Tracking Trade Competitiveness in Electronics: RCA-Based Analysis of India and China (2018-23)
Abstract
This study conducts a comparative analysis of electronic exports from India and China to assess the evolving trade competitiveness of the two countries between 2018 and 2023. Utilizing the Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) index across seven key product categories, the research uncovers significant shifts in the global electronics landscape. While China maintains a dominant position, especially in electric accumulators and battery technologies, India has demonstrated notable gains in categories such as smartphones, semiconductors, and optical fibre cables. These improvements are closely tied to policy interventions like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme and the India Semiconductor Mission, which have stimulated domestic manufacturing and attracted foreign investment. The findings suggest that although China continues to lead, India is narrowing the gap in several strategic segments, signaling its emergence as a credible alternative manufacturing base. This trend has important implications for global supply chains, trade policy, and industrial strategy, particularly in the context of post-pandemic realignments and shifting geopolitical considerations.
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