Indian Manufacturing Needs Product Sophistication | 23 May 2024

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, the Finance Minister stated that the Indian manufacturing sector should focus on developing more sophisticated products, and the government is ready to provide policy support to achieve this goal.

What is the Status of India’s Manufacturing Sector?

• The manufacturing sector contributes 17% of India's GDP and employs over 27.3 million workers, playing a significant role in the country's economy.
  • The Indian government aims to increase the manufacturing sector's contribution to 25% of the economy's output by 2025 (goal of Make in India).
• The increasing significance of manufacturing is driven by the strong performance of important sectors such as automotive, engineering, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and consumer durables.
• Manufacturing exports reached a record high of USD 447.46 billion in FY23, showing a 6.03% growth compared to the previous year (FY22) when exports were USD 422 billion.
• India's key industrial sectors (8 core industries) saw a slowdown in January 2024, experiencing their slowest growth in 15 months. Growth slipped to 3.6%, a significant decline from December 2023 (4.9%) and January 2023 (9.7%).
• The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) from April-October 2023 stood at 143.5, which signifies a growth of 43.5% compared to the base year (2011-12).
  • IIP is a composite indicator of the general level of industrial activity in the economy. It is calculated and published by the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) every month.
• Capacity utilisation for the manufacturing sector increased to 68.3% in Q2 (2021-22) from 60.0% in the previous quarter due to the easing of the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • Capacity utilization refers to the manufacturing and production capabilities that are being utilised by a nation or enterprise at any given time.
• Sectors like Drugs and Pharmaceuticals (+46%), Food Processing Industries (+26%), and Medical Appliances (+91%) witnessed increased FDI inflows.
• As per the Economic Survey 2021-22, in spite of Covid-related disruptions, there is a trend of positive overall growth of Gross Value Addition (GVA) in the manufacturing sector.
  • The total employment in this sector has increased from 57 million in the year 2017-18 to 62.4 million in the year 2019-20.

What are the Opportunities for Manufacturing Sector in India?

• Broad Domestic Market and Demand: The Indian manufacturing sector has seen strong demand for their goods from both domestic and external clients.
  • PMI in May 2024 (58.8), shows expansion in India's manufacturing sector.
• Sectoral Advantage: Key manufacturing sectors in India, such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, automotive, electronics, industrial machinery, and textiles, have experienced significant growth in recent years.
  • In India, pharmaceutical manufacturing costs are 30%–35% lower than US and Europe.
• Outreach to the Market of Global South: As per the UN, Indian manufacturing is shifting in Global Value Chains (GVC) from Europe to Asia. The share of foreign value-added (FVA) in India’s domestic final demand from Global Southern partners rose from 27% in 2005 to 45% in 2015.
  • This shift presents opportunities for Indian firms to establish their own GVCs and for India to become a regional growth pole.
• Rise of MSME: MSMEs currently contribute approximately 30% to GDP, playing a crucial role in driving economic growth and contributing nearly 45% of India's total exports.
• Robust demand: India's manufacturing products are experiencing rising demand, both domestically and internationally.
  • The manufacturing sector of India has the potential to reach USD 1 trillion by 2025.
• Competitive Advantage: Growth in India's manufacturing sector, driven by increased production capacity, cost advantages, supportive government policies, and private investment, is setting the stage for sustained economic growth in the coming years..

What are the Challenges to the Manufacturing Sector in India?

• Reliance on outdated technology and inadequate infrastructure hinders the ability of Indian manufacturers to compete globally and meet international quality standards.
• Shortage of Skilled Workforce: As per World Bank, only 24% of India's workforce possesses the skills required for complex manufacturing jobs incontrast to 52% in the US and 96% in South Korea.
• High Input Cost: As per RBI (2022) states that logistics costs in India are 14% higher compared to the global average which impacts the overall competitiveness of Indian manufacturing industry.
• Complex Regulatory Environment: It acts as deterrent for businesses looking to set up manufacturing units in India.
  • Land Acquisition is a complex process in India, NITI Aayog suggests Land Titling Act yet to pass by legislature.
• Competition from China and Import Dependence: In 2023-24, China accounted for almost 42% of India's textiles and clothing imports, 40% of machinery, and 38.4% of electronics imports.
  • As per WTO, China remains the world's leading manufacturer, accounting for nearly 30% of global manufacturing output in 2022.

Way Forward

• Need for Industry 4.0 in Indian Manufacturing: As per reports manufacturing sector could achieve a 25% share in GDP through Industry 4.0 technologies.
  • Indian manufacturers are increasingly embracing digital transformation by investing 35% of their operating budgets towards technology investment, which needs to be increased further.
• Investment in Infrastructure: Enhancing the standard and accessibility of infrastructure, and reduction in logistics may lead to increased investment and business interest in the manufacturing industry.
• Promoting Export-Oriented Manufacturing: Encouraging the development of export-oriented manufacturing could help Indian businesses tap into new markets and increase their competitiveness.
  • This could involve providing support for businesses looking to enter new markets or implementing policies that incentivise export-oriented manufacturing.
• Financial Assistance: Many MSMEs struggle to access credit for export-related activities. Enhancing SMEs' access to finance in the manufacturing sector can support their growth and development.
• Enabling Regulations: Simplifying and making regulations more efficient could lighten the load on businesses and promote increased investment in the manufacturing industry.
• More Emphasis on Skill Development: Increasing the availability of training and skill development programs could alleviate the shortage of skilled labour in the manufacturing industry and enhance its competitive edge.
  • Vietnam has transformed into a global manufacturing hub, due to its’ relatively large, well-educated and skilled labour force.