iPhone Exports from India to US Begin in June via Foxconn’s Bengaluru Plant
| 2025-05-18
Foxconn will begin shipping iPhones from its Bengaluru factory to the US in June, marking a key milestone in Apple’s India manufacturing expansion.
Foxconn will begin shipping iPhones from its Bengaluru factory to the US in June, marking a key milestone in Apple’s India manufacturing expansion.
Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Foxconn will commence exports of iPhones from its new factory in Bengaluru, India to the United States starting in June, according to a statement by a senior government official.
Karnataka’s Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, MB Patil, announced the development via social media on Saturday, calling it a “strategic shift” in global manufacturing trends. The facility is located in Devanahalli, near Bengaluru, the capital of the southern Indian state of Karnataka.
“This isn’t just a manufacturing milestone — it marks a strategic shift. With rising geopolitical and tariff pressures, India is fast becoming Apple’s preferred production hub,” Mr Patil stated.
Expanding Apple's Supply Chain Beyond China
The move aligns with Apple’s broader efforts to diversify its supply chain amid ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China. The company has historically relied heavily on Chinese suppliers for the assembly of its flagship products, including iPhones.
Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook had earlier indicated that a growing share of the company’s global production, particularly for the US market, would come from Indian facilities. He noted that for the June quarter, Apple anticipates a majority of the iPhones sold in the US will have been assembled in India.
The factory in Bengaluru joins Apple’s existing manufacturing operations in Sriperumbudur, near Chennai, and a facility in Hyderabad where Foxconn assembles AirPods. These developments are part of Apple’s broader localisation strategy in India, a market it views both as a key consumer base and an increasingly viable production centre.
Geopolitical and Economic Implications
The decision to begin exports from India comes at a time of increasing geopolitical scrutiny around global supply chains. While former US President Donald Trump has publicly urged Apple to expand its manufacturing presence within the United States, companies like Apple and Foxconn continue to explore cost-effective alternatives in countries like India, which offer both a large labour force and supportive industrial policies.
India’s federal and state governments have introduced a range of incentives in recent years to attract foreign direct investment in electronics manufacturing. These include production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes and infrastructure support for multinational corporations.
Foxconn’s investment in Karnataka is part of a broader $1.5 billion commitment to scale up operations in India. According to industry analysts, the Devanahalli plant is expected to generate thousands of local jobs and contribute to India’s ambition of becoming a global electronics export hub.
Rising Role of Karnataka in Global Supply Chains
Minister Patil emphasised the importance of this development for the state of Karnataka, which has long positioned itself as a major destination for technology and innovation. “This development strengthens Karnataka’s position in global manufacturing and opens the door to greater foreign investment — without compromising stakeholder interests,” he said.
With iPhone exports to the US market about to begin, Karnataka’s role in global electronics manufacturing is expected to grow further. The state already hosts a number of key industrial and technology parks and is home to several multinational corporations.
India’s Growing Importance in Global Tech Manufacturing
India’s role in global electronics supply chains has grown significantly in recent years. Apple began assembling iPhones in India in 2017 through Wistron and later expanded production through Foxconn and Pegatron. The Indian government has since encouraged further localisation, both to reduce import dependence and to promote India as a global export base.
In 2023, Apple’s Indian production accounted for roughly 7% of its total global output, according to industry estimates. That figure is expected to grow steadily as the company increases its investment in the country.
Foxconn’s expanding footprint in India reflects a broader industry trend, with other tech giants also evaluating India as an alternative or complementary manufacturing base to China and Southeast Asia.
By establishing a steady flow of iPhone exports from Bengaluru to the United States, Apple and Foxconn are signalling a long-term commitment to India as a key player in their global operations.
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