Are Smartphone Exports Really Rising by 39% in August?
Synopsis
Smartphone exports from India surged by an impressive 39% in August, reaching $1.53 billion. Contrary to claims of a slowdown, the industry is experiencing robust growth, particularly in shipments to the US. This article explores the factors contributing to this unexpected rise in exports.
Key Takeaways
Smartphone exports rose by 39% in August.
Exports to the US increased by 148%.
Overall exports reached $1.53 billion.
Claims of a slowdown are based on selective data.
PLI scheme has transformed exports significantly.
New Delhi, Sep 24 (NationPress) Smartphone exports from India experienced a remarkable surge in August, increasing by 39 percent to approximately $1.53 billion, compared to $1.09 billion in August 2024, as per the latest figures released by the India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA) on Wednesday.
The industry organization emphasized that, in contrast to recent claims of a downturn, exports have actually seen significant growth, particularly to the United States.
ICEA pointed out that shipments to the US more than doubled in August, soaring 148 percent from $388 million last year to $965 million this year.
For the initial five months of FY26, US exports amounted to $8.43 billion, marking a substantial increase of 193 percent over the $2.88 billion recorded during the same timeframe last fiscal year.
This figure has already approached nearly 80 percent of the total US exports for the entirety of FY25.
In total, India’s smartphone exports from April to August 2025 reached a historic Rs 1 lakh crore, or around $11.7 billion.
This represents a 55 percent increase compared to $7.6 billion during the corresponding period last year.
Addressing assertions suggesting a decline in exports, ICEA noted that these conclusions were drawn from selective monthly comparisons without factoring in sector-specific variables.
“Oversimplifying trade data and deriving conclusions based on monthly comparisons can be misleading. It’s crucial to consult subject-matter experts before making sector-specific judgments,” stated Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman of ICEA.
The association clarified that August and early September are generally slower months for exports due to various factors.
Companies gear up for new model launches in late September and October, ahead of the festive season, resulting in lower demand for existing models and planned factory retrofitting.
Moreover, domestic demand during festivals like Diwali often redirects production toward the Indian market, with exports resuming later in the year to fulfill global holiday season demand in the West.
Despite these seasonal variations, ICEA highlighted that smartphones have consistently been India's top-performing export sector in recent years.
Since the introduction of the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, smartphones have escalated from being India’s 167th ranked export in FY15 to the country’s largest export category by FY25.
Point of View
I believe it is essential to recognize the significant strides India has made in the smartphone export sector. The recent surge in exports contradicts claims of a slowdown, highlighting the importance of informed analysis rather than selective reporting. With the right focus on innovation and production, India can continue to be a leader in this competitive market.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the percentage increase in smartphone exports in August?
Smartphone exports increased by 39 percent in August.
How much did smartphone exports amount to in August 2025?
Smartphone exports amounted to approximately $1.53 billion in August 2025.
What did ICEA say about recent claims of a slowdown?
ICEA clarified that claims of a slowdown were misleading and based on selective monthly comparisons.
How have smartphone exports to the US changed?
Shipments to the US more than doubled, increasing by 148 percent to $965 million in August.
What is the significance of the PLI scheme for smartphone exports?
The PLI scheme has significantly boosted smartphone exports, making them India's largest export category.
