India's mobile phone exports surge 50% driven by record iPhone production

India's mobile phone exports jumped nearly 50% in the first ten months of this fiscal year (April-January), reaching an estimated Rs 1.5 lakh crore, up from Rs 1 lakh crore during the same period last year. Apple's increased iPhone production in India drove this surge. Apple has established major manufacturing hubs in India, similar to its operations in China. iPhone exports from India are estimated at almost Rs 1 lakh crore between April and January, compared to Rs 60,000 crore in the same period the previous year. Samsung also contributed with estimated exports of Rs 34,500 crore.

The industry body, India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), projects total mobile phone exports to reach Rs 1.8 lakh crore by the end of the fiscal year, up from Rs 1.3 lakh crore last year. ICEA chairman Pankaj Mohindroo stated, "This represents approximately 40% growth over the previous fiscal year... and an estimated over 680% growth since production-linked incentive (PLI) for smartphones was announced in FY21. Mobile phone export is the largest growth driver within electronics, with the US standing out as a key market."

Government data reveals electronics surpassed oil products as India's second-largest export in January. The production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme boosted exports and reduced imports, as domestic production now meets almost 99% of India's mobile phone demand. Mohindroo added, "Looking ahead, production is set to reach an estimated Rs 5.1 lakh crore, further cementing India's emergence as a global manufacturing powerhouse." He credited government incentives and industry investments for this growth. Future efforts will focus on competitiveness, scale, and supply chain strengthening. Integrating the value chain will increase domestic contributions towards India's $500 billion electronics manufacturing target and goal of becoming the top global smartphone exporter.


While China remains Apple's primary global supplier, India's production has grown significantly with contributions from companies like Foxconn and the Tata group. The Indian government anticipates further export growth as Apple expands production beyond iPhones to include AirPods in India.

(With ToI inputs)