Traders say that the sale of popular Chinese imports like fire crackers, lighting items, plastic ware, toys and decorative items have plunged, leaving small traders and shopkeepers high and dry. Such items are widely used in the upcoming festival of Diwali for decorations and gifts.
China has always betrayed us. Buying Chinese products is like helping the enemy. Every nationalist Indian should boycott Chinese products
— Swami Ramdev (@yogrishiramdev) October 17, 2016
Traders feel that the entire campaign is a farce and is aimed at promoting goods manufactured by big Indian corporations. Dori Lal Sharma, a trader at one of the biggest electronic markets in Delhi commented on the seriousness of the situation.
“During festive season, you could hardly find space to roam around freely in old Lajpat Rai Market. But, this year there is sharp reduction in footfalls; all due to social media campaign against made in China products,” said Sharma.
Another trader in the same locality is fuming at the campaign.
“Shipments from China have already arrived. At this point, some activists are raising slogans on social media and circulating propaganda on messaging apps against Chinese products. Our sales have gone down by up to 60%. We have been forced to sell products at the lowest margin,” says Baldev Singh, a trader of electronic items.
Those of is boycotting Chinese goods should beware- Chinese are smart enough to put Made in India label on Chinese goods!
— MadhuPurnima Kishwar (@madhukishwar) October 16, 2016
In another nearby marketplace, shopkeepers selling Chinese items were seen waiting for their first customers at 12.30 pm, an unusual sight as during the festive season, customers start thronging such shops from as early as 9 am.
“If the government wants to ban Chinese products, they should have announced it much earlier. We are losing money on already shipped products. The festive mood of our family has been spoiled. The government should announce a year in advance if there was any intention to ban China made goods,” says another trader.
Nevertheless, some customers are equally eager to purchase the affordable Chinese variants of the otherwise expensive lamps and lights for Diwali.
Surabhi, a 27-year-old professional, says, “This campaign is not sustainable and is harmful in the longer term. We do not have options to choose India made products. If Indian companies provide us with good products at cheaper rates, we will buy but you can see no such products are available in the market.”
I have been receiving lot of messages not to buy Chinese goods.
— Dr Shobha (@DrShobha) October 13, 2016
But so far I haven't received a single message
' Don't eat Chinese food'
🤔
