India’s smartphone exports hit record Rs 2 lakh crore, becomes country’s top export commodity

ICEA also pointed to evolving global trade dynamics, especially recent reciprocal tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, which could open new strategic export opportunities for Indian electronics in the U.S. market.

India’s mobile phone exports have soared to an unprecedented high, crossing the Rs 2,00,000 crore mark in the financial year 2024-25, according to data released by the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA). This marks a significant 55% surge from Rs 1,29,000 crore recorded in FY 2023-24.

In a landmark development, smartphones have emerged as India’s largest export commodity, overtaking traditional leaders such as petroleum products and diamonds. ICEA hailed this as a major achievement under the Government of India’s flagship Make in India initiative.

The exponential growth in exports is largely attributed to the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, which has played a transformative role in scaling up India’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem. The scheme has not only drawn substantial foreign investments but also enabled India to become a key player in global electronics value chains.

Leading the charge are global giants Apple and Samsung, which have significantly expanded their manufacturing operations in India over the past year. As a result, India’s overall mobile phone production reached an estimated Rs 5,25,000 crore in FY25, up from Rs 4,22,000 crore in the previous year.

“Crossing Rs 2 lakh crore in smartphone exports marks a strategic inflection point,” said ICEA Chairman Pankaj Mohindroo. “Smartphones becoming India’s top export commodity reflects the growing strength, maturity, and global integration of our electronics sector. The PLI scheme has been central to this transformation.”

Despite the success, ICEA highlighted ongoing challenges related to cost competitiveness, infrastructure, logistics, and tariffs. Addressing these “disabilities” remains a key focus to ensure India’s sustained growth in the sector.

“Our priority is to further deepen our scale, drive export-led growth, and create a robust component ecosystem to support long-term leadership in the global electronics value chain,” Mohindroo added.

ICEA also pointed to evolving global trade dynamics, especially recent reciprocal tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, which could open new strategic export opportunities for Indian electronics in the U.S. market.

“While shifts in global trade policies present new openings, India’s ambitions are global. Our aim is to be the preferred electronics manufacturing and supply partner across all major global markets,” Mohindroo said.

With this historic milestone, ICEA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting India’s target of achieving $500 billion in electronics manufacturing and exports by 2030, positioning the country as a global leader in electronics production and innovation.