India has overtaken China as the leading exporter of smartphones to the United States, according to a new report by research firm Canalys. India-made smartphones accounted for 44% of U.S. imports in the second quarter, a sharp rise from 13% a year ago.
In contrast, China’s share plummeted to 25%, dropping it to third place behind Vietnam, the report suggests. The shift is largely attributed to Apple’s decision to expand manufacturing in India amid rising U.S.-China trade tensions.
Apple CEO Tim Cook said in May that most iPhones sold in the U.S. this year would likely be made in India.
President Trump’s aggressive tariff policy, including a 145% levy on Chinese imports, has driven companies to diversify production. Electronics with semiconductors are exempt, but still face a minimum 20% tariff.
Trade negotiators from Washington and Beijing are currently meeting in Sweden to extend the temporary truce and pursue a broader deal.
TIPP Staff
