Apple Flew Planeloads Of iPhones Into The US Ahead Of Tariffs

Despite the imposition of massive tariffs on most of the countries in Apple’s supply chain last week, many analysts believe the company will try to hold the line on iPhone pricing for as long as possible. While eating the cost of the tariffs is one way to do this, Apple has also been planning ahead to ensure that it won’t have to cut into its profits too much.

Last week, Morgan Stanley told investors that “Apple has pulled forward some iPhone builds” in anticipation of the tariffs. In plain language, that means it’s been stocking up its US warehouses and stores with iPhones. Inventory already in the US won’t be subject to tariffs, as these are paid at the time of import.

While the investor note didn’t provide any specifics, a new report from The Times of India has outlined just how much effort Apple is putting into ensuring that it will be able to sell iPhones in the US unencumbered by the cost increases of the new tariffs.

“Apple transported five planes full of iPhones and other products from India to the US in just three days during the final week of March,” a senior Indian official told The Times. Getting those iPhones stateside before the tariffs come into effect saves Apple the cost of the 26% tariff that took effect on imports from India on April 5.

Another source told The Times that this has also been happening from factories in China and “other key locations” before the tariffs kick in.