Abrar Mattoo
SRINAGAR, Dec 19: According to a recent poll, Indians have begun putting the “Boycott China” movement into practice both offline as well as on social media. Tensions between India and China have increased as a result of clashes in the Arunachal Pradesh region of Tawang.
A social engagement community platform called “Local Circles” launched a survey to “understand the pulse of the locals regarding Chinese products and services including use of Chinese applications” after the Tawang skirmishes at LAC.
According to Local Circles, the poll received responses from more than 40,000 consumers in 319 Indian districts. Women made up 37% of responders, while men made up 63%.
In response, 58% of those surveyed claimed they bought “Made in India products because of India-China geopolitical developments.”
The survey also recorded 28% saying that “the Indian alternative was better in price-quality combination as well as, customer service, while 11% chose better quality Indian products, and 8% preferred an alternative foreign product because it had a better price, quality, and customer service.
Additionally, 8% of respondents claimed that their choice was influenced by the dearth of Made in China goods in markets, shops, or online.
Additionally, only 3% of Indians purchased Chinese fashion items. Compared to 11% in 2021, only 3% of respondents to a Local Circles study in 2022 acknowledged buying bags, apparel, accessories, etc. that were Made in China.
None of the respondents —7% less this time— in the vehicle accessories category acknowledged having bought any Chinese-made car accessories so far this year.
Due to concerns about the quality of the paints and other materials used, just 5% of respondents and their families purchased Chinese toys and stationery, and only 5% favored Chinese gift items. However, 11% of respondents claimed they purchased other Chinese goods.
Pertinently, the bulk of respondents (35%) still preferred made-in-China appliances, electronics, and accessories as their top category, which was followed by 14% who mentioned festive celebration items like lighting, lamps, etc., as their preferred choice. 8% more had shopped for electronic items and 8% more had purchased made-in-China furniture.
