New Delhi, October 9 (IANS). 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 growth has been mainly seen 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.
A three-fold increase in smartphone exports to the US in September took total exports to $1.7 billion, the highest monthly growth ever over FY25. 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, when the US accounted 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 stop purchasing during this period due to discounts on new models and older versions. Exports usually increase again by mid-October.
The PLI scheme for Apple expires in March 2026 while for Samsung it ends in FY25 itself. Samsung’s smartphone exports have registered a decline 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 started operating.
Industry experts say sustaining the current export growth depends on policy continuity, the outcome of the US-China trade talks and tariff changes.
–IANS
SKT/
