Demand for Chinese goods declines 45%, say traders

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 25

The social media campaign against Chinese goods has resulted in decline in sale of goods this festive season. As per an estimate of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) based on inputs received from 20 distribution cities of various states, there is around 45% decline in demand by retailers this year.

On the other hand, after an exile of almost 10 years, traditional earthen and clay items expect a modest sale this Diwali. Traders are of the view that the mood of the consumers can be gauged from tomorrow when they are expected to begin shopping for Diwali.

CAIT secretary general Praveen Khandelwal said in the wake of intensity of social media campaign resulting into a strong patriotic voice, retailers were refraining from keeping more stocks of Chinese products and it had led to a decline of around 45% in demand of Chinese goods as compared to last year.

The sale of Chinese products, including crackers, electric bulbs, kitchen appliances, toys, gift items, electric fittings and electronic consumables, home decoration items, gift articles and pictures of idols etc, will suffer due to the decline in demand.

The campaign has given a new lease of life to traditional potters who have developed large number of innovative earthen products in the hope of getting good share in market as a replacement of Chinese lighting, bulbs and decorative products.

He said the boycott campaign would largely affect Indian traders and importers since the Chinese goods have already been imported almost 2-3 months ago. He said if the campaign continues with the same sentiments, China will suffer huge trade loss during the forthcoming Christmas and New Year shopping festivals.