Tariff fears, surging iPhone exports and Motorola’s breakout helped India’s smartphone shipments soar in H1 2025, fuelling its ambition of being a global manufacturing hub.
India’s smartphone exports surged 30% year-on-year (YoY) in the first half of 2025, reaching 40 million units, according to recent data by Counterpoint Research. The growth was led by a sharp increase in iPhone shipments to the United States, spurred by tariff concerns.
The US retained its position as India’s top export destination, absorbing 54% of shipments in H1 2025, compared with 30% in the same period last year. Over three-fourths of Apple’s exports were directed to the US, following the Trump administration’s tariff announcement in Q1 2025. Apple accelerated exports to build inventory and reduce dependence on China.
Apple’s exports rose 53% YoY, surpassing 20 million units for the first time in a half-year period. The iPhone 16 was the single most exported model, representing 18% of India’s total shipments, followed by the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16e.
Expanded local production capabilities, favourable government policies, and tariff-driven demand played key roles in this growth.
On the other hand, Motorola was the fastest-growing brand, with exports rising sevenfold to over one million units. About 95% of these went to the US. The company became India’s third-largest exporter in H1 2025, overtaking Xiaomi and vivo.
Motorola’s US sales climbed 10% during the period, supported by an early launch of its 2025 G-series line-up, capturing tax-season demand.
Samsung’s exports grew modestly at 1% YoY, with over 60% directed to Western Europe, including Austria, Germany, France and Spain. However, shipments to the US rose sharply, up 268% YoY.
The Galaxy A-series accounted for three-quarters of its exports, reflecting Samsung’s continued focus on mid-range products.
Meanwhile, exports to Europe fell 25% YoY, with its share declining to 27% from 47% a year ago, as Apple prioritised shipments to the US.
Nearly 99% of smartphones sold in India are now manufactured locally. Government schemes, such as the production-linked incentive (PLI), have strengthened domestic capacity and enhanced export orientation.
Looking ahead, India’s smartphone exports are expected to continue rising. However, uncertainty looms as US tariffs on Indian goods could climb to 50%. Smartphones remain exempt; however, the temporary nature of the exemption introduces risk to future supply chain dynamics.
