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According to Reuters, Walmart is purchasing more goods from India and reducing its reliance on China to lower costs and diversify its supply chain. Walmart, the world's largest retailer, is increasingly turning to India as a source of imported goods. This move reflects India's growing prominence as a manufacturing hub and its potential to offer cost-competitive alternatives to traditional sourcing destinations like China.
US corporations import more from nations such as India, Thailand, and Vietnam
According to bill of lading numbers given with Reuters by data provider Import Yeti, the world's largest retailer transported one-quarter of its US imports from India between January and August. This compares to only 2% in 2018. According to the same data, only 60% of its shipments came from China over the same period, down from 80% in 2018. To be sure, China remains Walmart's largest importing country. The trend demonstrates how rising import costs from China and escalating political tensions between Washington and Beijing are prompting significant US corporations to import more from nations such as India, Thailand, and Vietnam.
India has emerged as a critical component of Walmart's manufacturing capacity expansion
Since 2018, it has acquired a 77% share in Indian e-commerce firm Flipkart, and Walmart has been boosting its operations in India. It promised two years later to import $10 billion in commodities from India each year by 2027. Albright stated that the company is still on schedule to meet that goal. It presently imports over $3 billion in commodities from India each year.
India, whose stock market has reached new highs this year, is often seen as best positioned to compete with China in low-cost, large-scale manufacturing. In 2002, Walmart established its sourcing operations in Bangalore. Now, the business employs over 100,000 people nationwide, including temporary workers, across numerous offices under its Walmart Global Tech India unit, Flipkart Group, PhonePe, and sourcing activities. Amazon's rival Walmart announced its plans to export $20 billion in items from India by 2025.
Impact of Walmart India Focus
Walmart's increased focus on India is expected to have a positive impact on the country's economy:
Job Creation: Walmart's sourcing efforts will likely generate employment opportunities in India's manufacturing and logistics sectors. This will boost local economies and contribute to poverty reduction efforts.
Infrastructure Development: Walmart's presence is expected to incentivize investments in infrastructure development, such as transportation networks and industrial parks. These improvements will facilitate smoother trade and logistics operations, benefiting Walmart and other businesses.
Technological Advancement: Collaborations with Walmart could expose Indian manufacturers to advanced technologies and manufacturing practices. This will enhance their productivity, competitiveness, and ability to cater to global markets.
Conclusion
Walmart's strategic pivot to India as a significant sourcing destination underscores the country's expanding manufacturing prowess, cost competitiveness, and capacity to contribute to Walmart's global supply chain resilience. This decision will result in good economic benefits for India, such as job creation, infrastructural development, and technological improvement. As Walmart deepens its commitment to India, the country is positioned to play a growing role in influencing the global retail scene.