Indian Cellular and Electronics Association, with support from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, expects smartphone exports to reach $36 billion-$40 billion in FY27.
Competitiveness Concerns
India faces competition from China, particularly because smartphone manufacturing in India is estimated to cost 6% to 8% more.
Apple’s manufacturing strategy
India Growth Outlook
Apple shifted manufacturing to India to benefit from tariff differences, and iPhone shipments are driving record exports.
Competitiveness Concerns
After a United States court invalidated the 20% tariff on Chinese smartphones, Apple could consider moving some production back to China.
- Total exports
- $13.34 billion between April and July
- Year-on-year growth
- More than 31%
- Exports to United States
- $9.4 billion, or 70% of total exports
- July exports to United States
- $2.34 billion, up 53.8% year on year
- FY27 export forecast
- $36 billion-$40 billion
- FY26 exports
- $29.3 billion
- Government incentives
- More than Rs 62,500 crore under a new mobile manufacturing scheme