India’s Smartphone Exports Jump 30% in First Half of 2025 on Strong US Demand

India’s smartphone exports recorded a sharp 30% year-on-year increase in the first half of 2025, reaching 40 million units, driven by strong shipments to the United States. According to Counterpoint Research’s Make in India Service, the US accounted for 54% of all smartphones exported from India during this period, highlighting the country’s growing role as a trusted global manufacturing and supply chain hub.

A major boost came from premium devices, with one leading American brand accelerating shipments ahead of the upcoming 25% tariff deadline. Shipments of these flagship smartphones crossed the 20-million mark for the first time in H1 2025, contributing more than three-fourths of India’s total export volume. The strong demand for models such as the iPhone 16, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16e reinforced India’s importance as a key production base outside China. Expanded facilities under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme played a crucial role in scaling up this output.

Samsung maintained steady exports, growing just 1% during the same period, with Western Europe remaining its largest market. Over 60% of its exports went to Europe, though shipments to the US saw a surge from a low base. Motorola emerged as a standout performer, growing seven times to over 1 million units, making it the third-largest exporter after Apple and Samsung.

Europe’s share of India’s exports slipped to 27% from 47% a year earlier as shipments were redirected to the US, but analysts expect recovery in the region over the coming quarters. With India’s smartphone production value growing from ₹18,900 crore in FY15 to ₹5.45 lakh crore in FY25, exports crossing ₹2 lakh crore, the country has firmly positioned itself as a global electronics hub.

Source: Moneycontrol