Govt should limit imports of finished tech products from China to boost local mfg: Unix India Co-Founder

Unix India, a leading player in the mobile accessories and electronics manufacturing sector, is at the forefront of driving innovation and supporting India's Make in India initiative.

Imran Kagalwala, Co-Founder, Unix India, in an exclusive interview with Bizz Buzz, emphasised the importance of reducing reliance on Chinese tech imports to further bolster domestic manufacturing. "The government should consider measures similar to those applied to toy imports, such as limiting imports of finished tech products from China," he said, underscoring the potential for such policies to strengthen local industries.

How PLI scheme has impacted consumer electronics manufacturing in India?

The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has made a big difference in consumer electronics manufacturing in India by promoting localization, R&D, and innovation. This initiative has not only boosted our domestic capabilities but has also attracted significant foreign investments. By encouraging local innovation and research, the scheme aligns with the vision of becoming truly "Atmanirbhar" (self-reliant).

The PLI scheme has increased production capacity and manufacturing activities, creating many job opportunities and contributing to GDP growth. The government's goal of achieving a $300 billion electronics manufacturing industry by 2025 is largely driven by the momentum provided by the PLI scheme, which remains a crucial factor in reaching this ambitious target

What could be the challenges in sourcing components or raw materials locally to support the Made in India initiative?

One significant challenge in sourcing components locally to support the Made in India initiative is the gap in skilled labour and advanced manufacturing technologies, which makes imported materials often more cost-effective. For instance, the productivity of one Chinese labourer can equal that of three Indian labourers, underscoring the skills gap in India. Despite advancements and government support easing some difficulties, India still faces challenges in producing critical components like semiconductors domestically. The country's dependency on imports, especially for components such as cells in power banks, neckbands, TWS, and mobile batteries, is further a key issue, as Chinese manufacturers lead in innovation and problem-solving.

Nevertheless, India is progressing towards greater self-reliance in electronics and durable goods. At Unix, we are actively contributing to this goal by localizing our sourcing and implementing backward integration to manufacture products in-house, aligning with the broader Made in India vision.

What is the consumers demand in the mobile accessories market especially in the power bank segment? How the company is inclined towards it?

Consumers are increasingly demanding power banks that combine sleek design with high performance and portability. They seek lightweight models, that deliver reliable power while offering a premium aesthetic. There's also a growing interest in fast-charging cables, chargers, and high-capacity power banks, especially in rural areas where power outages are frequent. To meet this demand, Unix India offers a 50,000 mAh power bank that supports fast charging and includes a built-in torch, making it particularly useful during power cuts.

At Unix, we are dedicated to staying ahead of these trends by continuously evolving our product offerings. Our latest power banks feature cutting-edge technology and contemporary design, catering to the tastes of tech-savvy consumers, particularly Gen Z and Millennials. This commitment ensures that our products are not only high-performance but also resonate with the lifestyle and preferences of today’s users.

What are the key manufacturing challenges in electronics manufacturing sector of India?

The electronics manufacturing sector in India faces several key challenges. Supply chain disruptions, often driven by geopolitical events, impact the timely delivery of products. The market's competitiveness requires Indian manufacturers to match both domestic and international quality and pricing standards. Rapid technological advancements also lead to shorter product lifecycles, demanding continuous innovation.

To address these challenges, Unix prioritizes R&D and technological innovation. By focusing on continuous improvement and staying abreast of industry trends, we effectively meet the demands of this dynamic sector and strive to excel despite the evolving obstacles.

What is the company’s product portfolio of offerings and expansion plans along with the key USPs of the products?

Our product portfolio features a diverse array of smartphone accessories, including wireless speakers, earbuds, headphones, smartwatches, chargers, data cables, neckbands, TWS (True Wireless Stereo) buds, and power banks. With over 600 SKUs distributed across more than 500 cities in India, our commitment to quality and innovation enhances the mobile experience for consumers. We are currently expanding our product range to include wall chargers with integrated wireless charging capabilities, as well as introducing solar-powered charging options for power banks and speakers. These innovations reflect our dedication to providing cutting-edge and sustainable mobile accessories.

Our key USPs includes advanced technology, ergonomic design, and reliable performance, catering to tech-savvy consumers. By focusing on local manufacturing and backward integration, we support the "Made in India" initiative, ensuring our products are both innovative and locally relevant.

India’s goal towards $300 billion electronics economy, what can be the roadmap?

India's roadmap to achieving a $300 billion electronics economy involves a multifaceted approach. Key strategies include expanding and modernizing manufacturing infrastructure to scale up production, and investing in advanced technologies and workforce skills to meet global standards and drive innovation. Building a comprehensive domestic supply chain, from raw material sourcing to final product delivery, is essential for creating a self-sufficient sector. Implementing anti-dumping duties will protect local manufacturers from unfair competition by curbing underpriced imports. Additionally, establishing efficient supply chain corridors and focusing on cost-effective, high-output production will enhance operational efficiency.

Boosting export opportunities and securing robust government support will further strengthen India's position in the global market, fostering innovation and developing a skilled labour force. Together, these efforts aim to solidify India’s role as a major player in the global electronics industry.

How do you think the Indian government’s initiatives like Digital India and Make in India will influence the tech industry’s growth?

Indian government initiatives such as Digital India and Make in India are poised to significantly boost the tech industry's growth. Digital India is enhancing digital infrastructure and connectivity, which accelerates technology adoption and increases demand for tech products. Concurrently, Make in India promotes local manufacturing and attracts foreign investment through policy reforms and incentives, driving innovation and expansion.

To further strengthen the impact of Make in India, the government should consider measures similar to those applied to toy imports, such as limiting imports of finished tech products from China. This approach could strengthen local manufacturing and reduce dependency on foreign products. Together, these initiatives will create a favourable environment for automation, advanced manufacturing, and a vibrant homegrown tech ecosystem.