Amid a standoff at the border between India and China, reports suggest that Chinese manufactured products of some of the leading US firms such as Dell, Cisco and Apple are being held up at the Indian ports since June 22.
The customs department at major Indian ports is said to be holding containers coming from China, requesting additional clearances, even though there is no government notice that has been declared on the matter.
The U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), an influential group representing U.S. firms has reportedly informed India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry in a letter sent earlier this week that lack of clarity and stoppages could obstruct business and manufacturing operations.
“Authorities have abruptly halted the clearance of industry consignments coming in from China (and perhaps other destinations) at most major ports and airports. This will send a chilling signal to foreign investors who look for predictability and transparency,” USISPF reportedly said in the communication.
India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry is yet to respond to the matter.
Products of leading US firms Apple, Cisco, Dell and Ford Motor Co were among those stopped at the ports. Electronics components of Taiwan’s Foxconn, a contract manufacturer for Apple in India, were also affected. Though It was not instantly apparent which ports were holding back the goods. All of them are yet to respond on the matter other than Ford which acknowledged the matter but insisted on providing details as and when it received an official word on the matter.
Meanwhile, Indian electronics and mobile industry group ICEA announced its affiliates had been told Chennai, Mumbai and Delhi Airports would have a further examination procedure for all consignments coming from China.
