Donald Trump told Apple 'Build in the US, Not India'—So how are Indian iPhone exports booming?

In a surprising twist, Apple’s iPhone exports from India are soaring despite US President Donald Trump publicly urging the tech giant to focus on building products in the US rather than India.

According to industry estimates, Apple shipped iPhones worth more than $10 billion (over Rs 88,500 crore) from India between April and September 2025, marking a 75% jump compared to the same period last fiscal.

Why are Indian iPhone exports booming?

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The growth has been fueled by India’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which encourages global companies to manufacture locally.

Apple has expanded production in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, making India a significant hub for its exports, especially to the US market.

In September alone, iPhone exports hit $1.25 billion, nearly triple the $490 million recorded in the same month last year.

In fact, India’s smartphone exports, led by Apple, have crossed Rs 1 lakh crore in the first five months of FY26, a record 55% increase from Rs 64,500 crore during the same period last fiscal.

Apple currently dedicates the majority of its Indian production to the US, with 78% of domestically assembled iPhones exported there in the first half of 2025, up from 53% last year.

What Donald Trump Said?

US President Donald Trump, during a meeting with Apple CEO Tim Cook in May 2025, expressed his displeasure over Apple’s expansion in India.

“I said to him, ‘Tim, I treated you very well… but now I hear you’re building all over India. I don’t want you building in India,’” Trump said.

He was referencing Apple’s $500 billion US investment commitment announced earlier in February.

Despite Trump’s objections, Apple is determined to diversify its supply chain and reduce reliance on China, where nearly 90% of its flagship iPhones are currently manufactured.

India: Key Global Manufacturing Hub

India, along with China and Vietnam, is emerging as a key global manufacturing hub. Apple plans to produce 25% of its global iPhones in India in the coming years.

The domestic market is also benefiting. Analysts expect Apple to achieve its highest festive sales in India, with a projected 28% year-on-year growth in 2025, driven by the popularity of the iPhone 17 series.

The latest iPhone features advanced cameras, a brighter Super Retina XDR display, and the powerful A19 chip, making it a hit with Indian consumers.