India’s smartphone exports experienced a remarkable surge in 2025, totaling $30.13 billion, with Apple’s iPhones alone contributing $23 billion, according to industry reports. This growth represents a 47% jump from $20.44 billion in 2024 and positions smartphones as India’s top export category, surpassing automotive diesel fuel, which generated $16.34 billion in shipments. Other significant export items included diamonds, retail medicines, and motor gasoline, signaling a rising contribution of electronics in India’s trade portfolio.
iPhones dominated the smartphone export segment, accounting for roughly 76% of total shipments. Most of these products were destined for the United States. Analysts attribute the export boom to India’s production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme and the expansion of local assembly operations. These initiatives have strengthened India’s position in global electronics manufacturing.
Apple currently operates five iPhone assembly plants in India, three managed by Tata Group affiliates and two by Foxconn, supported by a supply chain of around 45 companies, including numerous micro, small, and medium enterprises supplying components for both domestic and international markets. With over 99% of mobile phones sold in India assembled locally, the nation has solidified its status as the world’s second-largest mobile phone producer.
Export growth has also been aided by earlier US tariffs on Chinese electronics, which exempted Indian shipments, though recent tariff removals could influence cost competitiveness. Niti Aayog estimates India’s electronics manufacturing cost disadvantage relative to China at 11 to 14%. The current five-year PLI scheme for smartphones is scheduled to conclude in March 2026, which may shape the sector’s growth trajectory.
In summary, smartphones led India’s exports in 2025, with iPhones making up the bulk of the category. This surge underscores the increasing importance of electronics in India’s global trade strategy and highlights the impact of government incentives and domestic production capacity on the nation’s export performance.
