India’s import and export trade policies affect the buying process for both consumers and businesses. The government has taken steps to make buying goods from other countries easier, such as through trade agreements and tariff reductions. For example, India has signed free trade agreements (FTAs) with countries like Japan, South Korea, and the ASEAN nations, which help reduce costs for businesses importing goods from these regions (Singh, 2023). These agreements make it easier for companies to access raw materials and products, often at lower prices, which can lead to cheaper options for consumers. On the other hand, India has also imposed tariffs and restrictions on certain imports to protect local industries. For example, there are high tariffs on goods like textiles and agricultural products to encourage domestic production (Ministry of Commerce and Industry, 2024). This can make imported goods more expensive and less competitive compared to locally made products. However, the government also offers incentives for exports, such as tax rebates, which help Indian businesses sell more products abroad, improving the balance of trade and creating more opportunities for domestic buyers to access foreign goods.
The buying experience in India has also been influenced by growing e-commerce. With online shopping becoming increasingly popular, consumers are buying more imported products from international websites like Amazon and Alibaba. The ease of buying directly from these platforms has helped Indian consumers access global products without the need for intermediaries (Gupta, 2024). However, buying goods from international markets still faces challenges such as customs duties and longer delivery times, which can add extra costs to the final price of imported goods. Despite these hurdles, India’s growing focus on trade liberalization and digital commerce is improving access to a wider range of products for consumers. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF, 2023), online retail is growing rapidly, and the rise of digital payment methods is making it easier for consumers to purchase goods from abroad. Additionally, a report by the World Bank (2023) highlights how India’s digital economy is helping connect consumers to global markets more efficiently, despite logistical challenges like delivery delays and tariffs.
