India

India's manufacturing sector booms as MNCs shift focus from China

Synopsis

India's manufacturing sector is rapidly ascending, emerging as a favored destination for multinational corporations seeking to decentralize from China. The country's proactive governmental measures, including the influential "Make in India" initiative and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, have catalyzed this shift. With a burgeoning demand for light manufacturing and warehousing spaces, sectors like engineering, automotive, electronics, and white goods are experiencing exponential growth. India's allure lies in its vast and youthful population, burgeoning domestic market, improved infrastructure through initiatives like the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, and investor-friendly policies. The surge in foreign direct investment heralds a new era of confidence in India's manufacturing prowess, setting the stage for further expansion and global prominence.

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India is experiencing a rise in its manufacturing sector, becoming a prime destination for multinational corporations (MNCs) seeking to diversify their operations away from China. This strategic shift is driven by a confluence of factors, including the Indian government's proactive policies, rising production costs in China, and India's own economic strengths.

The Indian government's "Make in India" initiative, coupled with Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes designed to incentivize local manufacturing, has yielded significant results. The demand for light manufacturing and warehousing space has skyrocketed. Real estate consultancy JLL reports 4.5 times increase in leasing activity for light manufacturing spaces in 2023 compared to 2020. This growth trajectory is projected to continue, with an anticipated rise of over 25% in 2024. Light manufacturing encompasses production in sectors like engineering, auto & ancillary, electronics, and white goods.

Several factors make India an attractive proposition for MNCs. The country boasts a massive and young population exceeding 1.4 billion, translating into a robust domestic consumer market. Additionally, the government's focus on developing industrial corridors like the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) has significantly improved infrastructure. Initiatives like the National Logistics Policy have further streamlined logistics, reducing transportation costs and turnaround times. This, coupled with favorable policies like the Make in India scheme (launched in 2015) and the India Semiconductor Mission (established in 2020), creates a business-friendly environment for manufacturers.

India's growing importance in global manufacturing is reflected in the significant increase in foreign direct investment (FDI). JLL data reveals a staggering 55% jump in FDI during 2014-23, with India attracting a whopping USD 149 billion compared to USD 96 billion received between 2005-2014. This surge in investment signifies growing international confidence in the Indian manufacturing sector. Furthermore, companies like Yuzhan Technology, a Foxconn Group company that manufactures Apple products, recently leased a massive 550,000 sq. ft warehousing space in ESR's Chennai Industrial Park for 10 years. This signifies the growing interest from major international players looking to establish or expand their presence in India.

Rising costs of manufacturing in China, including land prices which can be up to two times higher compared to some Southeast Asian nations and India, wages, and material costs, have further accelerated the shift towards India. This trend is expected to continue, with India well-positioned to become a major manufacturing hub catering to the global market. With its large domestic market, skilled workforce exceeding 500 million, and government support through various initiatives, India offers a compelling alternative for MNCs seeking to diversify their manufacturing footprint.

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