India Inc takes steps to protect supply chain as Covid-19 rages in China

Keeps adequate inventory levels for now; onboards multiple vendors to mitigate risk

The surge in Covid-19 cases in China has raised concerns of a supply-chain disruption among Indian companies, many of whom import raw material and components from the neighbouring country.

Consider this: Between April and October 2022, imports from China grew nearly 18 per cent year on year to touch $60.27 billion, according to data from the Ministry of Commerce. The sectors in India that import heavily from China include pharmaceuticals, automobile components, textiles, engineering and electronic goods.

These sectors remain at risk, says G Chokkalingam, founder and managing director of Mumbai-based Equinomics Research, given their exposure to China.

"While companies