Apple Airflifts iPhones from India

Apple Inc. has undertaken a significant logistical operation, chartering cargo flights to airlift 600 tonnes of iPhones (approximately 1.5 million units) from India to the United States. This move is a direct response to President Donald Trump's tariffs, particularly the 125% tariff rate on imports from China, which is Apple Inc.'s primary manufacturing hub. To facilitate this, Apple Inc. lobbied Indian authorities to reduce customs clearance time at India — Chennai airport from 30 hours to six hours, establishing a 'green corridor' similar to its operations in China. Apple Inc. has also increased iPhone production in India by 20%, extending operations at Foxconn's largest Indian factory to Sundays. This strategy aims to build inventory in the United States and avoid potential price surges for iPhones, which could otherwise increase from $1,599 to $2,300 for a top-end model. India is increasingly positioned as a critical manufacturing base for Apple Inc., with suppliers like Foxconn and Tata Group expanding their operations. The Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has supported these efforts, leading to a surge in Foxconn's shipments from India to the United States.