Smartphones ring loudest in Indian exports: Shipments' value reaches Rs. 1,53,774 crore (US$ 18 billion)

Smartphones have emerged as India’s largest individual export commodity by value for the first time, surpassing automotive diesel fuel during the April-January period of FY25. Smartphone exports reached Rs. 1,53,774 crore (US$ 18.31 billion), according to data from the Department of Commerce, outpacing diesel fuel exports at Rs. Rs. 1,37,029.72 crore (US$ 16.04 billion). This surge was partly driven by global trade uncertainties, including concerns about a tariff war following Mr. Donald Trump’s victory in the United States (US) presidential election in November 2024. Smartphones were previously ranked fourth among India’s top exports in FY24. However, they saw a 54.7% rise in shipments compared to the previous year. A notable contributor to this growth was a sharp increase in exports to the US, particularly iPhones, which saw a 208% rise in January 2025 alone. Overall, smartphone exports to the US from April to January FY25 totalled Rs. 56,383 crore (US$ 6.6 billion), a 64% increase. The growth can be attributed to the government’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which has helped the sector grow rapidly. From ranking 23rd in FY19, smartphones now lead India's export rankings, with estimates suggesting exports will reach Rs. 2,05,032 crore (US$ 24 billion) in FY25, two-thirds of which are accounted for by iPhones. The sector has also created over 1.3 million jobs, contributing to the growth of India’s manufacturing capabilities.