Tech giant uses “green corridor” at Indian airport amid Trump’s China tariff hike
Apple has secretly chartered cargo flights to ferry 600 tons of iPhones — around 1.5 million units — from India to the United States, Reuters reports. The move comes as part of the company’s strategy to sidestep steep new tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on imports from China.
Facing a 125% tariff on Chinese-made goods compared to just 26% from India, Apple intensified production at its Foxconn India facilities and lobbied Indian airport authorities for expedited customs clearance at Chennai airport. The so-called “green corridor” now clears Apple shipments within six hours instead of 30.
Since March, six cargo jets with 100-ton capacity each have departed India for major U.S. hubs like Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. These emergency shipments help Apple stockpile iPhones before tariffs further inflate prices — projections show the $1,599 iPhone 16 Pro Max could jump to $2,300 under full tariffs.
Apple boosted production by 20% at its Indian plants, running operations even on Sundays at its largest Foxconn factory. India’s government reportedly supported Apple’s efforts as the tech giant deepens its manufacturing ties outside of China. Foxconn’s U.S.-bound shipments from India soared to $770 million in January and $643 million in February.
Source: MyJoyOnline