In recent decades, the economic relationship between China and India has been marked by a significant exchange of goods. From electronics to consumer goods, Chinese products have found a prominent place in the Indian market due to their affordability and diverse range. This article aims to provide an overview of the extensive list of Chinese products available in India across various sectors.
Trade Between India and China
Trade between India and China has historically seen India importing more than it exports. In April 2022, India faced a trade deficit of -8.37 Billion USD, which improved slightly to -1.38 Billion USD in April 2023 but still remained a deficit. This imbalance is fueled by India’s reliance on Chinese imports to meet domestic demand across various sectors. Major imports from China to India include electronics, machinery, chemicals, and plastics, while India primarily exports raw materials like iron ore, fuels, and organic chemicals to China. Particularly, India’s pharmaceutical industry heavily depends on Chinese imports for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
India’s Import from China
Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, the import landscape from China to India offers abundant opportunities for small business owners. Here, we’ll explore the top 8 Chinese products that continue to be in high demand in the Indian market:
- Electronics & Telecommunication: Cutting-edge gadgets like smartphones and LED TVs are imported.
- Machinery, nuclear reactors, boilers: From generators to industrial machinery, China supplies a wide range of equipment.
- Organic Chemicals: Pharmaceuticals and chemicals for diverse industries are sourced from China.
- Plastics: China provides plastic products and packaging materials.
- Fertilizers: Agricultural fertilizers and soil-enhancing chemicals come from China.
- Optical, photo, technical, and medical apparatus: Cameras, medical equipment, and optical instruments are imported.
- Iron & Steel: Various iron and steel products, from bars to pipes, are sourced from China.
- Vehicles (excluding railway or tramway): Automobile components and electric vehicles are among the imports.
India’s Export to China
India and China share a complex trade relationship, with both countries being significant players in the global market. While China is known for its manufacturing prowess and exports, India also contributes to this economic exchange by exporting various products to China. Below is the list of the products exported to China from India:
- Cotton yarn
- Organic synthetic substances
- Iron metal
- Mineral powers
- Fish
- Gems and Jewellery
- Plastic things
- Iron and steel
- Salts
- Electrical apparatus
Value of Chinese Products Imported to India
The table given below shows the value of Chinese products imported to India:
| Products | Value ($USD) |
| Electrical, Electronic Equipment | 30.63 billion |
| Machinery, nuclear reactors, boilers | 21.72 billion |
| Organic chemicals | 13.55 billion |
| Plastics | 5.44 billion |
| Fertilizers | 2.34 billion |
| Optical, photo, technical, medical apparatus | 2.21 billion |
| Iron and Steel | 1.98 billion |
| Articles of Iron or Steel | 1.89 billion |
| Vehicles other than railway, tramway | 1.80 billion |
| Miscellaneous chemical products | 1.71 billion |
| Aluminum | 1.37 billion |
| Inorganic chemicals, precious metal compound, isotope | 1.23 billion |
| Manmade filaments | 1.16 billion |
| Mineral fuels, oils, distillation products | 1.07 billion |
List of Products Imported from China to India
As global trade dynamics evolve, China remains a significant player in supplying goods to India, catering to various sectors and industries. Examining the trends and data from 2022 provides insights into the top Chinese products imported to India, offering valuable opportunities for small business owners in 2024 and beyond. Let’s delve into these key product categories:
- 1. Electrical and Electronics Equipment: India’s reliance on China for electronic goods is evident, with imports totaling $30.63 billion in 2022. From electronic integrated circuits to televisions and transmission apparatus, Chinese electronics dominate the Indian market, constituting approximately 90% of certain mobile phone components.
- 2. Machinery: Machinery imports from China witnessed a substantial increase, reaching $21.72 billion in 2022. This category includes automatic data processing machines, air compressors, and various equipment vital for industries like manufacturing and infrastructure development.
- Organic Chemicals: With a value of $13.55 billion in 2022, organic chemicals play a crucial role in India’s pharmaceutical industry. These chemicals, including antibiotics and nucleic acids, are essential for drug manufacturing, reflecting India’s position as a global pharmaceutical hub.
- 4. Plastics: Chinese plastic imports to India amounted to $5.44 billion in 2022, making it a significant category. From toys to household items, Chinese plastics offer a diverse range of products, capturing a considerable market share in India.
- 5. Fertilizers: India’s agricultural sector relies on Chinese fertilizers, with imports valued at $2.34 billion in 2022. These fertilizers, such as diammonium phosphate and urea, are crucial for enhancing crop yields and supporting agricultural productivity.
- 6. Optical, Photo, Technical, and Medical Apparatus: Valued at $2.21 billion in 2022, imports in this category include medical devices and technical apparatus. With India importing around 80% of its medical devices, China remains a significant supplier, meeting the country’s healthcare needs.
- 7. Iron & Steel: In 2022, India imported iron and steel worth $1.98 billion from China. These imports cater to diverse industries, including automotive and engineering, highlighting the importance of Chinese steel products in India’s manufacturing sector.
- 8. Vehicle Parts and Vehicles: Auto components and vehicles imported from China totaled $1.80 billion in 2022. From engines to lighting components, Chinese auto parts are integral to the Indian automotive industry’s supply chain, witnessing significant growth year-on-year.
Chinese Companies in India
Chinese companies have established multiple manufacturing units in India due to the country’s significant consumer demand for various products. With India being a leading market for consumer goods, Chinese companies have recognized the opportunity and set up operations in the country. Currently, there are approximately 20 mobile companies and around 80 other companies dealing with a wide range of services and gadgets operating in India.
Here is the list of Chinese companies in India:
- Lenovo: Known for PCs, mobiles, tablets, and accessories, with manufacturing units in Andhra Pradesh, Noida, and Tripura.
- Xiaomi: Offers budget-friendly appliances, including mobiles and laptops, with a significant market share in India.
- Oppo: Mobile communication company with a manufacturing unit in Greater Noida, known for its smartphones and accessories.
- Vivo: Ranks 3rd in smartphone sales in India, with plans to generate over 50,000 jobs in the country.
- Realme: Specializes in smartphones and gadgets, including earphones and smart TVs, with a production facility in Noida.
- Oneplus: Known for premium 5G smartphones, assembled at Oppo’s factory in Noida.
- TCL: Deals in home theatres, televisions, smartphones, and air treatment devices, with factories in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.
- WISCO (Wuhan Iron and Steel Corporation): Manufacturer of construction materials, including bronze.
- Haier: Specializes in cooling/heating appliances, ACs, water purifiers, and refrigerators, with industrial parks in Pune and Greater Noida.
- Huawei: Known for smartphones, TVs, and speakers, with manufacturing of smartphones in India since 2016.
How to Check whether a Product is made in China or not?
To determine if a product is made in China, check its barcode for the first three digits: 690, 691, or 692. These codes, assigned by the International Standards Organization (ISO), indicate Chinese origin. While barcodes provide insight, consider other labeling and online resources for verification. It’s important to note that barcodes may not always be the sole indicator of a product’s origin, so use multiple factors for informed decisions.
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