58% Of Indians Stopped Buying ‘Make In China’ Products In 2022

NEW DELHI, (IANS) – About 58 percent of Indians have reduced their ‘Make in China’ purchases due to the current geopolitical situation, while 26 percent said Indian alternatives are better in price and quality when it comes to fashion, apparel, vehicle accessories, and appliance categories, showed a new survey.

About 59 percent of Indians surveyed said they have no Chinese app on their phone, while 29 percent still have one or more, according to data compiled by social community engagement platform Local Circles.

The survey received more than 40,000 responses from consumers in 319 districts.

Accordingly, 28 percent found “Indian alternative was better in price-quality combination as well as customer service, 11 percent opted for better quality Indian products, 8 percent preferred an alternative foreign product due to a combination of factors including better price, quality and customer service”.

In addition, 8 percent said that their choice was determined by the fact that they “did not find many Made in China products in the markets, stores or online”.

About 35 percent shared gadgets and electronic goods and accessories as the top category of Chinese products they purchased in the past 12 months, followed by 14 percent who listed festive celebration items such as lighting, lamps, etc.

With health concerns about the quality of paint and other materials used, Chinese toys and stationery were purchased by only 5 percent, as well as Chinese gifts found favor with only 5 percent of respondents and their families.

In contrast to 11 percent who admitted to buying Chinese fashion products in 2021, the 2022 survey found that only 3 percent bought ‘Made in China’ bags, clothes, accessories, etc.

The survey came as the trade deficit between India and China widens.

It touched $51.5 billion during April-October so far this fiscal against $73.31 billion during the 2021-22 financial year and 44.03 billion in 2020-21, according to the data provided by Piyush Goyal, minister of commerce and industry in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.

“In summary, the current geo-political comparison between the two countries – the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020 and the face-off a few days ago along the ‘LoC’ in Arunachal Pradesh – is likely to lead to more Indians staying away from ‘ Made in China products,’ the survey reads.