Foreign Media: US Punitive Tariffs Trigger Wave of Boycotts Against American Goods in India
According to a report by Austria’s Die Presse on August 11, the US imposition of punitive tariffs has sparked a wave of boycotts against American goods in India. Business allies and supporters of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are calling for boycotts of brands such as McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, and Apple. This follows the Trump administration’s decision to impose 50% tariffs on Indian goods, which has strained relations between New Delhi and Washington and fueled anti-American sentiment.
The report noted that as the world’s most populous country, India is a crucial growth market for US companies, which target its expanding affluent consumer base. The boycott calls are part of a broader political movement advocating "economic self-reliance."
On August 10, Prime Minister Modi urged the public to support the domestic economy. The "Swadeshi Jagran Manch," an organization linked to his ruling party, has not only organized rallies but also distributed "alternatives to foreign goods" lists via messaging apps. Ashwani Mahajan, the group’s co-convenor, told Reuters, "People are now showing interest in Indian products—this is a call for nationalism and patriotism."
Business leaders have also voiced their opinions. Manish Chowdhary, co-founder of cosmetics brand Wow Skin Science, posted on LinkedIn advocating for making "Made in India" a "globally sought-after label." He pointed out that Indians once took pride in buying foreign brands, while domestic manufacturers struggled for recognition.
So far, US companies have not seen a significant drop in sales. Notably, electric vehicle maker Tesla opened its second showroom in New Delhi on the 11th. Many Indian consumers remain indifferent to the boycott calls. Rajat Gupta, a 37-year-old diner at a McDonald’s in Lucknow, said, "Tariffs are a diplomatic issue—my veg patty and coffee shouldn’t be dragged into it." He praised the 49-rupee (about €0.5) coffee as "great value for money."
