Boycott China’s products? Here’s what you need to know about smartphones and telecom

First Covid and then border tensions have given fresh impetus to popular calls for not buying Chinese brands. But making do without China’s products is not easy, as data from key sectors show.

Smartphone
Market size: Rs 2 lakh cr

Share of Chinese products: 72%

Possibility of substitution: Very difficult. Chinese brands dominate every price segment and are way ahead in R&D.

Telecom Equipment
Market size: Rs 12,000 cr

Share of Chinese products: 25%

Possibility of substitution: Doable, but costly. Telcos could see 10-15% rise in gear procurement costs and lose attractive vendor financing options if they opt for US and European suppliers.