India considers curbing fridge imports to boost local industry

Jun 10, 2022

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NEW DELHI: India is contemplating proscribing imports of fridges to advertise native manufacturing, two trade sources informed Reuters on Thursday, probably freezing out shipments from Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics within the $5 billion market.
The sources, who declined to be named because the talks have been non-public, stated the federal government was contemplating mandating that importers search a licence from the authorities, changing the present free-import regime.
That may very well be adopted by a ban on imports of fridges with refrigerant already added, to create alternatives for value-added operations in India, stated one of many sources, who has direct data of the federal government’s discussions.
The supply stated a choice may come inside a month, including: “The thrust is to assist all those that are manufacturing in India somewhat than these bringing them into India.”
The commerce ministry didn’t instantly reply to requests for remark. Spokespeople for Samsung and LG additionally didn’t reply instantly.
A licensing regime, the opposite supply stated, would increase the compliance burden and danger delaying imports.
The federal government estimates India’s fridge market at greater than $5 billion, with international firms resembling Samsung and LG competing with home majors together with the Tata conglomerate’s Voltas.
The primary supply stated India’s annual fridge-making capability was round 24 million models however demand was just some 15 million, part of which is met by imports.
The federal government doesn’t launch figures for fridge imports, though the second supply stated firms resembling Samsung and LG import hundreds of high-end fridges yearly.
A 3rd trade supply stated gross sales of huge, high-end fridges, lots of that are imported, have been rising quickly, particularly throughout the Covid-19 pandemic as individuals stayed indoors. These imports account for roughly 5-6% of whole India gross sales.
The transfer is according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” programme to spice up native manufacturing and discourage imports.
India in 2020 banned the import of air conditioners with refrigerant already added. That very same 12 months it additionally positioned restrictions on tv imports, affecting Samsung and different international producers.
India imports fridges from international locations with which it holds a free commerce settlement, together with Bangladesh, Thailand, Indonesia and South Korea.
Native producers that might stand to learn from import restrictions embrace Voltas, Godrej Home equipment and Havells India.



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