
Phone Exports Cross ₹2 Lakh Crore in FY25 Led by iPhones: Vaishnaw
The Indian smartphone export sector has achieved a remarkable milestone, crossing the ₹2 lakh crore mark in FY25. This unprecedented growth is largely attributed to the iPhone shipments, which contributed a significant ₹1.5 lakh crore to the total exports. According to Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, smartphone exports have witnessed a staggering 54% growth year-on-year (YoY). This phenomenal growth is not limited to smartphones alone, as electronics exports in India have increased more than six times in the last decade.
Vaishnaw’s statement comes as a testament to the country’s growing electronics manufacturing capabilities. In a recent development, it was revealed that India has over 400 production units for electronics manufacturing, a significant jump from the past decade. This surge in production units has not only created a large number of job opportunities but has also enabled India to emerge as a major player in the global electronics export market.
So, what’s behind this remarkable growth in smartphone exports? One of the primary factors is the government’s initiatives to boost the electronics manufacturing sector. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Department of Electronics and IT (DeitY) have been working together to create a conducive environment for electronics manufacturing in the country. The government has implemented various policies and schemes to encourage foreign investments, reduce bureaucracy, and provide subsidies to local manufacturers.
Another key factor contributing to the growth of smartphone exports is the rise of mobile manufacturing in India. Over the past few years, several leading smartphone brands, including Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi, have set up their manufacturing facilities in the country. This has led to a significant increase in the production of smartphones, which in turn has boosted exports. India has become a preferred destination for mobile phone manufacturers due to its large workforce, favorable business environment, and competitive labor costs.
The growth of smartphone exports is not limited to a single region or city. Multiple states, including Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh, have emerged as major hubs for mobile phone manufacturing. The Andhra Pradesh government has been particularly aggressive in attracting foreign investments, offering a range of incentives, including tax breaks, subsidies, and land at competitive rates.
The iPhone’s significant contribution to India’s smartphone exports is not surprising. Apple has been one of the most popular smartphone brands in India, with a strong presence in the market. The company has been focusing on expanding its manufacturing capabilities in the country, setting up a series of manufacturing units to cater to the domestic market. Apple’s focus on manufacturing in India has not only created jobs but has also helped the company to reduce its dependence on imports.
The growth of smartphone exports has also had a positive impact on the Indian economy. The sector has created a large number of jobs, both directly and indirectly, contributing to the country’s employment numbers. The sector has also generated significant revenue for the government, which has been used to fund various development projects and initiatives.
In conclusion, the crossing of the ₹2 lakh crore mark in smartphone exports is a significant milestone for India’s electronics manufacturing sector. The growth is largely attributed to the iPhone shipments, which have made up about 75% of the country’s record-breaking smartphone exports. The sector’s growth is a testament to the government’s initiatives to boost electronics manufacturing, the rise of mobile manufacturing in India, and the country’s emergence as a preferred destination for foreign investments. As the sector continues to grow, it’s likely to have a positive impact on the Indian economy, creating jobs and generating revenue for the government.