06:48 AM EDT, 04/10/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Apple ( AAPL ) recently flew around 600 tonnes of iPhones, estimated to be around 1.5 million units, from India to the US to avoid the steep tariffs, Reuters reported Thursday, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter.

The move came as the tech company accelerated manufacturing in India to get ahead of a 125% tariff on Chinese-made devices, which is far higher than the 26% rate applied to Indian exports, now paused for 90 days, Reuters said.

To speed up the process, Apple ( AAPL ) reportedly coordinated with Indian airport authorities to cut customs processing time at Chennai airport from 30 hours to just six.

Six chartered flights, each capable of hauling 100 tonnes, have departed from India since March, with one leaving this week as the new tariffs went into effect, the news outlet reported.

Apple ( AAPL ) did not immediately respond to MT Newswires' request for comment.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)