Archive · 26 Jul 2025
India Gains Ground as China’s Smartphone Export Lead Shrinks
India is now exporting many more smartphones to the US, taking a larger share of the market, mostly due to Apple's manufacturing in India.
In fact, nearly 1 in 3 smartphones imported by the US now come from India.
This increase has caused a decrease in China's dominance in this market.
US imports of Indian smartphones have increased in value.
Apple makes all iPhone models in India.
However, former US President Trump wants iPhones sold in the US to be manufactured in the United States and may impose tariffs.
India's share of US smartphone imports rose to 36% in the first five months of 2025.
China's share of US smartphone imports decreased to 49% in the same period.
US imports of Indian-made smartphones increased by 182% year-over-year to $9.35 billion.
Apple produces all iPhone models in India, including higher-end Pro models.
Former US President Donald Trump expressed opposition to Apple expanding India manufacturing.
- Who
- Apple, China, India, USITC, Foxconn, Jitin Prasada, and Donald Trump.
- What
- Shift in smartphone manufacturing and trade dynamics between India, China, and the US.
- When
- From January to May 2025.
- Where
- US, India, and China.
- Why
- Driven by India's PLI scheme, Apple's manufacturing shift, and US trade policies.
Apple and India's Perspective
Former US President Trump's Perspective
Manufacturing Location
Apple and India's Perspective
Apple is expanding manufacturing in India due to PLI and other benefits.
Former US President Trump's Perspective
Donald Trump is against Apple manufacturing phones in India and wants production in the US.
- India's Share of US Smartphone Imports (Jan-May 2025)
- 36%
- China's Share of US Smartphone Imports (Jan-May 2025)
- 49%
- US Imports of Indian-Made Smartphones (Jan-May 2025)
- $9.35 billion
- Year-over-year increase in smartphone exports from India
- 182%
- Mobile manufacturing units in India (2024-25)
- 300
