So far, it has been mainly laptop and component suppliers who have spoken about customers’ desire to import more electronic devices to the US before higher duties are introduced. As it turns out, Apple also saw fit to send five full planeloads of its locally manufactured products from India to the US at the end of March. Products were also hastily exported from China, but the volumes of deliveries there are not specified.
Image Source: Apple
In just three days at the end of March, five full cargo planes with iPhones and other Apple devices assembled in India were sent to the United States, The Times of India reported, citing local officials. New import duties on electronics were supposed to come into effect in the United States on April 5, which initially rose to 10% on the Indian market and will rise to 36% on the 9th. At the same time, Apple has no plans to raise the price of its products in India, as in most other countries.
The required batch of products was hastily formed at the end of March, and not only Indian but also Chinese Apple contractors took part in its formation. The increased stock of products in the US will allow the company to maintain the current price level for its products on the local market for some time. The existing quantity of finished products from Apple will be enough for several months.
At the same time, after these reserves are depleted, experts believe that Apple will be forced to raise prices for its products not only in the US, but also in most major regions where they are sold through official channels. India is also expected to share this fate. The US forms the bulk of smartphone exports from India, which in monetary terms reaches $9 billion per year. Since Chinese-made iPhones will be taxed at a rate of 54% in the US, India with its 36% will become a more attractive channel for supplying these devices to the US.