Have India's smartphone exports reached a record $7.72 billion in Q1FY26, with Apple leading the charge with $6 billion?
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Synopsis
The surge in India's smartphone exports to a record $7.72 billion in Q1FY26, primarily driven by Apple, showcases the country's growing role in global electronics manufacturing. This impressive growth, fueled by local initiatives, indicates a significant shift in the industry landscape.
Key Takeaways
- India's smartphone exports reached $7.72 billion in Q1FY26.
- Apple's contribution was $6 billion, representing 78% of total exports.
- The PLI scheme has boosted local manufacturing significantly.
- Smartphones accounted for 62% of total electronics exports.
- Potential US investigation could impact global supply chains.
New Delhi, Aug 3 (NationPress) India’s smartphone export activity has soared to an unprecedented high in the April–June quarter (Q1FY26), with total shipments hitting $7.72 billion, marking a significant 58 percent increase from $4.9 billion during the same timeframe last year, as per various reports.
In this quarter, Apple Inc. led the pack by exporting $6 billion worth of iPhones through its contract manufacturers, reflecting an impressive 82 percent rise compared to the previous year, according to the reports.
This quarter not only marked Apple's best performance but also recorded the highest quarterly smartphone export figures from India. Remarkably, nearly 78 percent of the total smartphone exports for this quarter were attributed to Apple alone.
The surge in exports is largely credited to the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, launched in 2020, which has significantly bolstered local manufacturing, as reported.
In FY21, India’s smartphone exports were valued at $3.1 billion. By FY25, this figure escalated to $24.1 billion, with Apple accounting for $17.5 billion of that total.
During Q1FY26, India's overall electronics exports reached $12.4 billion, displaying a 48 percent year-over-year increase. Smartphones constituted 62 percent of this total, up from 58 percent in the same quarter last year, indicating a shift from basic assembly to value-added electronics manufacturing, according to media sources.
Other notable contributors included Padget Electronics, a subsidiary of Dixon Technologies, which exported $175 million worth of smartphones, alongside Samsung, which represented 12 percent of the smartphone export figures.
Potential import duties related to national security, stemming from an ongoing US investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, might emerge, with a conclusion expected by August 14.
Such actions could disrupt global supply chains. Reports indicate that smartphones, once ranked 167th on India's export list in FY15, have now ascended to become the nation's leading export item by HS code in FY25, underscoring India’s growing stature as a global hub for electronics manufacturing.
Point of View
It is vital to recognize that India's remarkable growth in smartphone exports demonstrates the country’s potential and commitment to becoming a global manufacturing hub. This positive trend not only benefits the economy but also highlights the importance of local manufacturing initiatives, enhancing India's position in the world market.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were India's smartphone exports in Q1FY26?
India's smartphone exports reached a record $7.72 billion in Q1FY26, marking a 58% increase from the previous year.
How much did Apple contribute to smartphone exports?
Apple contributed $6 billion to the smartphone exports, accounting for 78% of the total exports in Q1FY26.
What role did the PLI scheme play in this growth?
The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has significantly boosted local manufacturing, facilitating increased smartphone exports.
What are the current trends in India's electronics exports?
India's total electronics exports reached $12.4 billion in Q1FY26, with smartphones making up 62% of this total, indicating a shift towards value-added manufacturing.
What impact could the US investigation have on exports?
The ongoing US investigation could lead to import duties, potentially disrupting global supply chains and affecting India's export landscape.
