Mobile phones made in India have made significant progress in the first half of 2025, with a sharp increase in exports and reaching its most glorious moment! According to reports from The Times of India and Business Standard, driven by geopolitical changes and policy incentives, Android phones from Motorola and Samsung have seen a surge in exports from India. In May alone, the total value of mobile phone exports increased by 74% compared to the same period last year, reaching $3.09 billion, which is the highest single-month export data in history.

Under the tariff policies of the Trump administration, China and Vietnam face high tariffs of 55% and 46% respectively on their exports to the US, while mobile phones made in India are subject to only a 26% tariff, showing a significant cost advantage. Additionally, the Indian government has been actively promoting the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, providing financial support to manufacturers expanding production in India. Beneficiaries include companies such as Dixon, Samsung, Apple's contract manufacturer, Foxconn, and Tata Electronics.

Apple phones still dominate India's smartphone exports. In 2024, India exported a total of 60 million smartphones, with Apple accounting for 50%. In January to May 2025, India exported over 35 million smartphones, with Apple contributing 20.5 million units, and 80% of these Apple phones were sold to the United States. It is expected that India will export at least 80 million smartphones in 2025, representing a significant increase compared to the 60 million smartphones exported in 2024. In addition, Samsung phones and Motorola phones under Lenovo's brand have also led the export of Android phones from India, with 99% of them being sold to the United States.

Vivo and brands under Transsion, such as Infinix and Tecno, are also increasing their bets on Indian production capacity. Additionally, Chinese brands such as OPPO and Realme are continuously increasing production quantities through Indian contract manufacturers like Dixon, thereby improving more export data. The data about Xiaomi phones in India is not mentioned, so it remains unclear for now.

In fact, the mobile phone manufacturing in India has mainly been cultivated by Apple and Samsung. These two brands are among the top-selling globally. Apple phones do not have high sales domestically, but they are relatively good. Samsung phones have completely collapsed in the domestic market, almost disappearing entirely. While the number of domestic mobile phones is still higher than that of India, the export volume has not been as high as before, as due to tariff measures, domestic mobile phones, especially those produced by Apple, are difficult to export to the US because of the high tax rates.

Most of the mobile phones exported to the US are from India, and Samsung phones are also like this. Regardless of the situation, the development of Indian mobile phones has little to do with the support from domestic Chinese mobile phone companies; it is mainly supported by South Korea and the United States, which is a fact. No matter how it is, the reality is that India no longer imports mobile phones from China, and only imports some mobile phone components to be assembled in India. Meanwhile, China does not import mobile phones from India either. This is a fact, meaning both sides are taking their own paths and playing to their respective strengths.

If mobile phones produced in India meet the requirements and comply with US standards, then they can be produced. However, US President Trump has repeatedly demanded that Apple phones be produced in the US, mainly to sanction India's mobile phone manufacturing. Apple has consistently refused, as it would significantly increase costs, and it prefers to pay taxes rather than return.

Nevertheless, India's mobile phone production has already entered a mature and healthy model and has become a strong competitor. This is a fact, and everyone should be prepared mentally.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1836254405832707/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.