India has started exporting electronic components used in Apple products to China and Vietnam. This move marks a significant turnaround from India’s traditional role as an importer. The parts which include mechanical components and enclosures for devices such as MacBooks, AirPods, Watches, Pencils and iPhones, support Apple’s efforts to diversify its global supply chain. This development reinforces India’s emerging position in the electronics manufacturing sector. The shift is expected to boost local production capabilities further.
Key Indian suppliers including Motherson Group, Jabil, Aequs and Tata Electronics are manufacturing these components domestically. The produced parts are then shipped to assembly locations in China and Vietnam for final product assembly. India has historically relied on imports of similar components from these nations for over twenty years. This change represents a focused effort to build a strong local ecosystem and enhance domestic value addition in the electronics sector.
Industry experts view this export development as a milestone for India’s electronics sector. The Indian government is expected to introduce a production-linked incentive scheme exceeding $3 billion to support local manufacturing. Analysts predict that component exports could reach between $35 and $40 billion by 2030. These measures reflect a strong commitment to improving domestic production and reducing reliance on imported components. Apple’s strategy includes expanding its supplier network and encouraging partners to establish local facilities.
Apple currently assembles only iPhones in India while other components are exported for final assembly abroad. The export initiative covers parts used in MacBooks, AirPods, Watches and Pencils. Local manufacturing efforts have expanded with Jabil company’s facility in Pune and Aequs company’s facility in Karnataka producing essential mechanics. This progress strengthens India’s role as a manufacturing hub in the global supply chain. The development underscores a clear shift towards increased domestic production and international component trade.
