Apple airlifted 600 tonnes of iPhones to beat Trump tariffs: Report

In a bold move to sidestep new US tariffs, Apple shipped roughly 1.5 million iPhones — about 600 tonnes — from India and China to the US in just three days.

The shipments, reportedly made via five to six chartered cargo flights in late March, aimed to stockpile inventory ahead of a 10 per cent tariff announced by the Trump administration recently.

Customs clearance

By preemptively moving products, Apple hopes to shield American consumers from immediate price hikes and keep its market share.

According to Indian media reports, the tech giant also accelerated customs clearance at Chennai airport to facilitate the rapid export.

While Apple has no current plans to raise prices in India or other markets, sources say that any future hikes triggered by higher US duties would likely affect global pricing.

Strategic stockpile

Apple’s US warehouses are now reportedly stocked "for several months", giving the company a temporary buffer against tariff-related costs.

This strategic stockpiling comes as Apple shifts more of its manufacturing footprint away from China.

India is emerging as a key alternative, with Apple focusing heavily on iPhone and AirPod production there.

The US already levies a uniform 10% on all imported goods. Trump has announced an additional 26% reciprocal tariff effective April 9 on India.

On 10 April, Trump issued the Executive Order, announcing a further increase of the so-called "reciprocal tariff" on Chinese goods, but ordered a 90-day reprieve for all other countries.

Beijing then raised retaliatory duties on US goods to 125% in a further escalation of the trade war.

Apple already accounts for the bulk of India’s nearly $9 billion smartphone exports to the US.

Given the ongoing tit-for-tat between China and the US, Apple could accelerate its India manufacturing strategy.

According to reports, the California-based tech giant is evaluating how different tariff structures will impact its global supply chain.

While it remains uncertain whether the aggressive shipping strategy will pay off in the long run, it has already reinforced India’s image as a reliable trade partner and a rising hub in Apple’s global operations.

Upgrade rush

Meanwhile, American consumers, fearing sharp price increases, are rushing to buy iPhones before tariffs push prices up — possibly as high as $3,500, according to some estimates.

As geopolitical pressures continue to reshape global manufacturing, India may prove to be Apple’s safest and most cost-effective bet.