TECH

Apple is already reinforcing its stockpiles in the US to protect itself from tariffs

In a race against time to avoid the impact of the new tariffs imposed by the United States, Apple sent five cargo planes loaded with iPhones and other products from India to the US in just three days. The operation took place in the last week of March, shortly before the additional 10% tariff announced by the Donald Trump administration came into effect, which began to be applied on April 5.

Official sources confirmed to The Times of India that Apple accelerated this logistical process in order to avoid increases in the selling prices of its products. With warehouses now well stocked in the US, the company expects to maintain current prices, at least for the next few months.

According to sources close to the operation, Apple has no immediate plans to increase the prices of its products, either in the United States or in other international markets. The early shipment of large volumes of stock, from both India and China, allows for a financial “cushion” against the increased costs that will come with the new tariffs.

Although the end of March is traditionally a period of lower logistics activity, the North American technology company accelerated shipments of finished products from its manufacturing units, in a clear attempt to minimize the impact of the tax changes.

“Products that were shipped before the new tariffs were applied benefited from lower rates, which helps maintain price stability for some time,” explained a source involved in the operation. For now, Apple’s warehouses in the US are prepared to meet demand without having to resort, in the short term, to products subject to the new tariffs.

Although prices remain stable for now, sources indicate that any significant change in sales values ​​may not be limited to the North American market. “If there are increases, they will have to be applied globally, including important markets such as India,” said an official interviewed by the Times of India.

The company is currently reassessing its production and distribution models in light of the new tariff rules. India could become an even more central part of Apple’s global strategy, as products from China face much higher tariffs, as high as 54%, compared to the 26% applied to India.

Apple already accounts for the majority of India’s estimated $9 billion in smartphone exports to the United States.

The anticipation of the tariff hike has also prompted other Indian industries to accelerate shipments to the US. Exports of jewellery and precious stones, for example, increased six-fold between April 1 and April 4, compared to the same period last year, reaching $344 million. The textile sector also saw significant growth.

According to Ajay Sahai, director general of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations, there was growth in all sectors where air transport was viable. India’s total exports are estimated to have surpassed €800 billion in the fiscal year ending in March.

Despite this final rush, there are concerns that the early shipments could lead to a drop in trade volumes during the second quarter of the year. Official data for March is due to be released on April 15.

mundophone