India's mobile phone exports have witnessed an unprecedented 50% growth in the first ten months of the financial year 2024-25 (April–January), reaching Rs. 1,50,000 crore (US$ 17.27 billion) compared to Rs. 1,00,000 crore (US$ 11.51 billion) in the same period last year. This surge was primarily fueled by Apple’s record iPhone production in India, contributing significantly to the overall growth of the electronics manufacturing industry.

Apple and Samsung Drive Export Boom

Apple remains at the forefront of India’s mobile export expansion, with iPhone exports estimated at Rs. 1,00,000 crore (US$ 11.51 billion), a steep increase from Rs. 60,000 crore (US$ 6.91 billion) last year. The Made-in-India iPhones are being exported in record numbers, with key production facilities operated by Foxconn and Tata Group. Samsung, another major contributor, exported Rs. 34,500 crore (US$ 3.97 billion) worth of mobile phones, cementing India's status as a crucial player in global smartphone manufacturing.

PLI Scheme: A Game-Changer for India’s Mobile Industry

The remarkable increase in mobile phone exports aligns with the success of the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which was introduced in FY21 to boost local production and exports. Since its launch, India's mobile exports have skyrocketed by 680%, reflecting the government’s commitment to transforming the nation into a global electronics manufacturing hub.

The India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) projects that total mobile exports for the financial year will reach Rs. 1,80,000 crore (US$ 20.72 billion), marking a 40% year-on-year (YoY) growth. This development has further strengthened India's mobile phone manufacturing sector, which is set to reach Rs. 5,10,000 crore (US$ 58.71 billion) in production value by the end of the fiscal year.

Electronics Surpass Oil as India’s Second-Largest Export

With the PLI scheme successfully promoting local manufacturing, 99% of domestic mobile demand is now met through local production. This has helped electronics surpass oil products as India’s second-largest export category, reducing reliance on imports while significantly boosting exports.

ICEA Chairman Pankaj Mohindroo highlighted India's growing competitiveness in the global smartphone market, emphasizing the importance of supply chain integration and scale enhancement. The government aims to position India as a global leader in electronics manufacturing, targeting an ambitious Rs. 43,43,500 crore (US$ 500 billion) industry.

Apple Expands Beyond iPhones in India

While China remains Apple’s top supplier, India’s smartphone production ecosystem has expanded rapidly, with Foxconn and Tata Group playing key roles in ramping up iPhone manufacturing. Apple is also set to expand its production capabilities beyond iPhones, with plans to manufacture AirPods and other devices in India, further strengthening the country’s position as a preferred manufacturing destination.

Future Outlook for India's Mobile Exports

The surge in mobile phone exports underscores India's strategic importance in the global electronics supply chain. The PLI scheme, combined with government initiatives, has successfully attracted major tech giants to invest in India’s electronics manufacturing industry.

With continued investments and policy support, India’s mobile phone exports are expected to maintain their upward trajectory, further strengthening the country’s position as a leading global smartphone exporter. The growth of Apple’s production base, along with increasing contributions from Samsung, Foxconn, and Tata Group, signals a promising future for India's electronics and smartphone manufacturing sector.

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