Apple, Samsung drive India’s mobile phone exports to ₹2 lakh crore in FY25: ICEA

India’s mobile phone exports grew by 55% year-on-year to ₹2 lakh crore in the fiscal year 2025, boosted by the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for handset manufacturing and driven by premium brands Apple and Samsung, according to the latest industry data released by the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) on Friday.

India recorded mobile phone exports of ₹1.29 lakh crore in the fiscal year that ended March 31, 2024, as per the data.

“In a historic first, smartphones have now become India’s single largest export commodity, with the category ranking first among India’s top export commodities signaling an unprecedented Make in India success,” the Delhi-based association said.

It said that the PLI scheme has attracted substantial global investments, enhancing India’s competitiveness, scale, and capability to integrate deeply into Global Value Chains (GVCs).

The export momentum is led by global companies such as Apple and Samsung, which have scaled their manufacturing operations significantly in India, ICEA said.

It noted that India’s mobile phone production is estimated to have reached ₹5.25 lakh crore in FY25, up significantly from ₹4.22 lakh crore in the previous fiscal year.

“Crossing ₹2,00,000 crore in smartphone exports marks a strategic shift in India’s role in global electronics manufacturing. Smartphones are now India’s largest export commodity. This reflects the growing strength and maturity of India’s electronics sector,” said Pankaj Mohindroo, chairman, ICEA.

He added that ICEA is working to address disabilities related to cost competitiveness, infrastructure, logistics, and tariffs.

“With mobile phone production now reaching a substantive scale of ₹5,25,000 crore per annum, this momentum will provide the thrust needed to build capacities and capabilities in the domestic component ecosystem,” he added.

The recent shifts in the global trade dynamics, particularly the reciprocal tariffs levied by the US President Donald Trump, have opened strategic opportunities for Indian electronics companies in the US market, Mohindroo said.

“While shifts in global trade policies, such as the reciprocal tariffs by the U.S., have created new opportunities, our aspirations are global. Our vision is to position India as the principal manufacturing partner and preferred supplier for all major global markets,” he added.