India Smartphone Exports: A hefty tariff of 50 percent has been imposed on India. America is making every effort to stop India’s growth through tariffs. Efforts are being made to affect India’s exports by increasing taxes through tariffs, but fast-rising India is overcoming this tariff barrier and is developing. The country has created a record for smartphone exports.
Boom in smartphone exports
According to industry estimates, India’s smartphone exports reached $13.4 billion in the first half of the current fiscal year, registering a growth of 59 percent from $8.5 billion in the same period last year. This increase was mainly due to iPhone production under the PLI scheme. Apple’s iPhone exports totaled nearly $10 billion, accounting for more than 75 percent of total exports in the first half of the year. Smartphone exports to the US tripled in September to take total exports to $1.7 billion in September, the highest monthly growth since FY2025.
Exports grew 87 percent in September compared to exports of $923 million in September 2024. Smartphone exports to the US rose to a record $900 million last month from $258 million in September last year, accounting for 52.3 percent of total smartphone exports. According to a recent statement by the India Cellular and Electronics Association, August and September are usually among the lowest export months due to upcoming product launches and scheduled machine retrofits. Consumers around the world also avoid buying new models and take discounts on older versions during this period. Exports usually increase again by mid-October.
The PLI scheme for Apple expires in March 2026, while for Samsung it expires in FY25. Samsung’s smartphone exports declined in H1FY26 compared to the same period last year. Electronics, especially smartphones, have been a rare bright spot for Indian exports this year. Meanwhile, Apple vendors continue to expand their production in India. Recently two new iPhone assembly plants have become operational. Industry experts say sustaining the current export growth depends on policy continuity, the outcome of the US-China trade talks and changes in tariffs.
