Laptop, tablets & PC industry poised to repeat cellphones PLI success

As many as 44 IT hardware manufacturers including global PC makers have registered for manufacturing laptops, tablets and personal computers in India, an official source said on Saturday.

According to a senior official, major laptop companies are among those registered for the PLI scheme, with some ready to initiate manufacturing operations within India. Additionally, global server companies have expressed interest in using India as an export hub for servers.

The scheme is a crucial element in India’s ambition to achieve a significant presence in the worldwide electronics manufacturing arena, with a target of generating $300 billion in annual production by 2026. Notable companies like Dell, Acer, Samsung, LG Electronics, Apple Inc, Lenovo, and HP Inc, which play a significant role in India’s laptop market, are involved, and a considerable portion of their products is currently imported.

The PLI Scheme 2.0 for IT hardware was approved by the Union Cabinet in May, aiming to encourage the localization of components, sub-assemblies, and a resilient supply chain within the country. The scheme will provide an average incentive of around 5% on net incremental sales for laptops, tablets, and servers manufactured in India to eligible companies over a span of six years.

Furthermore, in an effort to reduce import dependence and bolster domestic manufacturing, the Indian government has announced a new licensing regime for importing certain categories of IT hardware. This move is anticipated to drive the growth of domestic production and assembly of electronic goods, particularly in segments like laptops, tablets, and personal computers. This strategy aligns with India’s broader objective of becoming a global manufacturing hub for ICT products.

CT Bureau