Apple has transported approximately 1.5 million iPhones from India to the United States via chartered cargo flights in recent months, according to a recent Reuters report. The tech giant's logistical push comes as it seeks to avoid steep tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on Chinese imports, with India offering a more favourable trade alternative.  

Sources familiar with the matter revealed to Reuters that Apple arranged at least six cargo flights carrying about 600 tons of iPhones since March, including one shipment this week as new tariffs took effect. The company successfully lobbied Indian authorities to slash customs clearance times at Chennai airport from 30 hours to just six, replicating a streamlined process it uses in China.  

The move comes as President Trump's tariffs on Chinese goods reached 125% this week, compared to India's 26% rate - though the latter has been temporarily paused for 90 days. Analysts estimate these tariffs could have driven up the price of a premium iPhone 16 Pro Max from $1,599 to $2,300 if imported from China.  

To meet the surge in demand, Apple's main supplier Foxconn increased production at its plants by 20%, adding Sunday shifts to its normally six-day work week in the Chennai plant, states the Reuters report. The Chennai facility, which produced 20 million iPhones last year, is part of Apple's strategic shift to diversify manufacturing beyond China.  

According to Reuters, customs data shows Foxconn's shipments from India to the US skyrocketed to $770 million in January and $643 million in February, up dramatically from previous monthly averages of $110-$331 million. Most shipments landed in major US hubs including Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco.  

While Apple and Indian officials declined to comment, sources indicate the company spent eight months planning this tariff-avoidance strategy with support from the Indian government, further states the report. The effort reflects Apple's growing reliance on Indian manufacturing, which now accounts for about 20% of US iPhone imports compared to China's dominant share.