Shivani Bhakoo
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, May 21
The US-China trade war has become a hot topic among exporters. For Americans, it has become difficult to import products from China by paying a huge 22 per cent import duty. In such a scenario, India feels that it is the right time to strike a chord to enter the US market.
Talking to The Tribune, SC Ralhan, former all-India president of the Federation of Indian Export Organisation (FIEO), said Chinese material was getting real expensive for American buyers because of change in trade policies between the two countries.
In the past six months, ever since the trade war started, a lot of buyers are coming to Indian markets, he added.
“The exports to the US have increased up to 15 per cent in the past six months. The Indian market is sending products, including hand-tools, automotive products, textile products, chemicals and fabricated items, to the US market. Secondly, like the exit polls show, if the Modi government comes again in India, the ease of doing business would be another factor in favour of the country and we will get many opportunities,” said Ralhan.
Mehul Kumar, a manufacturer himself and getting many orders (outsourcing) from the city, also said it was a good sign for India and the US market could be targeted in an intensive manner.
“We are getting many queries in which the US buyers are asking for jackets, T-shirts and sweaters. In case these click, we will be able to capture their vast market,” the manufacturer said.
FOPSIA president Badish Jindal said short-term gains were seen. “But as far as long-term gains are concerned, we can’t predict anything. The US may take any decision anytime, which may not be in favour of India. We can explore the US market but can’t completely rely on them alone. Every step should be taken with caution,” said Jindal.