India’s smartphone exports grew 30 per cent year-over-year in H1 2025, driven by a surge in iPhone shipments to the US following tariff anouncements by US President Donald Trump in Q1 2025, that made many brands step up exports from India to avoid paying higher prices.
Smartphone shipments reached 40 million units, with the US as the top destination for exports, reported Counterpoint research. The US exports accounted for 54 per cent of total shipments and over 75 per cent of Apple’s export volumes. The iPhone brand’s exports crossed the 20-million mark for the first time in an H1 and grew by 53 per cent.
This growth was fueled by the brand’s expanded manufacturing capabilities in India, supported by a larger production base and favorable government policies. The Trump tariffs ramped up the export-led manufacturing. This resulted in iPhones dominating the export charts, capturing the top three spots, led by the iPhone 16 with an 18% share of India’s total smartphone exports. As a fallout, exports to Europe fell 25 per cent YoY and share dropped to 27 per cent in H1 2025 from 47 per cent in H1 2024.
“Looking ahead, India is well-positioned to become a key exporter to Europe, driven by the strong export-oriented manufacturing presence of Apple and Samsung in the country, as well as their leadership across most markets in the continent,” said Ibrahim Abbas, analyst at Counterpoint Research.
Looking ahead, India’s smartphone exports are expected to see continued growth, driven by both the aggressive OEM expansion and strong backing from government initiatives like the PLI scheme. However, the 50 per cent US tariffs on Indian goods casts uncertainty over future supply chain dynamics, even though smartphones and electronics are exempt from the same as of now. OEMs and manufacturers will have to diversify markets and push for strategic trade agreements to sustain India’s momentum in the global electronics exports landscape.
Aside from iPhones, Samsung exports grew marginally at 1 per cent with over 60 per cent directed to Western European markets, such as Austria, Germany, France and Spain. Exports to the US soared 268% YoY in H1 2025. Within Samsung’s exports, the Galaxy A series accounted for three-fourths of the total smartphones exported, highlighting the brand’s continued focus on the mid-range segment.
Further, Motorola became the fastest-growing brand in terms of exports, growing seven times year-over-year to reach over 1 million units, with 95 per cent of them going to the US. Motorola also became the third-largest smartphone exporter in India in H1 2025, overtaking Xiaomi and vivo.
