India’s Smartphone Exports Reach ₹1.5 Trillion, Boosted by PLI Scheme

India’s smartphone exports have reached an all-time high of Rs 1.55 trillion in the April 2024 to January 2025 period, reflecting a 56% surge from Rs 991.2 billion in the same period last year. This growth has been primarily fueled by the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which has strengthened India’s smartphone manufacturing ecosystem and boosted exports. The rise in shipments is being driven by global giants like Apple and Samsung, with Apple leading the way by contributing nearly 70% of the total exports. The government’s push for local production has played a crucial role in transforming India into a major hub for smartphone manufacturing and exports.

How Has Apple’s Dominance Shaped India’s Smartphone Export Growth?

Apple has been the key driver behind India’s smartphone export boom, with its contract manufacturers accounting for nearly 70% of total exports. Among them, Foxconn’s Tamil Nadu plant has emerged as a significant contributor, shipping nearly 50% of Apple’s total exports from India. Tata Electronics, which acquired Wistron’s operations in Karnataka, has also ramped up production, contributing 22%, while Pegatron’s Tamil Nadu unit added 12% to the total iPhone exports.

The PLI scheme has encouraged Apple to shift a significant portion of its production from China to India, leading to an increase in iPhone shipments. In the last fiscal year, Apple’s India exports were valued at Rs 65,000 crore, and this number is expected to rise further in FY25.

How Has Samsung Contributed to India’s Record Smartphone Exports?

While Apple dominates, Samsung remains a key player in India’s smartphone export growth, contributing around 20% of the total shipments. Samsung’s Noida plant, one of the world’s largest mobile manufacturing units, has been central to its export success. The South Korean company has leveraged India’s favorable policies to increase production and exports, competing with Apple in multiple global markets.

Samsung’s steady export growth aligns with the Indian government’s ambition to make the country a major electronics manufacturing hub. With increasing competition and a supportive policy environment, Samsung is expected to further expand its presence in the export market.

How Has the PLI Scheme Transformed India’s Smartphone Export Landscape?

A decade ago, smartphones were India’s 67th-largest export category. Today, they have climbed to the second position, demonstrating the impact of the PLI scheme, which was launched in April 2020 to boost local manufacturing. The scheme offers financial incentives to companies that achieve specific production targets, encouraging both global and domestic firms to scale up operations.

The results of this initiative are visible in the sharp rise in smartphone exports:

• FY21: Rs 233.9 billion
• FY22: Rs 473.4 billion
• FY23: Rs 916.5 billion
• FY24: Rs 1.31 trillion

In January 2025 alone, exports reached Rs 250 billion, marking a 140% increase compared to January 2024. This growth reflects the increasing global demand for smartphones manufactured in India, with major companies shifting production to the country due to geopolitical and economic factors.

Future Outlook: Where Are India’s Smartphone Exports Headed?

According to Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, India’s smartphone exports are projected to reach $20 billion (Rs 1.68 trillion) in FY25. The continued success of the PLI scheme, combined with rising investments from global players, is expected to cement India’s position as a global smartphone export leader.

With Apple and Samsung leading the charge, and increasing participation from domestic manufacturers, India is set to emerge as a strong alternative to China in smartphone manufacturing. The government’s focus on expanding local production capabilities and attracting foreign investments will further accelerate this growth in the coming years.

India’s Smartphone Exports at ₹1.5 Trillion – Key Highlights