India has imposed strict restrictions on the import of computers, tablets and laptops into the country in order to encourage local manufacturing, CNN reports.
The Narendra Modi government’s move surprised businesses and observers.
Details: Importers will now have to apply for a special license to bring electronics into India.
Until now, there were no restrictions on computers, laptops and tablets.
However, the measure is similar to the one that was implemented in 2020 regarding smart TVs.
Context: India has long been developing its own technology sector, but it has been overshadowed by huge imports, mostly from China and Taiwan. Nearly 20 billion dollars worth of electronics entered the country in the last quarter, and the trend is on the rise.
An additional factor is the complicated relationship between Delhi and Beijing. The two countries have border disputes and compete for influence both in the region and beyond. That is why anti-Chinese protests and boycotts are not uncommon in India.
As CNN notes, the timing is also important because more and more Western companies are trying to diversify their production and supply and are therefore looking outside of China.
What’s next: India is a big enough market with enough manpower and know-how built up over the years that most major manufacturers can simply go along with Modi’s policies and his Make in India campaign.
Apple already makes between 5% and 7% of its products in the country. The American chip manufacturer Micron will invest 825 million dollars in the country and will open up to 5,000 new jobs in the coming years. Foxconn also plans to expand its local production.
2023-08-04 12:00:04
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