Apple ‘smuggles’ five planes full of iPhones from India, China to US ahead of Trump tariffs

In a dramatic display of corporate back-handling, Apple reportedly flew five cargo aircraft loaded full with iPhones and gadgets from India and China to the United States over just three days in late March.

According to reports from The Times of India, the company rushed this mission to stockpile iPhones in order to dodge the new import tariffs imposed by the Trump administration that took effect recently.

Tim Cook's Tariff Tango

With steeper duties of up to 54 per cent on Chinese imports and 26 per cent on Indian goods kicking in from April 9, Apple’s airlift looked more like a tech-fuelled heist.

The reports cited senior Indian officials who confirmed the shipments, calling it a swift move to pre-empt rising costs. Apple’s US warehouses are now said to be packed to the brim with tariff-free iPhones, bought just in the nick of time.

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Netizens call it what it is

While Apple may call it a strategy, the internet has dubbed it what it looks like: smuggling, just in corporate form. Memes and mockery of the company flooded sites like X even as many were left in awe of the insane move that Apple pulled.

Made in India, priced for America

Apple is clearly hedging its bets on India. Thanks to a significantly lower 26 per cent tariff, compared to China’s 54 per cent. As such, India is likely to be Apple’s global base. The company already produces several iPhone models and AirPods in the country and now makes up the lion’s share of India’s USD 9 billion in smartphone exports to the US.

Analysts believe this tariff gap could turbocharge Apple's efforts to shift more production out of China and into India to keep its margins intact.

Panic at the Apple Store

Meanwhile, back in the US, shoppers aren’t waiting around to see how the tariff drama unfolds. Apple Stores are reportedly swamped as buyers panic-purchase iPhones ahead of expected price hikes. As per the employees, customers fear that the phones might soon cost as much as a MacBook Pro.

Apple, ever the master of supply chain, might just have pulled off a logistics stunt that keeps both its shelves full and its prices steady. At least until the next trade war twist.