[News] India Intends to Restrict Laptop Imports to Boost Local Manufacturing

---

---

According to a report from Reuters, India is set to impose restrictions on the import of laptops, tablets, and personal computers starting in January, aiming to boost domestic manufacturing.

If implemented, the new plan could significantly impact the PC industry, worth USD 8 billion to USD 10 billion. Given that the Indian IT hardware market is heavily dependent on imports, this new plan is likely to transform the manufacturing industry and the local market in India, as indicated by the report.

The report stated that the Indian government attempted to limit imports of laptops, tablets, and personal computers last year. However, these restrictions were lifted in response to backlash from companies and lobbying from the United States.

Currently, laptop importers can freely import products into the Indian market after automatic online registration. According to the report, sources indicated that India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is developing a new import authorization system that will require companies to obtain prior approval for their imports.

The report highlighted that two-thirds of India’s demand is satisfied through imports, with a substantial portion coming from China. On the other hand, India’s IT hardware market, including laptops, is estimated at nearly USD 20 billion, yet domestic production accounts for only USD 5 billion of that total.

According to the report, India has federal subsidies totaling approximately USD 2.01 billion to encourage domestic production. India’s IT hardware production incentive program has drawn interest from major PC manufacturers, including Acer, Dell, HP, and Lenovo. Last year, India’s electronics minister stated that most of the approved companies are prepared to begin local manufacturing.

(Photo credit: Lenovo)