Apple's Expansion in India Set to Accelerate Thanks to Duty Reductions

[MacRumors]

Apple stands to benefit significantly from India's recent reduction in import duties on mobile phones and components, aimed at boosting local manufacturing and making high-end smartphones more affordable (via Reuters).

India has announced a 5% cut in import duties on mobile phones, printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs), and mobile device chargers, reducing the rate from 20% to 15%. The move is expected to save Apple $35–50 million annually and supports the company's efforts to increase its manufacturing presence in India. Apple's assembly operations in the country, conducted through its partners like Foxconn, have grown significantly in recent years, with 14% of all iPhones now being produced in India. Foxconn has recently invested in new manufacturing plants in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, further boosting production capacity.

The reduction in import duties is part of India's broader strategy to enhance its role in the global supply chain, particularly in the electronics sector. Apple continues to import a significant number of its premium models, such as the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, into India. The reduced import duties will make these high-end models more affordable for Indian consumers.

The country's official economic survey for 2024 also highlights the positive impact of initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and the Districts as Export Hubs (DEH) program. These programs have attracted substantial foreign investment, leading to increased local manufacturing capabilities.

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Article Link: Apple's Expansion in India Set to Accelerate Thanks to Duty Reductions

 

[DelayedGratificationGene]

Looks like Apple is making all the right moves in India which is very significant since it’s just about 5x the population of the US.

 

[arkitect]

The reduction in import duties is part of India's broader strategy to enhance its role in the global supply chain, particularly in the electronics sector. Apple continues to import a significant number of its premium models, such as the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, into India. The reduced import duties will make these high-end models more affordable for Indian consumers.

Knowing Apple, Inc, I wouldn't bet on it.

Far more likely that Tim Cook's bean counters will pocket the difference…

Edit:
Yes I am cynical about massive corporations.

 

[webkit]

Looks like Apple is making all the right moves in India which is very significant since it’s just about 5x the population of the US.

While India may have 5 times (more like 4.2 times) the population of the U.S., it doesn’t have 5 times the number of smartphone users. Also, iPhone/iOS has a MUCH smaller share of the India market than it does the U.S. market. According to Statcounter, iPhone/iOS accounts for around 56% of the U.S. market but barely 4% of the India market.

 

[soyazul]

We need various Apple Stores here in Argentina. Apple premium resellers are not enough.

 

[I7guy]

While India may have 5 times (more like 4.2 times) the population of the U.S., it doesn’t have 5 times the number of smartphone users. Also, iPhone/iOS has a MUCH smaller share of the India market than it does the U.S. market. According to Statcounter, iPhone/iOS accounts for around 56% of the U.S. market but barely 4% of the India market.

Sounds like the market share could change as shipments can open up.

 

[ProbablyDylan]

Good for Apple and good for India. Now we're left to wonder if Tim will lower prices to better compete with his contemporaries in that region or if he's happy to pocket the difference. Time will tell.

 

[ZZ9pluralZalpha]

While India may have 5 times (more like 4.2 times) the population of the U.S., it doesn’t have 5 times the number of smartphone users. Also, iPhone/iOS has a MUCH smaller share of the India market than it does the U.S. market. According to Statcounter, iPhone/iOS accounts for around 56% of the U.S. market but barely 4% of the India market.

I believe business types call that “vast growth headroom”

 

[webkit]

Sounds like the market share could change as shipments can open up.

It could but both Apple and its competitors can potentially benefit from the reduction in import duties. The net result may be little change in Android's long-standing dominance in India. Time will tell.

 

[frownface]

Sounds like if the US want to bring apple production back stateside, then they should also introduce some tariffs

 

[svish]

Great to hear that there is a reduction in import duty. However don't think Apple will reduce the cost of Pro/Pro Max in India.

Waiting for Apple to start manufacturing Pro models in India.

 

[I7guy]

Good for Apple and good for India. Now we're left to wonder if Tim will lower prices to better compete with his contemporaries in that region or if he's happy to pocket the difference. Time will tell.

I think Tim is happy to pocket the difference. But that’s my opinion.

 

[kaycrystal626]

While India may have 5 times (more like 4.2 times) the population of the U.S., it doesn’t have 5 times the number of smartphone users. Also, iPhone/iOS has a MUCH smaller share of the India market than it does the U.S. market. According to Statcounter, iPhone/iOS accounts for around 56% of the U.S. market but barely 4% of the India market.

The gap between rich and poor is huge! Most people can afford Android or other low cost phones.