India has removed import duties on select parts used to make smartphones and other electronic devices, giving companies like Apple and Xiaomi a fresh cost advantage as the country pushes deeper into electronics manufacturing.
Reuters reported that India scrapped the current 7.5% and 5% levies on several key components, including parts used in wireless charging modules for mobile phones, displays for medical devices and automobiles, and lithium-ion cells.
The exemption will remain valid until March 31, 2029, which gives manufacturers a longer window to plan investments, expand local production, and reduce dependence on imported finished products.
For Apple, the move comes at a useful time as the company continues to expand iPhone production in India and reduce its reliance on China for manufacturing.
Lower duties on important parts can help suppliers improve cost competitiveness, especially as India tries to attract more high-value smartphone and electronics production.
The move also supports India’s larger target of growing electronics manufacturing to $500 billion by fiscal year 2030.
India’s smartphone production has already grown sharply over the last decade, reaching 5.45 trillion rupees, or about $57 billion, in 2024/25.
At the same time, Apple’s India supply chain remains under attention after recent concerns involving Tata, including a reported data breach and scrutiny over alleged water contamination near an iPhone parts factory.
