This Diwali you are more likely to get a made-in-China gift rather than a made-in-India one.
A quick survey by Assocham-Social Development Foundation (ASDF) shows that demand for Chinese products as Diwali gifts has risen this festive season, almost up by 45%.
The survey reveals that the demand of fancy lights, lampshades, Ganesha and Lakshmi idols, rangolis to crackers and other such various items are increased by over 45% compared to last year. The market is surging with Chinese products and consumers seem to be making a beeline to buy these cheaper alternatives, adds the survey.
D S Rawat, secretary general, Assocham said, "Local artisans are facing stiff competition to sell their products, seem to be worst-hit."
Over 78% of the customers said that Chinese lights are almost 50% cheaper compared to India made lights. Nearly 72% of the traders said that demand for the earthen diyas dipping year after year and shifting towards fancy and designer diyas for this Diwali to attract maximum buyers.
Riding on the same features of variety and affordability, Chinese crackers are also finding more and more takers this Diwali season. Nearly 82% of wholesalers of crackers said that Chinese crackers are more colourful, produce more sound and have a lot of variety and they are cheap too and score over their Indian counterparts.
Rawat further said that "Chinese fireworks are entering India illegally through Nepal and are making a dent into the domestic market of Rs 1,800 crore. The Chinese fireworks worth around Rs 250 crore are currently available in the Indian market." He also said that the Indian fireworks industry employs around 250,000 people and provides an additional 500,000 indirect jobs.
