What Does India Import from China? Most Profitable Items and Trade Data

When you look around a modern Indian home, office, or factory, it's likely you will find products or components that originated from China. From the smartphones we use to the machinery that powers our industries, Chinese imports have become a deeply integrated part of India's economy.

The question is, "what does India import from China?" beyond just consumer goods? The answer is a complex mix of raw materials, essential components, and high-tech finished goods that fuel India's own manufacturing and consumption. Understanding this trade relationship is key for anyone in business, whether you're a budding entrepreneur looking for the most profitable items to import from China to India or an analyst tracking economic trends.

This article will provide a comprehensive overview of India’s import basket from China, backed by recent trade data, and offer insights into identifying profitable items for your business.

India-China Trade at a Glance: How Much India Imports from China

The trade relationship between India and China has grown significantly over the years, though it has been characterized by a large trade deficit. For the fiscal year 2024-25, India's imports from China reached a staggering $113.5 billion, leading to a trade deficit of over $99 billion.

This data, while highlighting a significant trade imbalance, also underscores the immense scale of goods flowing from China into the Indian market. The sheer volume and variety of these imports show that China remains a critical source for a wide range of products, from industrial goods to consumer-ready items.

India-China Trade Stats

• Total Imports from China (FY 2024-25): $113.5 billion
• India’s Exports to China: $14.25 billion
• Trade Deficit: $99.2 billion (China accounts for 35% of India’s total trade gap)
• Growth Trends: Imports grew 13%, despite efforts to localize manufacturing. Monthly import volume from China averages over $9.7 billion.

Latest Trade Data Between India and China

Electronics and pharma products remain top imports. Electronics accounted for over $21.4 billion in Q1 2025. Machinery, chemicals, plastics, and consumer goods are large contributors.

Top Product Categories India Imports from China

India's import basket from China is dominated by a few major categories that are essential to its industrial and technological growth. The top categories, by value, include:

1. Electrical and Electronic Equipment

This is, by far, the largest category of imports. It includes a vast array of products that are indispensable to modern life and industry.

• Mobile Phones and Components: India's smartphone assembly plants rely heavily on imported parts from China.
• Laptops and Computer Hardware: Components like integrated circuits, memory modules, and display panels are sourced from China.
• Telecommunication Equipment: Telecom instruments, networking equipment, and related accessories are major imports that support India's digital infrastructure.

2. Machinery, Nuclear Reactors, and Boilers

This category represents the backbone of India's manufacturing sector. Chinese machinery is valued for its affordability and wide availability, enabling Indian businesses to scale operations without a massive capital investment.

• Industrial Machinery: This includes machinery for textiles, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and other key industries.
• Automated Data Processing Machines: A broad category that includes everything from industrial automation equipment to commercial-grade computing devices.

3. Organic Chemicals

The Indian pharmaceutical and chemical industries are heavily dependent on organic chemicals and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) from China. This is a critical import for manufacturing life-saving drugs and other chemical-based products.

4. Plastics and Plastic Articles

From raw materials like polymers to finished plastic goods like foils, sheets, and consumer items, plastics form a significant portion of imports. China's large-scale production offers cost advantages that are difficult to match.

5. Medical and Optical Apparatus

The Indian healthcare sector relies on a steady supply of medical equipment, surgical tools, and diagnostic devices from China, often due to their competitive pricing.

Most Profitable Items to Import from China to India for Businesses

While the large-scale categories above are dominated by major industries, there is immense potential for small and medium-sized businesses to find highly profitable niche products. When considering how to import products from China to India with a focus on profitability, look for items that have:

• High Market Demand: Products with a large and growing consumer base in India.
• Low Per-Unit Cost: Items that can be sourced at a low price, offering a high-profit margin when sold in India.
• Ease of Shipping: Lightweight and non-fragile items that are easier and cheaper to transport.

Here are some of the most lucrative product categories for small-scale importers:

1. Consumer Electronics and Accessories

This is a constantly evolving market. While major brands dominate the phone market, there is a huge demand for accessories and gadgets.

• Mobile Accessories: Phone cases, screen protectors, fast chargers, and power banks.
• Wearable Tech: Smartwatches, fitness trackers, and wireless earbuds.
• Audio Equipment: Portable Bluetooth speakers and headphones.

