NEW DELHI, India: Apple has ramped up shipments of iPhones from India to the United States, chartering aircraft to move hundreds of tons of devices as it works to outpace newly imposed U.S. tariffs.

The tech giant arranged cargo flights carrying 600 tons of iPhones—an estimated 1.5 million units—to the U.S. from its production hub in India, sources told Reuters. The move is part of Apple's effort to build up stock and reduce exposure to tariffs announced by President Donald Trump.

Apple "wanted to beat the tariff," said one source familiar with the planning. Another official said about six cargo planes, each with a 100-ton capacity, departed India since March, including one flight this week after tariffs took effect.

Analysts have warned that iPhone prices in the U.S. could jump sharply due to the high import duties on Chinese goods. China, which remains Apple's primary production base, is now subject to Trump's highest tariff rate of 125 percent. In contrast, India faces a lower rate of 26 percent, currently paused for 90 days.

Apple lobbied Indian authorities to reduce customs clearance time at Chennai airport from 30 hours to six, creating a "green corridor" similar to one used in China, a source said. The iPhones, mainly the latest iPhone 15 and 16 models, were assembled at Foxconn's plant in Tamil Nadu.

In India, Apple extended operations to Sundays at the Foxconn factory to boost output by 20 percent, the source added. Two other sources confirmed the Sunday shifts. The plant produced around 20 million iPhones in 2023.

Apple's growing production in India is part of a wider strategy to diversify beyond China. Its local suppliers, Foxconn and Tata, run three facilities with two more under development.

Foxconn's U.S.-bound shipments from India reached US$770 million in January and $643 million in February—up from $110–$331 million per month in the previous four months, customs data shows. Over 85 percent of these shipments were delivered to Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco.

Apple and India's aviation ministry did not respond to requests for comment. Due to the sensitive nature of the logistics and trade strategy, all sources spoke on condition of anonymity.