Overall smartphone exports from India jumped 39% year-on-year to $1.53 billion August 2025, while exports to the US specifically doubled to $965 million from $388 million in August 2024, said industry body India Cellular Electronics Association ( ICEA), which represents Apple India.
ICEA was responding to claims in a report by trade research firm GTRI on Monday that declining US exports of iPhones falling month-on-month from India was an indication of slowing smartphone exports from India despite no tariff impact.
The industry body countered claims of slowing exports stating that historically mobile phone exports slow in August and first half September, citing data from the past five years.
The period coincides with new model introductions from companies such as Apple. Global customers awaiting the launch of new models sharply reduce their purchase of smartphones during August. This leads to a drop in exports, ICEA said.
August and early September also sees large-scale retrofitting of plant and machinery to prepare for new models that slashes output, and in turn, exports. This is carefully planned to coordinate with demand.
Companies also divert production to the domestic market to cater to the festive demand which surges during September and early October. Exports drop till early to mid-October since companies divert production to serve the peak in domestic festival-led consumption, ICEA said.
“Every export sector has its particular nuances based on multiple factors. Oversimplification of trade data - and worse - inferences based on monthly comparisons is misleading and avoidable. It’s important that subject matter experts are consulted before drawing sector-specific conclusions”, said Pankaj Mohindroo, chairman, ICEA.
ICEA was responding to claims in a report by trade research firm GTRI on Monday that declining US exports of iPhones falling month-on-month from India was an indication of slowing smartphone exports from India despite no tariff impact.
The industry body countered claims of slowing exports stating that historically mobile phone exports slow in August and first half September, citing data from the past five years.
The period coincides with new model introductions from companies such as Apple. Global customers awaiting the launch of new models sharply reduce their purchase of smartphones during August. This leads to a drop in exports, ICEA said.
August and early September also sees large-scale retrofitting of plant and machinery to prepare for new models that slashes output, and in turn, exports. This is carefully planned to coordinate with demand.
Companies also divert production to the domestic market to cater to the festive demand which surges during September and early October. Exports drop till early to mid-October since companies divert production to serve the peak in domestic festival-led consumption, ICEA said.
“Every export sector has its particular nuances based on multiple factors. Oversimplification of trade data - and worse - inferences based on monthly comparisons is misleading and avoidable. It’s important that subject matter experts are consulted before drawing sector-specific conclusions”, said Pankaj Mohindroo, chairman, ICEA.
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