India has become the leading exporter of smartphones to the United States, shipping 44% of devices imported by America in the April–June quarter of 2025 a dramatic jump from just 13% one year ago.
At the same time, China’s share plummeted from 61% to 25% as global electronics giants, notably Apple, ramped up production in India amid US–China trade tensions and rising tariffs.
Industry analysts and company leaders state this “tectonic shift” not only reflects a new phase in global supply chains but signals India’s rise as a key technological power.
Officials from both New Delhi and Washington are monitoring the change closely as U.S. importers and Indian manufacturers alike adjust to the realigned market.
India, Apple, and the Changing Face of Global Manufacturing
India’s rapid ascent has been fuelled by Apple’s “China Plus One” strategy, with almost 24 million iPhones exported from India in the first half of 2025 of which 78% went to the United States. Tamil Nadu, home to major Apple suppliers like Foxconn, Pegatron, and Tata Electronics, now dominates as India’s iPhone production hub.
Commenting on India’s momentum, Canalys analyst Sanyam Chaurasia explained, “India became the leading manufacturing hub for US-sold smartphones for the very first time in Q2 2025, largely driven by Apple’s accelerated supply chain shift to India amid an uncertain trade landscape.”
Renauld Anjoran, CEO of Agilian Technology, added, “The plan for India is moving ahead as fast as we can,” signalling an industry-wide sense of urgency. Samsung, Vivo, OPPO, and Motorola have also expanded their India-based manufacturing to capitalise on this positive trend.
Behind the Numbers: Policy, Trade Wars, and Economic Impact
The surge is underpinned by new policy incentives from the Indian government and Washington’s increased tariffs on Chinese electronics. An estimated 21.3 million smartphones were shipped from India to the U.S. between January and May 2025 tripling from last year and surpassing all of 2024’s volumes.
In value, smartphone exports from India to the U.S. have soared 182% to $9.35 billion so far in 2025, making smartphones India’s top US-bound export by value. At the same time, Chinese manufacturers have slashed prices by 45% in June to regain U.S. market share as Chinese exports to the U.S. dropped a staggering 71% for the month.
The trade war’s effects are being felt in both countries, with fears of further penalties that could threaten future growth. Vietnam has emerged as a secondary player with 30% of the U.S. market, but India’s steep trajectory is the defining story of this new era.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
India’s emergence as the United States’ top smartphone supplier is a historic moment that inspires pride and opportunity. This manufacturing milestone, built on rising skills and policy innovation, has the potential to generate employment, spread prosperity, and strengthen India’s position as a global technology leader.
Yet, this rise comes with responsibilities ensuring fair wages, environmental standards, gender equity, and stable geopolitics. As the world seeks new balances of power, India must lead with compassion and wisdom, asking: will our technological leap also uplift our society at large? How can local industries, governments, and citizens ensure this growth is inclusive, ethical, and sustainable?