2. Home Goods and Appliances

The Indian home and kitchen market is rapidly modernizing, creating a demand for smart, affordable, and multi-functional appliances.

• Small Kitchen Appliances: Air fryers, electric kettles, and food processors.
• Home Decor: Unique and trendy decorative items, furniture, and storage solutions.
• LED and Smart Lighting: LED strip lights, smart bulbs, and decorative lamps.

3. Fashion and Apparel Accessories

The Indian fashion industry is driven by trends, making it an excellent market for importing.

• Bags and Wallets: From trendy handbags to professional laptop bags.
• Footwear: Casual sneakers, boots, and fashionable sandals.
• Accessories: Belts, scarves, watches, and sunglasses.

4. Toys and Baby Products

India has a huge market for toys, with a growing number of parents looking for both educational and entertaining items.

• Educational and STEM Toys: Learning toys that are not readily available locally.
• Toy Drones and RC Cars: Affordable, tech-driven toys with high appeal.
• Baby Care Products: Baby monitors, safety gear, and innovative feeding accessories.

5. Health, Beauty, and Wellness Products

As disposable income rises, so does the focus on personal care.

• Skincare Tools: Facial rollers, cleansing brushes, and LED masks.
• Hair Styling Tools: Hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons.
• Fitness Gear: Yoga mats, resistance bands, and home workout equipment.

How to Import These Products from China to India

For aspiring importers, the process involves a few key steps:

• Obtain an IEC (Importer Exporter Code): This is mandatory for any commercial import.
• Find a Reliable Supplier: Use platforms like Alibaba or attend trade fairs to source and vet suppliers.
• Choose a Freight Forwarder: Partner with a logistics company to handle shipping and customs.
• Ensure Compliance: Properly classify your goods with the correct HS Code, have all required documents (Commercial Invoice, Bill of Lading, etc.), and pay the applicable import duty from China to India.

Compliance and Documentation for Importing from China

Importing goods from China to India requires compliance with customs regulations, import duties, and documentation. Here’s what you’ll need:

• IEC Code (Import Export Code) – Mandatory for import businesses.
• Bill of Entry (BOE) – Filed electronically via ICEGATE for customs clearance.
• Import Duty and Taxes – Varies depending on the product category.
• Certificates and Licenses – BIS certification, FSSAI, or other approvals depending on the product.
• Packing List and Commercial Invoice – For shipment and customs purposes.

Challenges of Importing from China

While importing from China is profitable, it comes with challenges:

• High import duties on certain products.
• Quality concerns with some suppliers.
• Currency exchange risks.
• Compliance with Indian regulations and restrictions on sensitive items.

Importers must carefully evaluate suppliers, negotiate terms, and use secure payment methods to reduce risks.

Conclusion

The trade relationship between India and China is vast and multifaceted. While large industries drive the overall import value, a wealth of opportunities exists for entrepreneurs looking for the most profitable items to import from China to India. By focusing on products that have strong consumer demand, a competitive cost structure, and a smooth import process, you can build a successful and profitable business in the vibrant Indian market.

With platforms like EximPe, managing payments, compliance, and trade finance becomes easier, ensuring importers can focus on growth while leaving financial complexities behind.

FAQs

1. How much does India import from China annually?

For the fiscal year 2024-25, India's total imports from China reached approximately $113.5 billion, making China one of India's largest import partners.

2. What are the most imported goods from China to India?

The top three product categories imported from China to India are electrical and electronic equipment (including mobile phones and computers), machinery (including nuclear reactors and boilers), and organic chemicals.

3. How to find the most profitable products to import?

The most profitable products are those with high market demand in India and a low per-unit cost in China. You can identify these by conducting market research, analyzing consumer trends, and attending B2B trade platforms to find niche items in categories like consumer electronics, home goods, and fashion.

4. Is it legal to import products from China to India?

Yes, it is completely legal to import products from China. However, you must comply with all Indian customs regulations, have a valid Importer Exporter Code (IEC), and pay all applicable customs duties and taxes.

5. What are the documents required to import from China?

The main documents required are the Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading (or Airway Bill), and a Certificate of Origin. You will also need to have a valid IEC.