Apple just pulled off a massive behind-the-scenes logistics sprint to stay ahead of new US import tariffs, in a move that should inspire a major Hollywood, heist film one day. Well, if not a Hollywood movie, it certainly would make for a great corporate film at least.
According to a report by The Times of India, the company chartered five aircraft in late March to rush iPhone shipments from India and China to the United States, all within just three days. The goal? Beat the April 5 deadline for a new 10% reciprocal tariff introduced under Trump-era trade rules.
A last-minute move to buy some time
March is usually a slow season for device shipments, but Apple’s sudden airlift suggests high-level urgency. Warehouses in the US are now stocked with iPhones expected to last several months, helping Apple avoid immediate cost pressures from the new import duties.
A senior Indian official confirmed the operation, stating Apple’s main objective was to delay any potential price hikes. While the company hasn’t yet raised prices in India or other global markets, analysts say it may be forced to do so if costs keep rising.
Even higher tariffs coming from April 9
As of now, only the baseline 10% tariff is in place — but things are about to get worse. On April 9, higher tariffs under the same Trump-era policy are set to kick in. That’s expected to push Apple into re-evaluating its long-term manufacturing and supply chain strategy.
India’s moment in the spotlight
Here’s where it gets interesting: iPhones made in China will be hit with a 54% tariff, while those from India will only face 26%. That’s a 28% advantage, and it could make India a much bigger player in Apple’s global supply chain.
Apple already manufactures several iPhone models and AirPods in India, and it's become a major contributor to India’s nearly $9 billion smartphone exports to the US. With the US-China tariff gap widening, Apple might speed up its shift away from Chinese manufacturing — a move industry watchers have anticipated for years.
Can Apple keep its prices stable?
According to a Wall Street Journal report, Apple is already exploring how fast it can ramp up Indian production to absorb extra costs without hurting margins. For now, Apple’s short-term strategy has bought it time — but in the long run, India might be the key to keeping iPhone prices in check.
