Question 1

Why are buyers moving sourcing from China to India?

Accepted Answer

Several forces are driving the shift. Tariffs on Chinese goods have risen sharply in the US and EU, supply chain disruptions during COVID exposed the risk of single-country dependency, and geopolitical tensions continue to add uncertainty. India offers a large, skilled manufacturing base, competitive labour costs, and improving infrastructure. Recent trade agreements (the India-UAE CEPA, the India-Australia ECTA, and the upcoming India-UK CETA effective 15 July 2026) reduce or eliminate duties for buyers in those markets, making Indian goods even more price-competitive.

Question 2

Which product categories is India strongest in for sourcing?

Accepted Answer

India has deep, globally competitive supply chains in several sectors. Textiles and garments (cotton, denim, technical textiles), leather goods and footwear, auto components (forgings, castings, machined parts), speciality and bulk chemicals (dyes, APIs, agrochemicals), and engineering goods (hand tools, fasteners, pumps, valves) are all areas where Indian factories regularly export at scale. Handicrafts, gems and jewellery, and IT hardware are also growing categories. The best approach is to start with a category where India already has proven export volume rather than trying to replicate a niche process that may not yet be established.

Question 3

What are the practical first steps to source from India?

Accepted Answer

Start by identifying one or two product categories where India has strong export capability. Request samples from multiple factories so you can compare quality, lead times, and pricing. Verify each factory's legitimacy by checking its GST registration, export history, and financial filings. Place a small trial order before committing to large volumes. If navigating this process feels overwhelming, Sauda handles all of it for you: it finds factories, verifies them through GST filings and returns, calls and negotiates pricing, and sends you the cheapest verified live quotes within 24 hours. You can reach Sauda on WhatsApp at https://wa.me/9987549010.

Question 4

How does Sauda verify Indian suppliers?

Accepted Answer

Sauda checks each supplier's GST filings and GST returns before presenting a quote. This confirms the factory is a real, tax-compliant business that is actively filing with the Indian government. It is a meaningful layer of due diligence that goes beyond simply listing a company name and phone number, which is what most online directories provide. This verification step helps buyers avoid shell companies, brokers posing as manufacturers, and inactive units.

Question 5

Is Sauda free for buyers, and how does it make money?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Sauda is completely free for buyers. There are no subscription fees, no per-quote charges, and no commissions deducted from your purchase. Sauda earns from the supplier side, so buyers get the full benefit of verified quotes, factory calls, and price negotiation at zero cost. You simply send your sourcing requirement on WhatsApp at https://wa.me/9987549010 and receive the cheapest verified live quotes within 24 hours.

Question 6

How do India's new trade deals affect sourcing costs?

Accepted Answer

India has signed or is finalising several major trade agreements that reduce import duties for buyers in key markets. The India-UAE CEPA (effective since May 2022) covers over 80% of tariff lines with reduced or zero duties. The India-Australia ECTA (effective since December 2022) eliminates duties on a wide range of Indian goods entering Australia. The India-UK CETA, set to take effect on 15 July 2026, will progressively cut tariffs on goods traded between the two countries. For buyers in the UAE, Australia, or the UK, these agreements can meaningfully lower landed costs compared to sourcing from countries without similar preferential access.

China Plus One: A Practical Guide to Starting Your Sourcing from India

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