India has announced the removal of import duties on key mobile phone components, a move aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled this decision in the annual budget, benefiting global firms like Apple and Xiaomi, aimed to boost local production. This according to news agency Reuters.
India’s rapid growth in electronics
Over the past six years, India's electronics production has more than doubled, reaching € 106 billion in 2024. The country now stands as the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer, trailing only China. Apple secured a 23% revenue share in India’s smartphone market in 2024, slightly ahead of Samsung’s 22%, according to Counterpoint Research. The removal of duties is expected to further support Apple’s local production efforts.
Key components impacted by duty removal
Previously taxed at 2.5%, components like printed circuit board assemblies, camera module parts, and USB cables will now be duty-free. This change is aimed at making India a more attractive destination for mobile phone assembly. This could potentially also impact the secondary mobile market.
Restrictions on refurbished phones remain
Despite the reforms, India maintains strict regulations on refurbished Apple iPhones and other smartphones. Officially renewed devices remain banned from import, while locally refurbished and used iPhones can still be sold within the country. India ranks as the third-largest global market for used and refurbished smartphones, following the U.S. and China. However, to become a refurbishment and repair hub, India may need to ease restrictions on used phone and components imports even more. We expect that this will happen in the course of 2025.
Market

Trade-in

Repair
