India’s smartphone exports have skyrocketed, marking a major win for the country’s manufacturing push. Official data shows exports jumped from $9.07 billion in April-November FY24 to $18.8 billion in the same period of FY26, a massive increase driven by the US market. Shipments to the US alone surged 200% year-on-year, absorbing nearly two-thirds of India’s total smartphone exports at around $10.8 billion during April-November 2025.
This growth crowns smartphones as India’s fastest-growing export category, leaping from rank 167 in 2015 to the top spot today. The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has fueled this boom by building strong local value chains, attracting giants like Apple and Samsung to ramp up production in India. Despite US tariff pressures, exports hit $5.7 billion more than last year, with the US taking the lion’s share.
Other markets are catching up too. Exports to the UAE rose 62%, while shipments to China exploded 565%. New destinations like Slovakia, Israel, and Vietnam are opening up, showing India’s widening global reach. In October 2025 alone, US-bound exports tripled to $1.47 billion from $0.46 billion the prior year.
This surge outpaces traditional exports like petroleum and diamonds, with smartphones becoming India’s export powerhouse. It signals deeper integration into global supply chains, boosting jobs and economic growth. As President Trump’s pro-manufacturing policies align with India’s strengths, experts predict even higher numbers in 2026.
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
1. What drove the 200% surge in smartphone exports to the US?
PLI incentives, local manufacturing by Apple and Samsung, and scale efficiencies helped India overcome tariffs and capture 44% of US imports.
2. How much did total smartphone exports grow in FY26 so far?
Exports rose from $9.07 billion (April-Nov FY24) to $18.8 billion (April-Nov FY26), up over 100% year-on-year.
3. Which other countries boosted India’s smartphone exports?
UAE (62% growth), China (565%), plus new markets like Slovakia and Vietnam showed strong gains beyond the US.
4. Why are smartphones now India’s top export growth engine?
They added $5.7 billion in exports, outpacing pharma and marine products, rising from rank 167 in 2015.