Apple Airlifts iPhones to Dodge Trump’s Tariffs

Apple airlifted 600 tons of iPhones from India to the U.S. to avoid Trump’s tariffs. The company ramped up production in India to reduce reliance on China, where tariffs are much higher. Apple lobbied Indian airport authorities to speed up customs clearance, cutting wait times from 30 to 6 hours. Six cargo jets, each carrying 100 tons, transported around 1.5 million iPhones since March.

Trump’s tariffs on Chinese imports reached 125%, while Indian imports were taxed at 26%, though that tariff is currently paused. Analysts warned that iPhone prices could rise significantly due to these tariffs. Apple produces over 220 million iPhones a year, with a growing share coming from India.

Apple pushed its main supplier, Foxconn, to increase production by 20%. Foxconn’s factory in Chennai now operates on Sundays. Apple has been expanding in India, building more factories. The Indian government helped Apple streamline the customs process.