Mango exports

INDIA produces 40 per cent of the world’s mangoes and has a large domestic market. The fruit was largely unknown in China till some saplings were sent as part of India’s mango diplomacy in the 1950s. Both in 2022 and 2023, China’s exports of mangoes, including Indian varieties, have been higher than India’s. Government officials are hopeful of seeing the reversal of this unusual — and decidedly embarrassing — trend this year. Export figures from January to May, they point out, have already exceeded what India exported in the entire 2022. It is inevitable that comparisons will be drawn about the business and trade ecosystems in both countries. The mango data is a reminder of how timely market interventions and a policy reset can make a difference.

As India sets its sights on expanding its share in global supply chains, it is best to weed out the misplaced notion of decoupling from China. The challenge is to strike a balance between national security and industrial policy. How to do business on favourable terms despite the underlying distrust after the Galwan clash in 2020 has to be the primary concern. Last month, the Economic Survey advocated increasing foreign direct investment from China to boost exports. This is a recognition that selective Chinese investments can only help and not derail India’s growth story. Taming the burgeoning trade deficit is imperative. An ideal scenario to aim for would be allowing more investment of the desired kind in exchange for increased exports to China of items manufactured in India.

There’s much symbolism attached to China stealing a march in the export of mangoes. It’s a moment to objectively reflect on industry policies, business models and export promotions. It would be self-defeating to not aggressively address the quality deficit.