India vs China:
The Sourcing Equation
Has Changed.
100% tariff-free under ECTA, competitive costs, English-speaking partners. Here's the data.
Factor by Factor
The Full Comparison
A straight, honest comparison across every factor that matters to Australian importers. No marketing spin.
Data indicative. Labour costs and tariffs vary by product category, supplier, and year. ECTA rates effective 1 Jan 2026.
Landed Cost Analysis
Three Order Sizes, One Clear Answer
Indicative landed cost comparison across different order scales. Actual figures vary.
Small Trial Order
🇨🇳 China
🇮🇳 India (ECTA)
You save
$720
11.4% lower landed cost
Regular Monthly Order
🇨🇳 China
🇮🇳 India (ECTA)
You save
$3,800
13.0% lower landed cost
Full Container (FCL)
🇨🇳 China
🇮🇳 India (ECTA)
You save
$12,100
13.2% lower landed cost
By Category
Deep Dives by Product Type
The India vs China picture varies by category. Here's the honest breakdown for three key sectors.
Global Context
The China+1 Trend
Across the world, businesses are reducing their dependence on single-country supply chains. The strategy has a name: China+1 — keep some China sourcing, but add at least one alternative country.
India is the most compelling alternative for Australian businesses. It has the manufacturing depth, the English-speaking business culture, and — crucially — the ECTA trade agreement that China simply doesn't have.
India's engineering goods exports hit $116.7B globally in FY2024. Its textiles sector is the world's second largest. Pharmaceutical exports exceed $25B. The capacity is there.
Australia and India share a strong bilateral relationship — shared democratic values, Commonwealth ties, and growing defence and trade cooperation that makes India a geopolitically stable long-term partner.
India engineering goods exports (FY2024)
India manufacturing sector growth, 2023–25
Global CEOs diversifying away from China-only supply
First full year 100% tariff-free India→Australia
Australia–India Alignment
ECTA is more than a trade deal — it's a signal of a deepening strategic relationship. Australia is actively diversifying its trade exposure. India is the natural partner.
The Process
How to Make the Switch
You don't need to swap overnight. Most businesses run India and China in parallel until they're confident.
Free Supply Chain Audit
Tell us what you currently import from China — category, volume, current supplier. We analyse your landed cost and model what the India equivalent looks like. Free. No obligation.
Indian Supplier Identification
Our India team identifies verified suppliers for your specific product. We pull from our existing network of 100+ vetted manufacturers and run new RFQs where needed.
Samples Before You Commit
We can arrange sample shipments via air freight so you can inspect quality at your warehouse before placing a sea freight order. No big upfront commitment.
Trial LCL Shipment
Run a small LCL (part-container) trial shipment. ECTA-cleared at Port Botany, delivered to your warehouse. You assess quality and reliability at real scale.
Full Transition & Ongoing Program
Once satisfied, we set up a regular shipment schedule — monthly FCL or as-needed. One invoice covering sourcing, freight, customs, and delivery. We manage everything.
We'll Run the Audit For You. Free.
Tell us what you import from China. We'll model the India alternative — landed cost, lead times, ECTA savings — and send you the comparison. No obligation.
Free audit · No obligation · Response within 4 hours