U.S. smartphone shipments rose 30% in March, spurred by tariff concerns
Smartphone shipments to the U.S. jumped 30% in March as manufacturers Apple, Samsung, and Motorola rushed to import more devices ahead of steep tariffs, according to Counterpoint Research. Apple airlifted a record $2 billion worth of iPhones from India, using suppliers Foxconn and Tata Electronics, to meet the demand surge, Reuters reported last month.
Reuters:
The surge in shipments reflects companies’ efforts to sidestep hefty tariffs that could erode profits or dampen the demand for smartphones if the levies drove up prices.
Separately, the growing reliance on India and Vietnam highlights manufacturers’ strategic shift to diversify supply chains away from China to reduce geopolitical risks and capitalize on the emerging production hubs.
As Apple increased its production in India in March, shipments from the country rose significantly. The iPhone maker said most of its smartphones sold in the U.S. will originate from India in the June quarter.
President Donald Trump announced a series of tariffs on April 2, prompting companies such as Apple to adjust supply chains.
Apple’s sales to distributors and retailers rose 42% in March, while Samsung’s sell-in rose 4%.
MacDailyNews Note: India’s smartphone exports to the U.S. accounted for 26% of all first-quarter shipments, up from 16% a year ago, according to Counterpoint.
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