Why Export to India?
The Indo-U.S. relationship is in the midst of a remarkable transformation. The two countries, politically and economically distant for much of the late twentieth century, now find their national interests converging on many points. The Indian market, and its one billion plus population, presents lucrative and diverse opportunities for U.S. exporters with the right products, services, and commitment. For calendar year 2007, U.S.-Indo two-way merchandise trade reached an all-time high of over $41 billion, with U.S. merchandise exports to India almost reaching $18 billion, up 75 percent over 2006.
Opportunities
India’s infrastructure, transportation, energy, environmental, health care, high-tech, and defense sector requirements for equipment and services will exceed tens of billions of dollars in the mid-term as the Indian economy globalizes and expands. India’s gross domestic product (GDP), currently growing at over 8 percent, makes it one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Construction of nearly everything from airports to container ports to teleports is setting the stage to remake India. India’s entrepreneurs and technologists have the dynamism and knowledge to make their country a global economic power. While high tariffs and poor infrastructure present the biggest obstacles to foreign investment and growth, India’s infrastructure requirements also present trade and investment opportunities for American companies.
Approaching the Indian Market
Key factors for doing business successfully in India include finding good partners who have knowledge of the local market and procedural issues; good planning; due diligence and follow-up; and perhaps most importantly, patience and commitment. U.S. companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, should consider approaching India’s market on a local level, as good localized information is a key to success in such a large and diverse country.
U.S. Commercial Service posts in India stand ready to provide the information and the contacts necessary to penetrate the Indian market.
Major Trade Destinations
