Apple airlifts 1.5 million iPhones from India to dodge Trump’s tariffs

Apple has chartered multiple planes to move hundreds of tons of iPhones from India in an effort to avoid steep tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, several sources told Reuters.

The tech giant reacted swiftly after the announcement of new international tariffs, putting in place a strategy to quickly repatriate millions of smartphones to the United States — one of Apple's largest markets.

Analysts have warned that iPhone prices in the U.S. could surge, largely due to Apple’s heavy reliance on Chinese imports.

This week, President Trump ordered tariffs of 125% on Chinese goods, while India was comparatively spared, facing a 26% tariff rate.

One source told the news agency that Apple had pressured Indian customs officials at Chennai airport to drastically speed up clearance times for the massive shipments.

Since March, six cargo planes — each capable of carrying 100 tons of equipment — have already departed India, the source said.

(QG - Source: Reuters  - Picture : © Unsplash)